If Australia ever wins the Eurovision Song Contest, they would prefer handing over hosting duties to Iceland, Viðskiptablaðið reports. Viewed by approximately 180 million people annually, the rules of Eurovision are such that the winning country hosts the contest the following year. Australia proposed that Iceland would host Eurovision in the event that Australia won.
Australia’s request, received in May 2018 or earlier, has been discussed with both municipal and state government officials, who were positive toward the idea. The arrangement would see Australia financially responsible for the event, although a contribution of €2 million (ISK 317 million/$2.2 million) would be expected from Iceland.
Iceland has competed in Eurovision 32 times, landing in second place twice, in 1999 and 2009. Many bookies believe it could have won for the first time this year if the contest hadn’t been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Iceland’s 2020 submission Think About Things, by Daði Freyr & gagnamagnið, was a favourite among bookies.
Iceland Review followed along with Daði Freyr & gagnamagnið at Iceland’s national Söngvakeppin competition earlier this year.
