Did Australia Just Get The Asia-Pacific Eurovision?

Australia could host the inaugural Asia-Pacific version of the internationally renowned pop-music spectacle Eurovison, giving up to 20 new countries the opportunity to perform.

This exciting possibility is thanks to SBS, who in a statement said they struck a deal with Eurovision owners, the European Broadcasting Union, and secured an exclusive option to bring the event down under potentially as early as 2017.

SBS Managing Director Michael Ebeid said the broadcaster was pleased to explore the event more closely to our shores, and it is an opportunity to further “[strengthen] the multicultural ties in our region.”

“Asia Pacific has a spectacular music culture and the perfect next step to extend the Eurovision brand, bringing its hugely popular appeal beyond Australian audiences and to the wider region,” said Ebeid.

Blink TV, who would help broadcast the Asia-Pacific Eurovision, said the event has the potential to reach more than a billion viewers.

“Imagine the musical virtuosity of Bollywood, the cutting edge of K-pop, and the excitement of Chinese and Japanese artists.

“Asia has an astonishing set of musical and visual cultures, and it will make for brilliant television,” said Blink TV Director Paul Clarke.

Eurovision, which began in 1956, has grown to become one of the largest pop-music contests in the world. Since its inception has had over 50 nations compete, with a European audience of over 200-million each year.

2013 Australian X Factor winner Dami Im will represent Australia in this years’ contest with Sound of Silence, in Stockholm in May.