Australia has been invited back to Eurovision and will compete in the world's biggest song competition in Stockholm in   May.
After finishing fifth in what was touted as a "one-off guest appearance" at this year's Eurovision in Vienna, contest organisers have unanimously voted to invite Australia back.
"The feedback we got from viewers, fans, press and the broadcasters after Australia's participation in Vienna was overwhelmingly positive," executive supervisor Jon Ola Sand said yesterday.
 "We strongly believe Eurovision has the potential to evolve organically into a truly global event."
In Vienna, Australia was guaranteed a spot in the final. But next year, it will have to compete in one of two semi-finals to win its way through.
If Australia wins the final on   May 14, it will co-host the contest in 2017 in a European city of its choice.
Australia was represented by Guy Sebastian and his song Tonight Again in Vienna.
 Eurovision broadcaster SBS said yesterday that next year's performer would be announced early next year. 
Australia will also make its debut in the Junior Eurovision contest this weekend. Melbourne girl Bella Paige, 14, will sing her entry My Girls in the competition in Sofia, Bulgaria.