The provisional total of countries participating in Eurovision 2016 has been hovering around 40 for a while. But things have just got interesting with the EBU promising that at least 41 participants will be in Stockholm. If y’all thought the confirmation drama had finished with Turkey, it’s time to start speculating again!

To get our facts clear, we’re counting the full Vienna house again, except for Portugal (who are out for 2016) and Australia (2015 was supposedly a one-off), and adding the return of Ukraine and Bulgaria (Bulgaria will fully confirm after JESC — for now they have just filed a preliminary application). That leaves us with 40, so who is the other one?

Australia

Of course Australia is a very plausible candidate for that 41st slot. The Aussies were supposed to only be a one-off for 2015, but considering the quality performance Guy Sebastian delivered and the enthusiasm there is for ESC down under, it’s possible that the EBU has offered them a permanent place. Australia has a lot of great stuff to offer, so they’d be more than welcome back!

Bosnia and Herzegovina

In the soap opera that is Bosnia’s Eurovision participation, they are at the low point of their third season. With Eugenia Victoria BHRT on the edge of slapping Marco Fernando Ola Sand and leaving the house in tears, the story can still end in a wedding. Actually, we’ve discovered that Dubioza Kolektiv, a well known Balkan-ska band from Bosnia, has something to say on the country’s participation in their latest video.

*Luis pops open the champagne to celebrate their (supposed) selection*

Croatia

Croatia’s HRT has remained a bit stubborn towards Eurovision for the last two years, but this year fans got some major hype when The Voice winner Nina Kraljic was rumoured as Zagreb’s comeback. It’s not that Nina has contributed to that or anything…

Nina Kraljic

She says “let’s play!” and we say GET THAT GAME STARTED!!

Kosovo

Kosovo narrowly missed a United Nations vote to become a full UNESCO member (and hence, what we usually understand as a country) on Monday. Here’s a better plan: the UN accepts independence and Kosovo makes Rona Nishliu their permanent representative at Eurovision. Deal? Actually, this is A LOT of wishful thinking, but we’ve had some serious attempts from Pristina to take part. They were strongly rumoured to take part back in June after they sent a delegation to Vienna. Kosovo already participated in Eurovision Young Dancers in 2011, so why not in the big event?

Morocco

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRSyYCKO1GE

Well… they haven’t said “no” yet, but wiwiblogger Zakaria wrote a post some time ago on why they wouldn’t be back. May I remind you what happened last year, just after wiwiblogger Josh published an article on why Australia would never take part? Public broadcasters love to go against our opinions sometimes.

Slovakia

The Slovaks have apparently said ‘no’ already, but as if that was an impediment to take part, eh, Czech Republic? Slovakia has only participated eight times in 20 years, but after their neighbours’ “success” in Vienna (it was the Czech Republic’s best placing ever, after all), Slovakia might want to give it another try. Or that’s what all of us say to keep the hope alive, don’t we?

Surprise returns and debuts?

Can Turkey change their mind? Will Portugal‘s fundrising campaign succeed? Andorra? Monaco? Luxembourg? The Czech precedent last year means anything is possible. We’d love to have them, but the possibilities, I’m afraid, are very low. Do you believe some of them can return in Stockholm?

And with the success of Australia’s 2015 appearance, how about a different guest country for 2016? China is keen, or maybe Canada, Brazil, New Zealand or South Africa?

Speculation has just begun! In recent years, the official list has been released in late December/early January, and fluctuations may still occur (hey, Bulgaria!)  Who is number 41? Could there even be 42? How many countries do you think we will see in Sweden? Do you have a personal favourite to come back? Tell us below!

Check out the list of confirmed Eurovision 2016 countries

57 Comments
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moshmos
moshmos
8 years ago

To all of those how said there is no chance for Morocco or Tunisia because of Israel is a mistake. even if they will take part and win Israel still join the year after – they are two countries that let Israelis to get in.
more then that Morocco is popular place for Israelis!

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
8 years ago

We’ve seen Jon Ola Sand bend the rules before; and no doubt he would not hesitate to do it again. That would lead me to believe he will invite Australia once again. If there is a 41st entry, this may be the reason he has yet to reveal it, knowing it would be quite unpopular with many.

If I’m wrong, I’ll put short money on Croatia’s return or Slovakia taking another crack at it, after sitting out 3 straight following 4 failures to qualify.

Ern
Ern
8 years ago

You forgot the Faroe Islands !!

But still, it’s most probably Australia.

Tusán
8 years ago

Guys! Kosovo can’t compete, they are not a member state of the UN nor EBU. Get your facts straight, please!

I hope Australia’s returning or I wouldn’t mind Lebanon either.

Eshplay
Eshplay
8 years ago

It is probably Croatia. Btw, did you check out Supernova 2016 songs in soundcloud? There are not all songs, but there are many, some songs are demos. I don’t like Markus Riva song this year, sounds like a Backstreetboys song. 😀 “Not from this world” song is the best for me, i think it sounds great. 🙂

Ranting Ruby
Ranting Ruby
8 years ago

It’s obviously Ladonia. Think about it – the contest is in Sweden!

blondboybc
blondboybc
8 years ago

The suspense is killing me. Could it be a debut country like Lebanon? They haven’t ruled it out! That would add more of an exotic Middle-Eastern flavour to the contest. Australia? Would be interesting, but controversial, especially given what the EBU and Ola-Sand stated back in May. But, things aren’t written in stone, either! Croatia or B-H? Possibly, as things are seem up in the air regarding them. Personally, I think the more the merrier. How about 43 countries?!

mocosuburbian
mocosuburbian
8 years ago

I’m dying for a Lebanese debut, and would adore it if Morocco were to return (Bitaqat Hob is one of my all time favorites in the ESC,) but it’s so agonizingly obvious that the returnee is going to be Australia

Ian D
Ian D
8 years ago

I suspect that it’s Australia, but there are a few other to consider.
Bosnia & Herzegovina, Luxembourg, Andorra, Monaco and Slovakia ain’t returning.
Morocco is not likely, but not impossible. Lebanon is the same, depending on the current state of their laws regarding Israeli content.
I believe Tunisia and Kazahkstan also sent delegates last year, so they shouldn’t be completely ruled out.

drag
drag
8 years ago

Australia

Mark
8 years ago

It is not going to be a debut of Kosovo since RTK is not the EBU member and they are not a sovereign state . My bets are on Croatia and Australia but personally I’d love it to be Luxembourg or Monaco.
I do not expect the participation of Morocco or Lebanon

Ben Rafter
Ben Rafter
8 years ago

I’d say its Lebanon. I’d be delighted if it was Luxembourg however.

cheesecake
cheesecake
8 years ago

Pretty sure it’s Australia, although I’m not in favor of them staying in the competition. But still better than any other guest country!!!
However I don’t think that anyone will debut in Stockholm.
I’d like to have Turkey or Bosnia back, but that’s very unlikely to happen.

ESCTOPs UK
ESCTOPs UK
8 years ago

I hope it’s Croatia

Thiefo
8 years ago

Interesting to notice the official Eurovision twitter account just tweeted the rules for the 61st contest and the rules clearly state no more than 26 countries will be allowed to compete in the final. SO! If Australia gets to return, I guess this time will be as just another country that will have to go through the semi-finals, sounds like a more permanent inclusion to me. Of course they have to announce their return first. If it’s not Australia then I would like another country to debut, or a country like Morocco that has been absent for decades. The chances… Read more »

Benjamin
Benjamin
8 years ago

I think it’s going to be between Australia (which will go through the semi-finals if they come back) and Bosnia&Herzegovina (I really hope that they’ve found a financial support during the last weeks). The current leaders from HRT are really butthurt about ESC, so they won’t come back next year. I’m not sure, but I think Slovakia has already said no for 2016. Morocco is also possible, but with Israel participating, it’s unlinkely. And about Kosovo… Well, I don’t understand why so many fans think that they can participate to ESC? I mean, they’re not internationally recognised, not member of… Read more »

PP
PP
8 years ago

I hope to see Luxembourg in future at Eurovision. They had so many good songs at Eurovision.

Azaad
Azaad
8 years ago

Probably Australia, but possibly Croatia.

Lebanon is not impossible (Tele Liban have said they’re considering participation)

Denis
Denis
8 years ago

Last year when they did this it was a country that returned so it could be so this year again. Croatia has been silent, maybe it’s them? They have been keen to return. Australia is obviously the most popular choice but don’t you think that if they competed and became a permanent member they would announce it sooner and not keep it as a surprise? Cause that would be quite a drastic step to take and they never announce drastic steps in casual manners. And that would go against their own rules, Jon Ola Sand earlier said when Sweden interviewed… Read more »

Olly the Swede
Olly the Swede
8 years ago

The most realistic country is Australia; they sent a great song and brought a proper ‘party and Funk’ song, which was my 4th favourite entry this year! 🙂 However, I really think that there’s a possibility that the following countries will participate (remember, its 41 “so far”): -Australia, 80% chance of returning -Croatia, 70% chance of returning -Bosnia & Herzegovina, 50% chance of returning -Slovakia, 20% chance of returning -Turkey, 10% chance of returning -Portugal, 10% chance of returning I really think we can see a country debut in 2016, either from Kosovo, Lebanon or even an amazing return from… Read more »

Jonas
Jonas
8 years ago

I hope it’s not Australia.

They’re not even members of the EBU – they cut a deal last year, but to make it more permanent would be totally unfair to all the fee-paying members.

Alex
Alex
8 years ago

The Vatican!

Herr Freitag
Herr Freitag
8 years ago

Australia would be great (Maybe the best) 😀 But we still have nothing from Bosnia&Herzegovina, Croatia and Morrocco 😀 But nobody of them will come back in 2016 because of the money or the interest :/ But let’s hope for Australia so that we will have 41 particpants in 2016 🙂 A number we never have before but it’s no record either 😀

jr esc nl
jr esc nl
8 years ago

it just has to be australia… but libanon could also make teir debut. they haven’t ruled out participation yet

Huh
Huh
8 years ago

Please, do not even mention China here. It’s like… having a second Russia/Azerbaijan in the contest.

Also, it’s unlikely that Turkey would be that country who will return to the contest. Australia is predictable to be that 41st. Croatia or B&H may be 50 percent. The rest: very vague and even to the point of being impossible to debut or come back.

Adam
Adam
8 years ago

Has anyone mentioned Lebanon? I mean despite the whole Israel thing, their broadcaster has said that they are interested and keeping their options open…

Nicky1991
Nicky1991
8 years ago

I’m hoping for the Faroe Islands

DenizNL
DenizNL
8 years ago

If it was another country than Australia, they would have just told us right? I think they are just hinting at Australia.

But I hope it will be Croatia or another country.

Mich
Mich
8 years ago

It will be fantastic that an american country will debut in ESC. I’m a very big fan of the event in México and I know that other latinamerican countries loves that. But talking about only Europe for me, it will be fantastic that Portugal can go to Stockholm so I hope that their collect will be success. Also I want a lot that Turkey (If they can or they have odds hopping that actually they don´t have problems to return) return to ESC. For me, they always make an amazing work in their music and coreography. And why not Bosnia?… Read more »

MirkoJoshua
MirkoJoshua
8 years ago

Please, not Australia, just please…

Djole
Djole
8 years ago

Kosovo? Serbia’s in Eurovision for ages, so what exactly is your point?

Brittany
Brittany
8 years ago

Its Australia. They wouldnt make a big deal if Croatia were to be in the contest

#AustraliaAgain
#AustraliaAgain
8 years ago

i hope it’s Australia.

fikri
fikri
8 years ago

i’m sorta hoping the 41st would be qatar just to see people flipping out.

PP
PP
8 years ago

I think it will be Australia, EBU want so much Australia in Eurovision every year and always in final as BIG 5 plus host.

Maya G
Maya G
8 years ago

I put my money on Australia

Charles
Charles
8 years ago

The more the merrier? Having an orgy of countries in the competition just for the sake of pure show and entertainment is a complete bland and appalling way to think, specially if in these 40 or 41 countries there is very little musically wise worth to praise. Having said this, it should be about “the better the merrier” … quality above quantity … and yes, I agree, since the so-called Scandinavian winnings the quality has increased and the quantity has decreased slightly. But 42 or 39 …how dramatically painful and hurting is this in your lives? Is anybody committing suicide… Read more »

Österrike
Österrike
8 years ago

I think it will be either Croatia or Australia. BiH is completely broke and dysfunction, the country is a failed state and so is their broadcaster. Slovakia did not show any signs of love, not even when ESC was as close as it could get when it was hosted in Vienna, which is the second closest capital city in the world to another capital city (Bratislava). Kosovo would make me really upset, as I do not see why a country that is basically occupied land of Serbia by Albanians define a new nation. (Serbs did the same too in BiH).… Read more »

Baku Cash
Baku Cash
8 years ago

Kosovo, Australia, Morocco or Luxembourg 🙂

esc1234
esc1234
8 years ago

its official, zimpapue is the 41st country.. #whattheheckareutalkingabout #heloooitscalledeurovision #letsinviteusanextyear

SpirK
SpirK
8 years ago

I hope it’s Bosnia and Herzegovina, because I really liked their songs . It may also be Croatia. The others seem unlikely except for Australia. So these 3 are the most possible I think, with this order
– Australia most possible
– Bosnia and Herzegovina
– Croatia less possible

Michal
Michal
8 years ago

It is obvious that it is Croatia

Leaf
Leaf
8 years ago

Feeling *

Omg autocorrect

Leaf
Leaf
8 years ago

I have a weird filling that Croatia will be joining the party next year… I just feel it

Jerome
Jerome
8 years ago

Not considering the politics or any participation constraints, but simply wishful thinking, I’d like to see either:
– Bosnia & Herzegovina
– Croatia
or
– Turkey
as the 41st participant.
As an Aussie, I loved that we were able to experience this year’s contest as a participant. Loved that we were able to vote this year and that it would count. But I do not want us returning next year, mainly because of other countries outside the EBU (*cough* China *cough*) wanting in on the party.

R
R
8 years ago

Minority here, but I’m an Aussie who really want Australia back in the game!

Racal
Racal
8 years ago

Not Australia, please!

Comi
Comi
8 years ago

I have that really weird feeling that it will be Kosovo, and I’m not that excited for that. I mean, if they participate you can always count Serbia out, and with Serbia maybe other ex-Yu countries 🙁 I would really like Bosnia and Croatia to return tho.

Yes
Yes
8 years ago

People, Kosovo didn’t miss an UN voting. It was an UNESCO voting, to accept Kosovo as a member of UNESCO. Get the facts right. Btw they missed it for only 3 votes. Kosovo is not a member of the UN (yet), but recognized by 111different countries, sooo….