AUSTRALIA TO PARTICIPATE IN EUROVISION 2015!

Yes! You read that right! Australia will indeed participate in the 60th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. Jon Ola Sand said:

It’s a daring and at the same time incredibly exciting move. It is our way of saying; let’s celebrate this party together!

Australia therefore bring the amount of countries in Vienna to 40. The managing director of the Australian broadcaster, SBS, said:

We are very excited to have secured this historic opportunity for Australia to be represented on the world’s biggest stage at the 60th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest and are honoured that the European Broadcasting Union has supported us to achieve this ambition. SBS has been broadcasting Eurovision for over 30 years and we have seen how Australians’ love of the song contest has grown during those years.

Franky, I don't care that Australia isn't in Europe. This is amazing and I am so excited to see who the Aussies send to Vienna.. Welcome to the party! :-)

General: Lulu and Jessica Mauboy perform at Commonwealth closing ceremony!

The 2014 Commonwealth games has been dominating the news here in the United Kingdom and last night the closing ceremony took place. The event was held in Hampden Park, Glasgow. This blogger watched the show (as I wanted to see Jessica Mauboy perform) and boy she didn't disappoint! She performed 'Sea of Flags' and 'Everything is Possible'. The 2018 Commonwealth games will be held in Gold Coast City, Queensland, Australia. The audience didn't seem to enjoy her performance that much although I thought it was fabulous! Lulu opened the ceremony but didn't perform her Eurovision entry, unfortunately. Meanwhile Karen Matheson (France 1996) performed ' Ae Fond Kiss' - which was a beautiful ballad. Kylie Minogue was also there.. Well done Glasgow - the show was amazing!!

NuVidz: Mo, Jessica Mauboy, Shakira, Hind!

Mo came third in Melodi Grand Prix with Heal. He was one of the favourites to represent Norway - and it is a very nice song. Although I think Norway made the right choice! The lovely Jessica Mauboy will perform as the interval act in the 2nd semi-final, in Copenhagen. Her latest single is Never Be the Same. She could easily chart in the United Kingdom or America with this song. She's amazing!! I've am a massive fan of Shakira. Her new song is entitled Empire! This is an amazing song. It's clocked almost 19 million views on YouTube in one month. She also performed this song on The Voice UK. Remember Hind? She represent The Netherlands in 2008 although didn't manage to qualify. Well here's one of her latest songs - Make It Count. She recently gave an exclusive interview to my friend at Life After Helsinki 2007. :-)

Australia: Jessica Mauboy to perform in 2nd semi-final!

The Australians love Eurovision so therefore the EBU invited SBS, the Australian broadcaster, to choose and provide the interval act for the 2nd semi-final. Which was a lovely idea. Today it was announced that Jessica Mauboy will be the interval act, and technically represent Australia! She was runner-up on Australian Idol 2006. Meanwhile, it's also been confirmed that she'll perform an uptempo song. Wouldn't it be amazing if Australia really did participate in Eurovision? Maybe the UK would get a few points, then!