The Eurovision Song Contest is a spectacle that has captivated audiences worldwide, and this year, Australia is in the spotlight. With the grand final set to take place this weekend, the excitement is palpable, especially as Delta Goodrem, a beloved Australian pop icon, represents her country on the international stage. But what makes this year's participation unique, and how can Aussies get involved? Here's a breakdown of how to watch, vote, and understand the significance of Australia's Eurovision journey.
A Morning of Eurovision
The grand final of Eurovision will commence at 9 p.m. in Vienna, Austria, which translates to the early hours of Sunday morning for Australians. The exact timing varies across the country, with the ACT, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, and Victoria tuning in at 5 a.m. AEST, while the Northern Territory and South Australia catch the action at 4:30 a.m. ACST, and Western Australia at 3 a.m. AWST. Mark your calendars and set those alarms, as this is an event not to be missed!
Where to Watch
Eurovision is accessible to Australian viewers through SBS, with live coverage and streaming available on SBS On Demand. For those eager to stay updated, Hanan Dervisevic and Rudi Maxwell, self-proclaimed Eurovision superfans, will be live blogging the entire event on the ABC News website. You won't want to miss their insights and commentary as the contest unfolds.
Voting for Australia
Voting in Eurovision is an integral part of the experience, and Aussies can participate by visiting the Eurovision website (https://vote.eurovision.com/). However, there's a catch: voting comes at a cost. Each vote costs 70 cents, and participants can cast up to 10 votes. But be warned, the website enforces a rule that restricts voting to one submission per payment card. And a crucial reminder: you cannot vote for your own country, so Australia's fate is in the hands of the international audience.
Delta Goodrem's Song: Eclipse
Delta Goodrem's performance in Eurovision is highly anticipated, and her song, 'Eclipse,' is a captivating piece of art. Co-written by Goodrem alongside Ferras Alqaisi, Jonas Myrin, and Michael Fatkin, the song explores themes of connection, timing, and alignment. Goodrem describes it as a love song, a reflection of the timing of love in one's life, where 'eclipse happens.' The performance will feature a stunning gold, sparkly piano with an in-built podium, adding a touch of glamour to the stage.
Australia's Eurovision Journey
Australia's involvement in Eurovision is a relatively recent phenomenon. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has been a significant supporter of the event since 1983, but Australian acts have only been performing on the stage for the past 12 years. The journey began with Jessica Mauboy as a guest singer in 2014, followed by Guy Sebastian's wildcard entry in 2015, where he placed fifth. This success led to a deal with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), securing Australia's place on the bill until 2023. Despite initial doubts, Australia has been invited to compete annually since then, with Voyager, Electric Fields, and Go-Jo representing the country in recent years.
Australia's Best Performance
Dami Im, a Brisbane-based singer, holds the title of Australia's highest-ranking Eurovision contestant. In 2016, Im wowed the audience with her goosebumps-inducing ballad, 'Sound of Silence,' securing second place. This achievement solidified Australia's presence in the contest and inspired future participants.
In conclusion, the Eurovision Song Contest is a global phenomenon, and Australia's participation adds a unique flavor to the event. From the timing of the grand final to the voting process and Delta Goodrem's captivating performance, there's much to anticipate. As Aussies tune in, they become part of a vibrant celebration of music and culture, where their votes can make a difference. So, get ready to sing, vote, and embrace the magic of Eurovision!
