Australia’s national broadcaster SBS has officially confirmed its participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, marking a significant year in the country’s Eurovision journey. This announcement was made during the broadcaster’s annual Upfronts event at the iconic Sydney Opera House, unveiling SBS’s programming lineup for 2025. The year promises to be particularly special, as SBS celebrates 50 years since its founding and a decade of Australian involvement in the Eurovision contest.
Unlike most competing countries, Australia’s path to Eurovision participation is unique. Due to SBS’s status as an associate, rather than full, member of the European Broadcasting Union, special permission is required for Australia to compete. From 2019 to 2023, a five-year agreement secured Australia’s place in Eurovision. However, since 2023, SBS has been required to request permission from the EBU each year.
Details on how Australia will choose its entry for Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland, have not yet been disclosed. Historically, SBS has opted for an internal selection process, selecting artists and songs without public involvement, though exceptions were made in 2019, 2020, and 2022. During these years, the selection took place through “Eurovision – Australia Decides,” a televised national final where Australian audiences could vote for their favorite act.
Australia’s Eurovision story began in 2015, and over the years, the country has brought a range of artists and songs to the contest, known for their dynamic performances and dedication. In 2024, Australia was represented by Electric Fields, a duo known for their electrifying energy and unique sound. Their song, “One Milkali (One Blood),” celebrated diversity and unity, themes central to both the Eurovision spirit and Australia’s multicultural identity. Despite their powerful performance, Electric Fields narrowly missed out on reaching the Grand Final, finishing 11th in their semi-final with 41 points, just six points behind Serbia.
Image Source: EBU / Sarah Louise Bennett | Source: TV Tonight
