Dami Im’s ‘Sound of Silence’ is cleared to compete in 2016 Eurovision; Twitter users still question Australia’s entry in contest

Dami Im (1) — "X Factor" Season 5 winner Dami Im takes a photo while she's in recording. Instagram/Dami Im

Good news for Australia: Dami Im’s official song entry for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest does not break any rules on product placement. However, some still believe that Australia should not be an official participant in the competition.

Last week, “Sound Of Silence” was accused of breaching Eurovision rules that prohibit “messages promoting any political cause, company, brand, products or services.” Cited in particular were the lyrics, “trying to feel your love through face time,” which was associated with Apple’s video-chat service FaceTime.

Eurovision organisers have disputed this allegation. “The lyrics of the Australian song are presented as two separate words, 'face time' and not FaceTime which is an Apple trademark,” said the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group, according to a report by BBC. “The Merriam-Webster dictionary refers to 'face time' as 'time spent meeting with someone'... so in this case the song lyrics have been cleared,” the group added.

“Sound of Silence,” released by Sony Music, is penned by DNA Songs, an Australian songwriter and production company founded by Anthony Egizii and David Musumeci. They are behind the hits of pop music artists Ricky Martin, Jessica Mauboy, Nathaniel, Delta Goodrem, Timomatic and The Veronicas.

The mid-tempo track showcases Im’s powerful vocals and unique singing style, her winning formula for “X Factor Australia” Season 5. In March, Dami was announced to be Australia’s entrant at 2016 Eurovision. After the competition, the Korean-Australian singer will embark on her first national tour, “Yesterday Once More,” starting on July 2. The 35-date tour is aimed at promoting Dami’s new album, “Classic Carpenters,” which will be released on April 22.

Dami succeeds Guy Sebastian, who made history last year as the first-ever Australian contestant in the singing competition. Sebastian, who was also the first "Australian Idol" winner, landed on the fifth spot for his performance of “Tonight Again.” Australia’s inclusion in the Eurovision Song Contest is being questioned by some supporters of the competition, claiming that the country should not be considered as an official entrant since it’s not part of Europe.

Someone explain to me why Australia are in Eurovision? They are literally as far away from Europe as is physically possible. #eurovision
— Emily Futcher (@emilyfutcher_) April 5, 2016

Atlases and Google maps please note. Australia has moved permanently to Europe. #eurovision
— Megi Rychlikova (@Megryc) April 5, 2016

Why is Australia still at Eurovision. Go away. We don't want you.
— Jacob Judah (@Jacob_Judah) April 5, 2016

Australia is in the #Eurovision song contest?! I thought it was the other side of the world from Europe?
— Great Intelligence (@GreatIntell) April 5, 2016

@BBCNewsEnts @BBCNews Explain to me how Australia is even IN the EUROvision song contest!
— Brian Douglas (@brianfdouglas) April 5, 2016

For its part, said that Australia’s participation in 2015 earned overwhelmingly positive response. “We strongly believe the Eurovision Song Contest has the potential to evolve organically into a truly global event. Australia's continued participation is an exciting step in that direction,” said Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the contest in the Eurovision site.

The 2016 Eurovision Song Contest, which will be participated in by 43 entries including Australia, will take place in May 2016 in Stockholm's Globe Arena.