I guess no one is surprised Australia will indeed return to Eurovision song contest in Stockholm. But unlike last year's debut and special guest of honor status and secured place in the final, this time around they will start in the semifinals. In the eurovision.tv it says:
"The feedback we got from viewers, fans, press and the broadcasters after Australia's participation in Vienna was overwhelmingly positive," says Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the contest on behalf of the EBU. "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, "It remains to be seen what such an event may look like in the long run," Sand continues and hints of the possibility of Australia being only the first non-European participant..... Global Eurovision? Now that's something to chew on....
With Australia now confirmed we have the 41 countries taking part - the highest number since Baku 2012 - when Ukraine and Bulgaria return while Portugal withdraws:
Albania, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria*, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom
Update: Bulgaria apparently is not in the list so who is the mysterious 41st country? Croatia?
Update2: Bosnia-Herzegovina confirmed they are returning so they'd be the 41st country after all. If Bulgari enters after all, it makes 42....
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