In Australia's first -- and perhaps, only -- time participating in the Eurovision Song Contest, singer Guy Sebastian belted his single "Tonight Again," winning the country a well-deserved fifth place.
Australia was offered a wildcard entry into the 60-year-old event, and Sebastian had to overcome a crowd doubtful about his right to take to the stage -- given Australia is, um, not in fact in Europe -- but he proved up to the task, winning everyone over with his pork pie hat and jaunty dance moves.
It wasn't enough to take out the top spot, however, as Sweden's Måns Zelmerlöw emerged victorious, followed by Russia, Italy, Belgium and Australia.
Thanks everyone for your kind messages I've had the best time here in Europe so far. Top 5! Thanks Europe for making Australia so welcome— Guy Sebastian (@GuySebastian) May 24, 2015
"As a singer, you are in unfamiliar territory, on an unfamiliar stage, in a very unfamiliar competition that we're outsiders to," Sebastian told SBS. "Last night I just decided to breathe it all out, let it out and have fun ... It's a song about embracing the moment and not worrying about tomorrow."
The reviews of Sebastian's performance from the Twitter public were enthusiastic and welcoming to the newbie.
@GuySebastian you rocked that stage man. The crowd went wild. one tough act to follow is right!! #AUS #Eurovision2015— MOLLY STERLING (@SterlingMolly) May 23, 2015
Whatever the outcome @GuySebastian just showed the globe how bloody good he is. That was a world class performance #AUS #SBSEurovision— cameron adams (@cameron_adams) May 23, 2015
But many also compared Sebastian to an Australian Bruno Mars. Unfair -- he's at least Down Under's very own Justin Timberlake.
Bruno Mars called - he wanted to congratulate you on your excellent performance and says keep up the good work. #AUS #Eurovision— Dan Maher (@MrPointyHead) May 23, 2015
I think it's nice Australia have their own Bruno Mars.— Brett Leppard (@TheBrettLeppard) May 23, 2015
Look, don't be disappointed we're not polling strongly. Half of Europe is jealous we got Bruno Mars. #SBSEurovision— #SBSEurovision (@MolksTVTalk) May 23, 2015
Eurovision isn't all love and music, however. The event also saw some colonial disagreements emerge between Australia and the U.K, especially when Australia flew in the face of history and did not hand the U.K. any Eurovision points. Australia gave votes to Georgia, Israel, Estonia, Norway, Serbia, Belgium, Latvia, Italy, Russia and Sweden. according to Fairfax Media, but none to the Queen's homeland.
No worries, though, because Australia came fifth on its very first outing at the beloved singing competition. And the U.K. came a poor 24th out of 27. Shabby, Britain. Pretty shabby.
We gave #Aus 10 points and they gave us nothing. That's post-colonialism reparations for you. #Eurovision2015— Ryan Nelson (@RyanJohnNelson) May 23, 2015
How I feel about #AUS beating us in #eurovision2015 pic.twitter.com/buaxKTZ3hf— Katie Barry (@katiebarrybarry) May 23, 2015
If #AUS don't give us 12 points we should have a referendum to expel them from the Commonwealth #Eurovision2015— UKIP Trumpton (@Trumpton_UKIP) May 23, 2015
Since you're new #AUS: People usually give all their points to the UK, FYI. It’s kind of A Thing. #Eurovision2015— Tesco (@Tesco) May 23, 2015
Whether Australia will compete in the 2016 Eurovision competition remains unclear. SBS telecast hosts Julia Zemiro and Sam Pang, who oversaw coverage of the event, speculated that given Australia had only been granted a one year wildcard entry, China might be a future contender.
In the end, all that matters is Sebastian was so good the earth moved.
Was the relocation of #Aus part of the #Eurovision deal? pic.twitter.com/esxJei6Nce— markmacleo (@markmacleo) May 23, 2015