COPENHAGEN -- The European Broadcasting Union says Australia has been invited to submit an entry to next year's Eurovision Song Contest, taking place in Stockholm.
Spokesman Jon Ola Sand says in a statement the glitzy song fest "has the potential to evolve organically into a truly global event," adding Australian attendance "is an exciting step in that direction."
Australia competed in the 60th edition in Vienna in May as a one-off celebration because of its "long tradition of broadcasting the show."
For the 2016 event, Australian broadcaster SBS will not be guaranteed a finals place as it was in Vienna. Instead, Australia's entry will have to earn a spot via the semifinals.
The popular extravaganza is known for its eclectic lineup of techno beats, love songs and pop tunes.
