Australia's 2024 Eurovision representative revealed: 'Finally taking a risk'

Following months of speculation, SBS has finally announced the artist that will represent Australia at the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden this year.

Electronic music duo Electric Fields, made up of singer Zaachariaha Fielding and producer Michael Ross, have been selected to compete with their euphoric track ‘One Milkali (One Blood)’.

Not only are they the first duo to represent Australia in the global competition, but their song is also the first from an Australian entrant to feature a language other than English.

‘One Milkali (One Blood)’ incorporates Yankunytjatjara, an Aboriginal language of the Anangu peoples, one of the oldest living cultures on earth.

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Fans would remember that Electric Fields previously competed at Eurovision – Australia Decides in 2019 with their upbeat track ‘2000 And Whatever’, where they came a close second to Kate Miller-Heidke and her song ‘Zero Gravity’.

In a statement from SBS, Electric Fields said: “We are buzzed with euphoria at our chance to share this music with the world. Our music comes from the deepest place in both of us and Eurovision is the most exciting opportunity to bring together our cultures and share the joy of our global connection.”

Eurovision fans thrilled with the choice

Following the announcement on social media, fans from all around the world took to the comments to praise the decision.

“I was rooting for them in 2019, happy they get to represent Australia now,” one fan wrote, followed by another who added, “Finally they‘re getting their chance! ‘2000 And Whatever’ was a banger”.

“OMG Australia finally taking a risk with traditional elements and language!” a third shared, while someone else said, “This live will stand out for sure, the voices and the sound will be awesome”.

“It's a BOP and I love the aboriginal influence. Going straight to my top 10, been waiting for them at ESC since 2019!” a different user replied.

Who else has represented Australia at Eurovision?

Australia made its debut at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015 with Guy Sebastian, who finished fifth with his song ‘Tonight Again’. This was followed by Dami Im whose song ‘Sound of Silence’ came second, which is still the highest placement Australia has ever received.

The next artists were Isaiah who finished in ninth place, Jessica Mauboy who came twentieth, and Kate Miller-Heidke, who was the first artist selected through SBS’ national selection show, Eurovision - Australian Decides, and finished ninth in the song contest.

Australia voted for Montaigne to compete in 2020, however, the competition was cancelled due to the pandemic so she returned the following year with a brand new song - which failed to qualify in the final.

Sheldon Riley finished fifteenth in 2022 with ‘Not The Same’ and last year’s artist Voyager came ninth with their song ‘Promise’.

The 68th Eurovision Song Contest is set to take place in Malmö, Sweden after the country won the 2023 contest with the song ‘Tattoo’ by Loreen - who also won in 2012 with ‘Tattoo’. This year marks the seventh time Sweden has hosted Eurovision, and will also celebrate 50 years since ABBA won the contest with ‘Waterloo’.

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