Delta Goodrem representing Australia in the Eurovision

[Dogladyloveswine]

Delta Goodrem is an existing pop star, worth $24 Million. I thought the Eurovision was meant to be for singers who weren't already pop stars.

I mean, why don't we just send the Rolling Stones then? Or Ed Sheeran? Where does it end? 😳

To those who've never heard of Delta, she's one of my favourite vocalists in the world EVER. Supremely gifted musician.

Neighbours was clearly a vehicle for her as a singer which kind of annoyed me because her talent is such that she didn't really need it.

My favourite song of hers from 2003:

Isn't Boy George representing another country this year ?

It was set up by the European Broadcasting Union in 1956 for its members to participate in. Its members are the public broadcast channels of the country. Hence the BBC broadcasting it.

Israel has been a member since the beginning I believe.

Australia was invited to join as part of the 60th anniversary.

Elgibility is here from Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurovision_Song_Contest?wprov=sfti1#Participation

Active members (as opposed to associate members) of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) are eligible to participate; active members are those who are located in states that fall within the European Broadcasting Area (EBA), or are member states of the Council of Europe.[49] Active members include media organisations whose broadcasts are often made available to at least 98% of households in their own country which are equipped to receive such transmissions.[50]Associate member broadcasters may be eligible to compete, dependent on approval by the contest's reference group.[51]
The EBA is defined by the International Telecommunication Union as encompassing the geographical area between the boundary of ITU Region 1 in the west, the meridian 40° East of Greenwich in the east, and parallel 30° North in the south. Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and the parts of Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Turkey, and Ukraine lying outside these limits are also included in the EBA.[52][53]
Eligibility to participate in the contest is therefore not limited to broadcasters from countries in Europe, as several states geographically outside the boundaries of the continent or which span more than one continent are included in the EBA.[51] Broadcasters from countries in these groups have taken part in past editions, including countries in Western Asia such as Israel and Cyprus, countries which span Europe and Asia like Russia and Turkey, and North African countries such as Morocco.[21]

Back in 2007, Morrissey was approached (and apparently expressed an interest) in representing the UK in Eurovision - but in the end it came to nothing (or "it was really nothing" 😀)

I love this one

That’s really not why (and not true anyway).

Australia was invited to join Eurovision as it’s always been immensely popular there, for unexplained reasons 😂

He did but failed to qualify. I didn't hear it but assume it was below average!

it used to be for whoever the country chose. The UK used to send its best, Lulu, Pearl and Teddy Carr, Sandi Shaw, but people like the Beatles and the Stones thought it was old fashioned and ridiculous so wouldn't get involved. Contestants from other countries are often very popular in their own country and in countries where the same language is spoken. Abba had been popular both individually and as a group before they did Eurovision.
Eurovision did used to be a "proper" competition. It only became kitsch in the late 90's

I disagree, there have been many years where we have been affected massively! Andy Abraham for example?

🫶

If I try to sing along the lyrics make me cry. It's such a heartfelt performance bloody love it.

Haven't heard her Eurovision song but I'm looking forward to hearing it later! Did she also write it does anyone know?

Agreed, why not call it Worldvision if every country on the planet is allowed to enter?...like you say a complete farce

Do many people in the UK watch it now? I thought it lost popularity due to all the ridiculous voting.

World Vision is both a major charity and a tv production company, so the name is kinda taken.

A lot of English people really hate Australia and Australians, it’s kinda funny really.

Australia??

Was that not part of the fun? I’m old enough to remember the hilarious Eastern bloc voting back in the day. Everyone knew it was political and nothing to do with the merit of the songs or performances.

Definately but didn't it get to the point that the voting became so bad that the late Terry Wogan left, as he was seeing some talented artists who definitely deserved some/more points get destroyed?

A lot of English people really hate Australia and Australians, it’s kinda funny really.

Wtf? Where did that come from? Bizarre take.

Anecdotally, Gen Alpha are taking an interest which may drive a new audience.

I haven't watched since the 90s but my kids wanted to watch last year and want to watch it this year too. So we put it on and watch together.

Eurovision Party in our house today, so absolutely yes!

Ditto Israel.

For more than just not being a European country...

I think we've put in some good enough songs/acts some years. That have definitely deserved to get more points than they got anyway.

So I don't see how it can be about the songs really

The previous poster wrote that they haven’t bothered watching Eurovision since Australia’s inclusion.

And why has Eurovision been immensely popular in Australia?

Something to do with its population’s origins maybe?

Lots of countries send their big stars, we just don’t usually know who they are.

I’ll have to look it up but you’re probably right. In which case I would always side with Terry Wogan!