The Eurovision Song Contest has long since expanded beyond its European origins, now welcoming acts from across the globe, including Israel and Australia. In recent years, even New Zealand has expressed an interest in joining the competition.
How Non-European Countries Participate
To participate, countries require an EBU-affiliated broadcaster, which selects their act either through a public vote or an internal selection process. Many viewers remain unaware of how non-European nations came to be included in the competition. Israel first entered Eurovision in 1973 through the Israel Broadcasting Authority's EBU membership.
Australia, a relatively recent addition, joined in for the 50th anniversary celebrations having broadcast the competition since 1983. The country made an impressive debut in 2015, with Guy Sebastian securing a fifth-place finish in the Grand Final. Their enthusiasm has won over Eurovision officials, who have welcomed Australia back every year since.
Controversy and Boycotts
This year's contest has faced significant controversy. The contest has been under mounting pressure to ban Israel following a United Nations ruling that the country has committed war crimes in Gaza during its ongoing conflict with Hamas. This year, it has resulted in multiple nations withdrawing from the contest completely in protest at Israel's inclusion, with some refusing to air it on national TV channels.
Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia have not sent acts to compete and will not be airing the final. Meanwhile, The Netherlands and Iceland have not sent acts but will be airing the final. This year, Israel is represented by Noam Bettan, performing his song 'Michelle'. He acknowledged the controversy in a radio interview and said his appearance will be like 'entering the lion's den'.
Other Banned Countries
Nations such as Russia and Belarus continue to face bans from the competition. Russia has been excluded since launching its conflict with Ukraine, while Belarus had their entry rejected in 2021 for being deemed overtly political. China saw its Eurovision ambitions crushed when the EBU rejected its request to participate in 2015.
New Zealand's Ambitions
New Zealand has been keen to join the Eurovision party. Despite launching a campaign in 2023, releasing an unofficial song and a petition by New Zealand brewery Yeastie Boys, the nation is still waiting for an invitation. Comedy duo Two Hearts released a track called Eurovision (Open Up) in 2023 as part of their campaign. The Yeastie Boys petition labelled their exclusion an 'injustice'.
This Year's Final
This year's contest will see 25 countries battling in tonight's grand finale, including the UK's entry Look Mum No Computer - also known as Sam Battle - with his quirky homemade synth-powered song Eins, Zwei, Drei.
