Aussievision's Top 5 fantasy artists if Türkiye returns to Eurovision

Wouldn’t it be amazing if Türkiye returned to Eurovision one day?

To mark Türkiye’s Republic Day on 29 October, the Aussievision team is honouring the nation’s history at Eurovision by spotlighting five Turkish performers we’d love to see return for another shot at Eurovision glory.

Having participated at Eurovision 34 times since their debut in 1975, the nation has been absent since their last performance in 2012.

Türkiye is responsible for arguably one of the most popular and endearing winners of all-time, with Sertab Erener’s iconic Everyway That I Can in 2003.

Considered one of the most consistent performers in the Grand Final, Türkiye also earned a further five Top 5 finishes during their time competing, with their entries from the 2000s being real standouts.

Read on to find out which former artists the Aussievision team most want to see return to the Eurovision stage.

5. Şebnem Paker – Beşinci Mevsim (12^th place in 1996), Dinle (3^rd place in 1997 with Grup Etnik)

"Eurovision is littered with repeat performers that keep returning for a chance at claiming the title. Having competed back-to-back in 1996 and 1997, it’s not outside the realm of possibility that Şebnem could one day return for a third attempt and mark her 30^th anniversary at the same time!" ~Joel

4. Hadise – Düm Tek Tek (4^th place in 2009)

"Dum Tek Tek still remains one of my favourite Eurovision entries ever. Would love to see Hadise back for a second chance at glory!" ~Srdjan

3. Semiha Yankı – Seninle Bir Dakika (19^th place in 1975)

"Semiha did an absolutely amazing job as a 17 year old singing the debut entry for her country at Eurovision. What is even more impressive about her feat is she was suffering a 40 degree fever during her performance, but you wouldn't know given the emotive performance she delivered. Receiving 3 points was an absolute disgrace - thank God for the Monégasque jury! Semiha should come back for some Eurovision redemption. She looks like a fabulous 67 year old on Instagram these days. I reckon she could still deliver an absolutely stellar performance!" ~Sam

2. Sertab Erener – Everyway That I Can (1^st place in 2003)

"With former winners like Loreen, Alexander Rybak and Lena returning to the competition for a second attempt at the title, who better to return Türkiye to the Eurovision stage than their most successful artist, 2003's Sertab Erener? I love when countries bring a sound that is distinctly native to their nation, and Sertab returning with an equally Turkish-sounding tune to Everyway That I Can would be so exciting for the competition!" ~Joel

1. maNga – We Could Be the Same (2^nd place in 2010)

"maNga were very unfortunate to bump into Lena in 2010 I feel. They delivered one of the coolest performances at Eurovision. They deserve a second bite at the Eurovision cherry and hopefully join Linda Martina and Dima Bilan as Eurovision runners-ups who became winners." ~Sam

"In my eyes these guys were the real winners of 2010, sorry Lena! Everything about this was good - the song although was a rock song, it was accessible rock (hence it doing so well), and the group and their staging looked so good!" ~Hayley

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