The Eurovision Song Contest is a spectacle that has captivated audiences worldwide, and this year, Australia is in the spotlight. As the grand final approaches, it's time to dive into the details of how to watch, how to vote, and the fascinating story behind Australia's entrant, Delta Goodrem. Get ready for a deep dive into the world of Eurovision, where music meets international diplomacy and personal expression.
A Musical Journey to Vienna
The Eurovision grand final is set to light up the stage in Vienna, Austria, this weekend. For Australians, the excitement begins at 5 am AEST on Sunday morning, with the show kicking off at 9 pm local time. It's a small price to pay for the thrill of witnessing the world's most unique music festival. The question remains: what channel will it be on?
SBS, your trusted Australian broadcaster, will be your gateway to Eurovision. But don't miss out on the live blogging action! Hanan Dervisevic and Rudi Maxwell, our resident Eurovision superfans, will be providing real-time commentary on the ABC News website. Imagine having your own personal experts guiding you through the night's performances.
Voting: A Small Price for a Big Impact
Voting in Eurovision is an art form in itself. The Eurovision website (https://vote.eurovision.com/) opens its doors for voting a few minutes before the live show begins, offering a chance to make your voice heard. However, it's not free; each vote costs 70 cents. But fear not, as you can cast up to 10 votes, ensuring your influence is felt across multiple entries.
A crucial rule to remember: you're not allowed to vote for your own country. This means no special treatment for Australia's contestant, Delta Goodrem. It's a level playing field, and the voting process adds an extra layer of excitement and fairness to the contest.
Australia's Eurovision Journey
Australia's involvement in Eurovision is a story of support and success. SBS, the Australian broadcaster, has been a steadfast supporter of the event since 1983. However, Australian acts only began taking the stage in 2012, with Jessica Mauboy making a guest appearance in 2014. The following year, Australia was invited as a wildcard entry for the contest's 60th birthday, and Guy Sebastian placed fifth.
This success story continued, with SBS securing a deal to keep Australia on the bill until 2023. Despite questions about the country's future after 2023, Australia has been invited to compete each year since. The journey has been an exciting one, with Perth band Voyager, Electric Fields, and Go-Jo representing the nation in recent years. But it was Dami Im who achieved the highest ranking, coming second in 2016 with her powerful ballad, 'Sound of Silence'.
Delta Goodrem: Australia's Eurovision Ambassador
Delta Goodrem, Australia's Eurovision ambassador, is a household name in her home country. With a career spanning over two decades, she has been a mainstay in Australian pop culture. Her debut album, 'Innocent Eyes', released in 2003, produced five number-one singles, including 'Born to Try', 'Lost Without You', and 'Not Me Not I'. Goodrem has since released eight more albums, starred in the musical 'Cats', and coached rising stars on 'The Voice'.
Her latest album, due out later this year, promises to be another hit. But it's her performance at Eurovision that has everyone talking. Goodrem is performing a song called 'Eclipse', which she co-wrote with Ferras Alqaisi, Jonas Myrin, and Michael Fatkin. The song reached number one on the Australian AIR Independent Singles Chart in March.
'Eclipse': A Song of Connection and Timing
'Eclipse' is a song that explores themes of connection, timing, and alignment. Goodrem describes it as a love song, but one that speaks to the timing of love and one's place in life. She explains, 'You could take it as a love song. You could take it about the timing of love or your time in your own life that aligns when time is meant to be. And that's when eclipse happens.'
The performance itself is a spectacle, featuring a gold, sparkly piano with its own in-built podium. Goodrem's stage presence and musical talent are sure to captivate audiences, leaving a lasting impression.
The Power of Eurovision
Eurovision is more than just a singing contest; it's a platform for cultural exchange and personal expression. Australia's participation in the contest is a testament to the power of music to bring people together. It's a chance for the world to discover new talent and for countries to showcase their unique styles and stories.
As the grand final approaches, the excitement is palpable. Whether you're a Eurovision veteran or a first-timer, the contest promises to deliver unforgettable moments. So, mark your calendars, set your alarms, and get ready to vote for your favorite acts. Eurovision is here, and it's a celebration of music, diversity, and the power of human connection.
