Eurovision - Australia Decides 2022: Who’s in the running?
The countdown is officially on for a winner to be selected at Eurovision - Australia Decides and represent Australia at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Turin, Italy.
11 of the country’s biggest artists are set to perform their original songs on the Gold Coast this weekend, with the live TV final being broadcast on SBS on Saturday 26 February.
The winner, who will then go on to participate against 40 other countries in the official competition in May, will be decided by a combined vote from the public and a jury made up of artists and industry experts.
Joel Creasey and Myf Warhurst are returning as hosts for the third year, while I’m A Celebrity champion Dylan Lewis has been newly appointed as the green room host.
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Here are the artists taking to the stage:
Andrew Lambrou - ‘Electrify’
“I’m so thrilled to be a part of Eurovision – Australia Decides 2022! I’ve grown up watching Eurovision with my family, admiring all that goes into it and seeing artists show their craft to the world, and to be a part of this show is like a dream come true. I’m so excited to show Australia my artistry, and to potentially represent my country in this amazing song contest is the most encouraging thought for me.”
Charley - ‘I Suck At Being Lonely’
“Eurovision has always seemed so out of reach, but now I feel one step closer by performing at Eurovision – Australia Decides on the Gold Coast. I’m so excited as my family and I are huge fans and I can’t wait to do them proud. I wrote my song two and a half years ago about my biggest heartbreak, so being able to turn something so dark into something beautiful is a really special moment for me.”
Erica Padilla - ‘To The Bottom’
“I feel like somebody needs to pinch me because I always hoped but never thought this could actually be possible! Eurovision has made some of the GREATS and to be chosen as the TikTok Wildcard gives me so much hope. From performing to my phone in my bedroom to performing at Eurovision – Australia Decides and potentially the biggest stage in the world this year in Italy - now that would be a dream come true.”
G-NAT!ON - ‘Bite Me’
“We are beyond honoured to be the first ever girl-group to perform at Eurovision – Australia Decides! It is so exciting to be a part of the creativity, inspiration, and diversity that Eurovision brings every year, and we cannot wait to bring our song to life on the national stage. Full of strong harmonies and edgy choreography, our song is a dance-pop explosion set to provide the ultimate live show experience. We hope our performance inspires other young people to be strong, powerful, and confident in themselves – see you on the Gold Coast!”
Isaiah Firebrace and Evie Irie - ‘When I’m With You’
“Sometimes life takes you on a very unusual journey. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined doing Eurovision – Australia Decides with Evie Irie but I am so thankful that our planets aligned and we get to do this together. We wrote the song together, we jumped out of a plane together and we want to represent Australia together. Being together is what the song is all about and what the world needs right now. I’m incredibly proud to be doing this with Evie - she’s so unique and so special… Wait until the world gets to know her like I have!”
Jaguar Jonze - ‘Little Fires’
“I am honoured and bubbling with excitement to be performing at Eurovision – Australia Decides again in 2022! The imagination, creativity and talent of the performances is always so inspirational, it’s such a special place to express yourself as a musician and an artist. My song is going to be a moment that celebrates our resilience and the little steps that lead to big change, as well as push my creative boundaries to another level. So much has happened since we were all together, and being back with the added strength of my Eurovision family and fanbase will make it a show worth waiting for. I can’t wait to see you on the Gold Coast!”
Jude York - ‘I Won’t Need to Dream’
“When I found out that my song was selected from the portal, I was already incredibly honoured and excited. Now to know that I’m also performing it live on one of Australia’s biggest platforms is more than I could have possibly asked.”
Paulini - ‘We Are One’
“I’m super excited to be part of Eurovision – Australia Decides, after all, it’s been ages since any of us have really been able to perform to anyone other than our families. That also means it’s been a little while since I’ve been able to belt out any of the big notes I’m known for. But that is something the audience can definitely expect to hear in my new single which I’ll be performing at Eurovision – Australia Decides on the Gold Coast in 2022. Eurovision to me is like the Olympics for singers! It brings together so many countries and cultures— and while it’s a competition I see it as uniting much of the world through music.”
Seann Miley Moore - ‘My Body’
“I don't stand here like 'I want to be different', 'I want to be unique', or 'I want to wear all this to be seen and heard.' I stand here as a proud queer man, a proud brown man and most importantly, a proud Australian - it comes down to authenticity and happiness. Doing all these things make me happy. They make me feel alive. That's what matters. Eurovision is about celebrating your pride and I’m ready to give you all the fabulous joy baby! EveryBODY is welcome in Seann Miley Moore’s world - so Australia, pack your bags, we’re going to the Gold Coast! xoxo SMM.”
Sheldon Riley - ‘Not The Same’
“It has always been the highlight, waking up at 5am every year to watch from Australia. Growing up on the Gold Coast, watching Conchita for the first time was proof to me that the world will choose different if given the chance to see it. I am different but I have found my place on mainstream television where I never fit the mould, on radio that has never played music like mine, festivals you’d never think I’d fit the bill for because I always dare to dream... In my fashion and my music always bringing that little bit of Eurovision magic with me every time. I'm so proud of the artist I am today, wearing my crystal mask in so many parts of the world. It would be an honour to represent Australia and bring my sparkle to Europe! After all these years of dreaming and creating the artist I am today. It's all coming to life in epic fashion, LIVE on stage!”
Voyager - ‘Dreamer’
“Eurovision is the greatest show on earth, so getting a chance to represent Western Australia and to showcase our keytar driven brand of heavy music is one of the most exciting and surreal opportunities to ever come our way!! So, thank you Australia for giving us the opportunity to take you on a voyage with us in what has been a lifelong dream.”
Tune into SBS on 26 February at 8.30pm AEDT to see Eurovision – Australia Decides and cast your vote. Australia’s 2022 Eurovision artist will be revealed during the show.
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