Australia has become, for some reason, a part of Eurovision, despite its lack of geographical proximity. That touch of goofiness seems apt for an event that is often wildly kitsch and over the top.
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Despite or because of this, Eurovision has many fans in the ACT who watch and comment on it every year.
But Canberra musician Chris Endrey decided that wasn't enough.
The national capital, he decided, needed its own version of the international singing competition.
And so last year he made it happen.
Endrey created Canbeurovision, which attracted both audiences and participants.
Now it's back.
Instead of different countries, Endrey - who also hosts, with Jayne Hoschke - has singers from different suburbs competing in four heats at Smith's Alternative. The heat winners will compete in the final, which will be at the Canberra Theatre Centre's Playhouse.
"There are 30-odd suburbs and 60-something people."
Normally there is one act from each suburb but Endrey says this rule, among others, can be bent (after all, it's his production).
For example, if two people want to represent the same suburb, he might decree one is from O'Connor and the other from O'Connor Heights.
While competitors are allowed to sing covers, votes are weighted more favourably for those whose songs are original - and many of them are.
Not only that, many deal with subjects specifically of interest to Canberrans.
Endrey says, "Last year was won by Ellen and Clarke of Dickson who sang about the hell of Woolworths.
"This year has gotten off to a great start with Heat One being taken out by Charnie's Angels representing the merits of the relatively affordable property of West Belconnen."
There have also been more traditional Eurovision themes, such as love songs, and the Queanbeyan entry last year was particularly cheesy: it was about Gouda.
Endrey was also impressed by the Emu Ridge man whose entry was "a seven-minute techno song with a dancer".
This year, Heat Two was won by Clairewood Matt of Turner, pictured bottom left. Heat Three is on April 25, Heat Four on May 1.
All heats are at Smith's Alternative and the final is on May 10 at the Canberra Theatre Centre's Playhouse.
The event has attracted plenty of support from businesses as well as the public.
The Canberra Theatre Centre has given Canbeurovision a discount rate for the hire of the theatre and other companies have come on board too.
Endrey says, "We are sponsored by Bec Taylor School of Music - who give a free music lesson to the loser of each heat. Capital Brewing Co also provide brewery tours and beer to our contestants.
"If Terry Snow is reading, we'd love sponsorship from the airport. Maybe a hangar."
More information, videos and ticket details: facebook.com/canbeurovision.
