Australia is preparing to send Sheldon Riley to Eurovision.

We were so close once before, but can Australia finally perform at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest?

This is not unlikely, but our entrant Sheldon Riley will obviously have to give up the problem if he takes the stage in Turin next week.

While Western Australians will have to forgive him for knocking out local band Voyager at the Australia Decides competition earlier this year, his powerful ballad Not the Same may be exactly what voters across the European continent are looking for.

The song details Riley’s experiences with being diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome as a child and growing up gay in a deeply religious family.

“It’s a story I never thought I would ever be able to tell,” a former member of The X Factor and The Voice had previously said.

“The song is really a gift to someone who may be in my position … ..whatever the gender, sexuality, race, financial status, trauma, skin color, age, shape or size. You’re not the same, but you’re not alone. “

Riley will perform in the second semifinal, which will air on Friday morning.

When it was first announced in 2015 that Australia would be participating in Eurovision, many, of course, scratched their heads over our inclusion because of our apparent geographical remoteness from Europe.

But since longtime fans have learned over the decades, expect the unexpected when it comes to the contest.

For those who haven’t tuned in to the broadcast yet, is ABBA ringing the bell? Maybe Celine Dion seems familiar?

Since its founding in 1956 as a way to promote cooperation between the countries of the continent after World War II, many stars have appeared on the stage of “Eurovision”, which became famous for its many amazing and wonderful actions.

Last year’s broadcast also attracted 183 million viewers.

This time there will be a noticeable absence, and Russia will not participate in the competition after the invasion of Ukraine.

The Americans also decided to hold their own iteration (can we say they were jealous because the red carpet wasn’t laid out the way it was for us?), Somewhat uninspired by the named American Song Contest.

With recordings from all 50 states and five U.S. territories, it will be hosted by Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson, and all series will be available to air on SBS on request next Sunday.

But back to the original and the best, and all eyes will be on Europe when the competition begins.

Forget about sports, as Australian presenter Myf Warhurst (who reports with comedian Joel Crisis) says, it’s an “Olympics for people who love music”.

As she said earlier this year, Australia is well and really “came to play”.

“We make every effort and send very high-quality acts every year. I don’t think Europe will ever allow us to win, but I also think that if we give it time, maybe we could, ”she said. “Who knows, anything can happen with Eurovision.”

The 66th Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcast live on SBS and SBS On Demand from 11 to 15 May, in prime time on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 May at 20.30 and on Sunday 15 May at 19.30. For more information, go to sbs.com.au/eurovision