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The Eurovision Song Contest is aptly named. Countries from across Europe nominate an individual or group every year to perform on their behalf.

So if that's the case, then why do Australia and Israel take part?

If you’re thinking to yourself ‘I don’t remember this happening every year’, you are correct.

There's a good reason why Australia sometimes gets to sneak in though...

Why are Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest?

Australia first competed in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015 when it was held in Vienna, Austria. This was to mark the show’s 60th anniversary and was supposed to be a one-off but they have competed every year since.

(Image: Bradley Kanaris)

The reason thecountry has continued to enter the competition is basically down to TV rights. Former Bake Off host Mel Giedroyc described how it came about on BBC’s Eurovision: You Decide: "The simple fact is, Australia’s host TV broadcaster SBS is part of the European Broadcasting Union, otherwise known as the EBU.

"And this is a qualification requirement for entering the Eurovision Song Contest. So that’s why we’ll see them in May."

(Image: WireImage)

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The Eurovision itself has something of a cult following down under, and while it costs a fair amount for SBS to broadcast the event the ratings justify the costs entirely.

SBS has been showing the Eurovision Song Contest for three decades now and the fact it doesn't start until 2am in Australia doesn’t seem to deter viewers one bit.

While us Brits love to stay up to the early hours watching the likes of the Super Bowl and Wrestlemania, Ozzies enjoy getting the beers in and enjoying the Eurovision. Which is understandable, alcohol makes the whole thing much more bearable.

Why is Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest?

Yes Israel is also not in Europe.

Israel has been competing regularly in the competition since 1973.

This is allowed because the Israel Broadcasting Authority is a member of the Eurovision governing body.

(Image: EPA) (Image: WireImage)

Why are Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest?

Russia first competed in 1994 and have done since a further 21 times.

2017 marked the first time in nearly two decades that Russia wasn't in the Eurovision Song Contest. The reason they were absent came down to politics because the final was held in the Ukraine.

Russia's representative, Yulia Samoylova, was barred from entering the Ukraine because she had previously toured Crimea after it was annexed by Russia.

(Image: AFP/Getty)

The European Broadcasting Union condemned Ukraine's decision to do this and negotiated a compromise whereby the Russian entrant would be allowed to perform via satellite during both the semi-finals and Grand Final should she qualify.

Russian broadcaster Channel One decided against broadcasting the event entirely and said in a statement that Russia would not be competing at all.