Australia is joining the Junior Eurovision Song Contest following its successful debut at the competition’s parent event in May.

17 countries will compete at the 13th Junior Eurovision Song Contest which will take place in Sofia, Bulgaria on Saturday 21 November 2015. It’s the highest number of participants since 2007.

The Contest for singers aged between 10 and 15 years-old also welcomes Ireland for the first time.

Participants will perform original songs live on stage at the Arena Armeec in Sofia. The first, second and third place winners will be decided by a jury and public televoting.

The Contest's Executive Supervisor Vladislav Yakovlev says he’s looking forward to welcoming millions of television viewers across Europe with fans from around the world joining the event online.

“Host broadcaster BNT has been outstanding in its enthusiasm and preparation for the event,” Yakovlev said.

“With #discover as the slogan for this year’s contest, we are also thrilled to welcome newcomers Australia and Ireland. Australia is continuing its journey after the tremendous success of Guy Sebastian at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna and is now supporting the future talent of their country,” he added.

Australia’s entry will be chosen by EBU Associate Member SBS. Managing Director Michael Ebeid said that SBS has been broadcasting the Eurovision Song Contest for over 30 years, and Junior Eurovision since it began in 2003:

“Eurovision is a landmark program for SBS and we’re so proud to be part of an event which brings people together to celebrate creativity and diversity through music. We’re delighted to have secured another opportunity to showcase Australia’s amazing vocal and song-writing talent to the world, this time through an incredibly talented young artist. We look forward to giving Australian audiences a surprise second dose of Eurovision fun this year.”

The show, a co-production between the EBU and Bulgarian Member BNT, will be broadcast live in the 17 participating countries on Saturday 21^st November at 7:30pm CET.

The full list of countries taking part is as follows:

Albania (RTSH)

Armenia (ARMTV)

Australia (SBS)

Belarus (BTRC)

Bulgaria (BNT)

FYR Macedonia (MRT)

Georgia (GPB)

Ireland (TG4)

Italy (RAI)

Malta (TVM)

Montenegro (RTCG)

The Netherlands (AVROTROS)

San Marino (SMRTV)

Serbia (RTS)

Slovenia (RTVSLO)

Russia (RTR)

Ukraine (NTU)

Follow all the latest news in the lead up to the 13th Junior Eurovision Song Contest at the event website junioreurovision.tv.