The US singer has been invited to perform his new single “Can’t Stop The Feeling” as an interval act in Stockholm, Sweden on Saturday 14 May. The song was co-written and produced by Swedish songwriters Max Martin and Shellback.

Martin Osterdahl, Eurovision’s executive producer, praised Timberlake as “an inspiration to all of us” but critics have commended on how his booking is yet another example of the increasing “internationalisation” of the event.

Some fans have complained that “Eurovision is turning into X Factor” while various commentators have argued that the interval performance should be about Europe and the host country, not chart-topping global stars. Others have voiced their concern that a non-European singer is shamelessly using the high-profile platform to promote his new album.

Elsewhere, Australia is sending an entry to Eurovision for the second consecutive year, despite their 2015 debut being explained as a one-off to celebrate its ‘Building Bridges’ anniversary theme.

Graham Norton, who took over from the late Terry Wogan as UK commentator in 2008, has criticised the decision to ask Australia to return. “Get rid of Australia. I know some countries aren’t technically in Europe but come on, Australia is the other side of the world,” he reportedly told The Sun.

“People go, ‘Oh you are so anti-Australia’. I’ve got nothing against Australia. I just think it is kind of stupid.”

X Factor winner Dami Am will perform for Australia with “Sound of Silence”, which is already being tipped to make the final five.

Forty-two countries are competing in the annual song contest, which last year attracted over 200 million viewers from around the world. Eurovision will air in the US for the first time this year, no doubt leading to a record number of viewers, lured in part by Timberlake’s appearance.

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