Guy Sebastian Impresses In Eurovision But Australian Participation In 2016 Not Confirmed.

Guy Sebastian from Australia was placed fifth in the 60th annual Eurovision competition, with Sweden's Måns Zelmerlöw winning the trophy. But Australia's participation was largely welcomed and was a winner in terms of media ratings. Sebastian was one of the popular contenders in the final.

Eurovision was big in Australia, and with the country being a wild card entrant, it automatically qualified for the final. Both critics and the audience across Europe have responded positively to Australia's Eurovision debut. Sebastian was blown away by the reaction to his song and performances. In an interview with the SBS television crew he said, “As a singer, you are in unfamiliar territory, on an unfamiliar stage, in a very unfamiliar competition that we're outsiders to." He also paid tribute to Australian fans who followed the competition getting up as early as 5 AM in the morning.

Questions have been raised about Australian participation in the competition, which traditionally included only European countries. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian Broadcaster SBS had paid the organisers for the right to take part. This hefty participation fee, along with the large broadcasting fee, had ensured that Australian Guy Sebastian went directly to the final round. Only countries like Italy, Britain, France and Spain, along with host Austria, have been given this automatic berth to the final. SBS has not revealed the amount paid but the corporation hoped for a rating bonanza. Its faith was not misplaced with Australians cheerfully rooting for Guy through the finals.

In case of a win for Sebastian, the competition would have travelled to Australia. Since Eurovision is always hosted in Europe, Australia would have been a co-host with a European city. Moreover, to expand its reach, Eurovision plans to give a wild card entry to China in 2016. SBS reports that this year, the competition was broadcast to the Chinese audience and was well received. Australia has made a spectacular début in the competition, with a captive audience rooting for Sebastian. It remains to be seen whether Australia manages to continue with its participation as nothing has been said about its future in Eurovision.

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