Australia invited to attend glitzy Eurovision Song Contest

In this file photo dated Sunday, May 24, 2015, Mans Zelmerlow representing Sweden celebrates kissing the trophy after winning the final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Austria's capital Vienna. (AP Photo/Kerstin Joensson)

COPENHAGEN -- The European Broadcasting Union says Australia has been invited to submit an entry to next year's Eurovision Song Contest, taking place in Stockholm.

Spokesman Jon Ola Sand says in a statement the glitzy song fest "has the potential to evolve organically into a truly global event," adding Australian attendance "is an exciting step in that direction."

Australia competed in the 60th edition in Vienna in May as a one-off celebration because of its "long tradition of broadcasting the show."

For the 2016 event, Australian broadcaster SBS will not be guaranteed a finals place as it was in Vienna. Instead, Australia's entry will have to earn a spot via the semifinals.

The popular extravaganza is known for its eclectic lineup of techno beats, love songs and pop tunes.