Why Russia VS Australia Is A Eurovision Dream

By Samuel Leighton-Dore

Following the two glitter-fuelled Eurovision semi-finals, in which Australia’s Dami Im unquestionably slayed her performance and reinstated long-lost Aussie patriotism, bookmakers have predicted a controversial Top 2 of Russia, represented by beefcake Sergey Lazarev, and Australia in tomorrow night’s finals.

Which is a pretty big deal, given whichever country takes home the title will be hosting next year’s event. Obviously Australia isn’t a European country, which suggests an alternative partnering-nation arrangement might have to be made. But the real potential headache would come with a Russian victory.

With Russia’s increasingly draconian anti-gay laws, which forbid the promotion of homosexuality and can even ban any mention of homosexuality in the media, a localised Eurovision could prove a slight problem for the traditionally super-queer event.

Rumors are already swirling that the European Broadcasting Union are fervently moving to minimise the odds of a Russian win, placing third-place fave Latvia in a prime end-of-night position in tomorrow’s performance line-up. This nervous response was likely prompted by the politically inspired hostility displayed at 2014’s Eurovision, where the crowd booed Russia’s act (two 17-year-old girls) upon their arrival on stage.

So while it all sounds a little complicated at this point, a Russia VS Australia showdown could prove to be a pretty fucking exciting shakeup for the long-running musical institution.

On the one hand, an Australian win would make history and confirm our ongoing participation (for at least another year) in the competition. On the other hand, a Russian victory would draw some much-needed international attention to a country struggling under Vladimir Putin’s tyranny.

The Eurovision Finals air live on SBS tomorrow night.