Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 511 points. Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) has broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest since 1983, and the contest has gained a cult following over that time, primarily due the country's strong political and cultural ties with Europe. Paying tribute to this, the 2014 contest semi-finals included an interval act featuring Australian singer Jessica Mauboy. Australian singers have also participated at Eurovision as representatives of other countries, including Olivia Newton John (1974, ), two-time winner Johnny Logan (1980 and 1987, ), Gina G (1996, United Kingdom), and Jane Comerford as lead singer of Texas Lightning (2006, ). Tying in with the goal
Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest 1979 Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest 1979 Italy was represented by the group Matia Bazar, with the song '"Raggio di luna", at the 1979 Eurovision Song Contest, which took place on 31 March in Jerusalem. The song was chosen internally by Italian broadcsaster RAI. On the night of the final Matia Bazar performed second in the running order, following Portugal and preceding Denmark. The pre-contest betting had rated "Raggio di luna" as the favourite for victory. However, on the night the group gave what is often mentioned as one of the worst vocal performances ever heard in a Eurovision final,