Ten musical acts will compete in Eurovision – Australia Decides (airs Sat., Feb. 9 at 8.30pm AEDT, SBS), with one winning the right to represent us in Tel Aviv, Israel, in May. “I can’t wait to be part of the first ever Eurovision selection show in the southern hemisphere and find the next Aussie classic, up there with “You’re the Voice”, “The Horses” and my personal favourite, Bardot’s debut single, “Poison’,” co-host Joel Creasey says. “Let’s give Europe our best!”
Courtney Act
The RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant, 36, will perform a “dance floor banger” called “Fight For Love”. “It’s so important to think about the basic human rights of others and use our voices to bring about change,” she says of the meaning behind the song.
Why should Australia get behind you?
Oh, I’m versatile, they can get behind, beside or in front of me!
What is the best thing about Eurovision?
I love that so many countries come together on one night to celebrate through music.
Alfie Arcuri
The 30-year-old winner of The Voice will sing “To Myself”, which he says is “a letter to my teenage self” that he wrote “hoping to empower people to stand on the edge of their fears and love themselves more.”
Why should Australia get behind you?
I would love the chance to represent our incredible country. I want this song to connect with people so I will put my heart on my sleeve on that stage.
What is the best thing about Eurovision?
I love the colour, vibrancy and fun of it. It’s a unique stage with no creative boundaries.
Aydan
Just 18, he’s been on Australia’s Got Talent, Young Talent Time and The Voice. His entry, “Dust”, is “told through a relationship gone wrong, but is about everything we sweep under the rug and pretend is not there, like poverty, global warming, etc.”
Why should Australia get behind you?
The thing I want to bring to the stage most is honesty. This is a heartbreak song and the emotion is real.
What is the best thing about Eurovision?
I love how it brings everyone together and gives everyone the same opportunity.
Tania Doko
“We live in a fast-paced world and can feel like everyone wants a piece of us,” Bachelor Girl’s singer, 44, says of her track, “Piece of Me”.
Why should Australia get behind you?
Multiculturalism runs through my veins, so I’m happy to stand for that kind of togetherness, all 4 foot 11 of me anyway.
What is the best thing about Eurovision?
The patriotism, the theatrics, the “what the?!” performances, the unforgettable tunes, the stars that are born, the celebration of music.
Electric Fields
“2000 and Whatever”, performed in English and Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara by the electronic duo, reminds us “we belong to a gigantic cosmos and this life is short.”
Why should Australia get behind you?
We’re bringing a song we believe has a beautiful truth. We want to tell this story with fierce energy that will hopefully shoot through the cameras and out TV screens at home.
What is the best thing about Eurovision?
Eurovision is camp! It’s a flamboyant spectacle where music brings people together.
Ella Hooper
The Killing Heidi singer, 36, says “Data Dust” deals with “the ever-present influence of technology, social media and screens in our daily lives. I myself have a pretty full-on iPhone addiction and I think a lot of people will relate.”
Why should Australia get behind you?
I’m hoping to bring a bit of traditional rock ‘n’ roll energy to a bombastic performance of a meaningful pop song.
What is the best thing about Eurovision?
As a songwriter, it’s fascinating to see the notion of what people find ‘hooky’ and hip taking some wild turns throughout the years.
Kate Miller-Heidke
“Zero Gravity” is an operatic pop song that uses “the metaphor of a bad relationship to describe what it can feel like to be depressed,” says the 37-year-old multi-ARIA-nominated singer.
Why should Australia get behind you?
Music is so subjective, and there are many brilliant and worthy artists taking part. I am proud of my song and hope people like it as much as I do.
What is the best thing about Eurovision?
I love all the camp fabulousness and outlandish performances. I love that it allows the artist the scope to be quite experimental.
Leea Nanos
At 16, she’s the youngest competitor in Australia Decides and her song, “Set Me Free”, is about “empowerment, letting go of self-doubt and insecurities. It’s also about being set free from other people, their control and negativity.”
Why should Australia get behind you?
I’m going to bring something fresh and unique. I don’t sound like other singers and am someone the audience can connect with.
What is the best thing about Eurovision?
Literally everything! There are no cultural, political or religious barriers – it’s a worldwide community coming together as one.
Sheppard
The Brisbane band’s “On My Way” is “a celebration of love with huge drums and a big chorus. It’s quite musically complex, but still very easy to listen to.
Why should Australia get behind you?
We’ll bring our trademark energy, colour and sound to the stage. We’ve written an anthemic, feel-good song we think is perfect for people around the world to sing along and bliss out to.
What is the best thing about Eurovision?
It not only gives pop a fair go, but it uses that music to bring people together in a display of acceptance, love and celebration.
Mark Vincent
A decade after Australia’s Got Talent, the 25-year-old co-wrote “This Is Not the End” about “challenges and obstacles in life.”
Why should Australia get behind you?
So much has changed since I first appeared on TV aged 15 and I have evolved dramatically as an artist. I hope to show Australia who I am today and what I represent.
What is the best thing about Eurovision?
It is truly one of a kind. I love that so many diverse and incredible artists come together. It provides a powerful platform for them to express themselves, and also creates unity – and that is beautiful.
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