Goodrem sings for Australia in Eurovision final
Delta Goodrem performed for Australia in the Eurovision final with a powerful ballad that fans hope will win her the top prize in Austria.
Goodrem became the eighth artist out of a total of 25 to compete in the song contest at Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle, sandwiched between Ukraine and Serbia, on Saturday night (Sunday morning AEST).
The singer and former Neighbors star was accompanied by a harpist on her song Eclipse.
At the climax of her song, Goodrem soared into the air from atop her glittering gold piano.
“Thank you so much,” he said, waved to the crowd and left the stage.
Millions of viewers around the world will make their judgments of the performances at Eurovision’s 70th anniversary event by voting via phone or text message during and shortly after the show, although they are not allowed to vote for their own country’s show.
The one with the most points wins the competition, and his country will host the competition next year.
The favorites of the prediction markets were Finland, Greece and Australia.
It is unclear what will happen if Australia wins, but it is believed that another host (a European country) will be chosen or host.
Speaking to Eurovision’s Australian broadcaster SBS, Goodrem said that in case of victory, Australia should be allowed to host Eurovision.
“We had to get up at four in the morning and we are very passionate about Eurovision,” he said.
“I’m not into logistics yet. I have no idea about the operational side.”
Australia has been participating in Eurovision since 2015 and was most successful in 2016 when Dami Im came second in Stockholm with her song Sound of Silence, losing to Ukraine’s Jamala.
The often irreverent singing competition has been marred by controversy this year as many countries boycotted it due to Israel’s participation.
Public broadcasters of five countries (Spain, Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia) oppose Israeli intervention due to Israel’s military attack on the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas-led offensive on October 7, 2023.
With AP, PA, DPA and Reuters
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