Joy, bemusement as far-flung Australia wins Eurovision berth

It may be far from Europe, but Australia has been granted entry into the Eurovision song contest, sparking joy from fans and bemusement from those questioning the antipodean entry.
      
The kitsch pop contest has a cult following, with millions of viewers voting for their favourite performers. Last year's winner was "bearded lady" Conchita Wurst, an Austrian diva with a lush black beard and never-ending eyelashes.
      
Eurovision acknowledged the strange new choice of competitor with the first line of its media release headed "Australia to compete in the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest", adding: "Yes, you read that right!"       
"It's a daring and at the same time incredibly exciting move," said Jon Ola Sand, the executive supervisor of the contest on behalf of the European Broadcasting Union.
      
"It is our way of saying; let's celebrate this party together!"       

Australia's Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) television channel confirmed the country had been invited to send an artist to compete in this year's contest in Vienna, prompting excited outpourings on Twitter about an entry from Down Under.
      
"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," said SBS managing director Michael Ebeid.
      
"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."       

The act to represent Australia has not yet been selected but suggestions have ranged from pop singer Kylie Minogue to rock band AC/DC to retired Test cricketer Brett Lee.
                      
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