Caribbean Joins Australia In Eurovision Song Contest

The 68th edition of the popular singing competition Eurovision is looking to expand this year, with the official Instagram account announcing that “The Caribbean is coming” to the 2024 event.

In addition to The Caribbean – a North American subregion packed with more than 700 islands – making its debut, Australia will return to Eurovision this year, with SBS on board to broadcast the event for another year.

Teasing The Caribbean’s debut, the official Eurovision account shared a video on Instagram with the following caption: “New Year! New News! We’re thrilled to confirm that the Caribbean is coming to the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Stay tuned, we can’t wait to tell you more.”

NME reports that one of the 13 independent islands of The Caribbean, including Barbados, Jamaica and The Bahamas, could perform at this year’s competition.

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Australia’s Head of Delegation, Emily Griggs, said in a statement (via TV Tonight) about Australia’s return to the musical extravaganza, “Australia’s musical talent has consistently shone brightly on the Eurovision stage, captivating audiences with unforgettable performances. It’s an honour and privilege to once again showcase the best of Australian music, creativity, and artistic expression with the world on this truly special stage.”

And we might already have an artist ready to represent Australia at the 68th edition of Eurovision, with Dannii Minogue dropping a major hint about possibly participating in the competition.

In late December, the singer reposted a tweet by the official Eurovision account on X (formerly Twitter), leading many to believe she’ll be taking part in the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden.

The post read: “Good folk of Europe and beyond … say ‘hej’ to the #Eurovision2024 stage!”

Minogue reposted the video with a message that read: “The stage is set…and the countdown has begun!”

Adding fuel to the fire, the official Eurovision account replied: “I… begin to wonder” alongside a GIF of Minogue in the film clip of her 2003 track.

I… begin to wonder 😏 pic.twitter.com/7i4PEiF7d8

— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) December 19, 2023

Also in December, it was revealed that Olly Alexander (of Years & Years fame) will represent the UK at next year's Eurovision Song Contest.

In other Eurovision news, this year’s Song Contest may see New Zealand gunning for the champion spot: last year, comedy duo Two Hearts and beer company Yeastie Boys launched a petition to have them involved.

At the 2023 competition, Australian synth-metal band Voyager placed ninth in the Grand Final with their song Promise.

As for the dates you need to know for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, the event will take place in Malmö, Sweden, on Tuesday, 7 May, for the First Semi-Final, Thursday, 9 May (Second Semi-Final), and the Grand Final will occur on Saturday, 11 May.