It’s known for the crazy costumes and daggy dance moves, but surprisingly, the Eurovision song contest can also take credit for a few successful musical careers.
Without Eurovision there would be no ABBA — the first Eurovision winners to go on to find superstardom after their 1974 win with a song called Waterloo and Celine Dion was unheard up in the English-speaking world before her 1988 victory.
In 2013, Bonnie Tyler went the other way, after turning down the gig in 1983 but hitting the Eurovision stage 30 years later.
And now, on our first invitation, our very own Guy Sebastian is set to take the stage to perform in front of all of Europe.
We know he’ll do us proud.
Swedish group ABBA’s 1974 win was the start of something big.
Bonnie Tyler got mixed reviews for her performance in 2013.
Australia doesn’t get a spot in the contest but came close I 1974 when Olivia Newton-John represented the UK.
A young Celine Dion kickstarted her career winning the Eurovision song contest in 1988.
Celine Dion with the award that led her to success.
Cliff Richard’s 1968 loss was put down to rigging by Spanish supporters.
Russian duo t.A.T.u rose to fame after their Eurovision performance in 2003.
Though Las Ketchup faded out after ‘The Ketchup Song’? Wrong, they came back in 2006 for Eurovision.
Julio Iglesias represented Spain in 1970.
Riverdance made an appearance as an interval act in 1994.
Dita Von Teese wasn’t an official entrant but performed alongside Germany’s 2009 act.
Boy band Blue attempted a Bonnie-esque comeback in Eurovision 2011.
Pop group Aqua seem like they were made for Eurovision but only ever appeared as an interval act.
Guy Sebastian is set to take the stage as the first Aussie to perform for Australia at Eurovision.
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