Despite our strong multicultural ties, it still takes some getting used to the idea of Australia competing in the Eurovision Song Contest. We may be relatively new to the competition, but we've entered worthy singers every time.
And will this year’s 17 year-old Australian entrant surpass even the generous bookies estimates to bring home the first prize from Kyiv on 13 May? Could such upstart behaviour from a country well outside of the European neighbourhood be permitted? After all this is only the third time that Australia has been able to compete and there’s already rumblings of discontent among the eurocentric diehard fans that we’re in it at all.
Isaiah is representing Australia
For the handsome Isaiah Firebrace, the magic will happen when he takes the stage, giving European audiences the full power of his charisma.
He's a knockout on stage and that's before he even opens his mouth. The guy can sing! Watch the music video below for his Eurovision song and try not to be awed by what you're listening to. There is a reason why Isaiah blew away the competition on 2016. Isaiah is pure, vocal talent!
We have a history of great performers
Australia’s Eurovision’ flirtation began with Jessica Mauboy who was invited to be an interval act in the second semi-final of 2014, performing Sea Of Flags. Copenhagen, Denmark. With her exotic good looks and her strong voice, Mauboy exemplifies what it means to be Australian.
She was so impressive that the following year Australia was invited to enter Eurovision in Vienna, Austria to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the song fest. We were also given a special dispensation and granted automatic entry into the final.
Australian singer Jessica Mauboy performs during the second semifinal of Eurovision in Copenhagen, Denmark, 2014. (Photo/Frank Augstein) Source: AP
Guy Sebastian was chosen to represent the country and did so with Tonight Again, a song he wrote. He was placed fifth, which was all the more impressive because Australia has no countries in the region ready to vote for us - many European countries tend to vote in blocks.
Former X Factor Australian winner, Dami Im eclipsed Sebastian last year in the event held in Stockholm, Sweden, coming second with Sound Of Silence - the song written for her by Australia’s hot songwriting duo, Anthony Egizii and David Musumeci of DNA Songs.
Guy Sebastian, Australia's first Eurovision entrant. (AAP) Source: APA
There was no denying the glamorous Korean Australian’s ability to charm the tough European audiences, especially in the futuristic shiny silver gown she wore. It made her look like an exquisite doll, but one who could belt out an impressive power ballad.
The song was written by the best in the business
Aforementioned songwriters Egizii and Musumeci have returned to write the lyrics for Isaiah Firebrace’s entry Don’t Come Easy. It already has the hallmarks of a winning song, which is not surprising as DNA are fast gaining a reputation as Australia’s premier song writing outfit. They were the ones behind The Veronicas - You Ruin Me: If You Love Someone and In My Blood, as well as Wings and Dear Life for Delta Goodrem. DNA Songs also won the composer’s award at last year’s Eurovision with Sound Of Silence winning 40 out of 42 votes. Firebrace could not be in better hands.
The bookies are confident
Quite clearly the bookies, who take bets on Eurovision winners believe that, despite competing against seasoned stage performers, Isaiah is a leading contender - placing in the top 5 of the 42 contestants.
Source: Sportsbet
The outfit and the staging
Look, we know that Italy is a hard act to compete with. Their guy is dancing with a man in a monkey costume. But, in terms of pure class, Australia has a history of absolutely stunning staging and costumes. Do you remember what Dami looked like when she stepped out on stage? Who could forget - it was a knockout and from what we've heard, Isaiah is expected to deliver big time.
When it comes to the Eurovision Song Contest, Australia might well be viewed as a cheeky upstart nation, but we’re fast proving that we have what it takes to win.
Dami Im took to the stage for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest. Source: SBS
The Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcast over SBS’s Eurovision weekend - Friday 12 May, Saturday 13 May, and Grand Final Sunday 14 May at 7.30pm on SBS with LIVE early morning broadcasts begin Wednesday 10 May at 5am on SBS.
