Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016

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Eurovision Song Contest 2016
CountryFlag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
National selection
Selection processInternal selection
Selection date(s)Artist: 3 March 2016
Song: 11 March 2016
Selected entrant Dami Im
Selected song"Sound of Silence"
Selected songwriter(s)
Finals performance
Semi-final resultQualified (1st, 330 points)
Final result2nd, 511 points
Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest
◄2015 •2016• 2017►

Australia participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 with the song "Sound of Silence" written by Anthony Egizii and David Musumeci. The song was performed by Dami Im, who was internally selected by the Australian broadcaster Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) to represent that nation at the 2016 contest in Stockholm, Sweden. Im was announced as the Australian representative on 3 March 2016 during the Sydney concert of Conchita Wurst, Austria's Eurovision Song Contest 2014 winner. The song Im performed, "Sound of Silence", was presented to the public on 11 March 2016.

Contents

Australia debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015 by invitation from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) as a "one-off" special guest to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Eurovision. On 17 November 2015, the EBU announced that SBS had been invited to participate in the 2016 contest and that Australia would once again take part. In 2015, Australia was guaranteed a spot in the final of the contest and was allowed to vote during both semi-finals and the final; however, for the 2016 contest, Australia would have to qualify to the final from one of two semi-finals and could only vote in the semi-final in which the nation was allocated to compete.

Australia was drawn to compete in the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest which took place on 12 May 2016. Performing during the show in position 10, "Sound of Silence" was announced among the top 10 entries of the second semi-final and therefore qualified to compete in the final on 14 May. It was later revealed that Australia placed first out of the 18 participating countries in the semi-final with 330 points. In the final, Australia performed in position 13 and placed second out of the 26 participating countries, scoring 511 points.

Background

Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) has broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest since 1983, and the contest has gained a cult following over that time, primarily due to the country's strong political and cultural ties with Europe. Paying tribute to this, the 2014 contest semi-finals included an interval act featuring Australian singer Jessica Mauboy. [1] Australian singers have also participated at Eurovision as representatives of other countries, including Olivia Newton-John (1974, United Kingdom), two-time winner Johnny Logan (1980 and 1987, Ireland), Gina G (1996, United Kingdom), and Jane Comerford as lead singer of Texas Lightning (2006, Germany). [2]

Tying in with the goal of Eurovision—to showcase "the importance of bringing countries together to celebrate diversity, music and culture", the 2015 theme of "Building Bridges", and arguing that they could not hold "the world's biggest party" to celebrate the 60th edition of Eurovision without inviting Australia, the EBU announced on 10 February 2015 that the country would compete at that year's edition as a special guest participant. [2] Along with the "Big Five" (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom), and the host country of Austria, Australia was given automatic entry into the final to "not reduce the chances" of the semi-final participants. [3] Australia's entry, "Tonight Again" performed by Guy Sebastian, came in fifth place with 196 points, and was awarded the maximum 'douze points' by Austria and Sweden. [4]

Before Eurovision

Invitation to participate

On 17 November 2015, the EBU announced that the Australian Associate Member broadcaster SBS had accepted the invitation for Australia to return and compete in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016. [5] The EBU's Reference Group voted unanimously in favour of Australia's participation. [5] In 2015, Australia was granted direct entry into the final of the Eurovision Song Contest as well as the right to vote in both semi-finals and the final; however, the conditions of Australia's return in 2016 required the nation to compete for qualification to the final in one of the two semi-finals and only vote in the semi-final that Australia was allocated to compete in. [5] In addition, should Australia win the contest in 2016, the 2017 contest would be organised by SBS in collaboration with another EBU broadcaster and would take place somewhere in Europe. [5]

In regards to Australia's participation in 2016, the contest's Executive Supervisor, Jon Ola Sand, stated: "The feedback we got from viewers, fans, press and the broadcasters after Australia's participation in Vienna was overwhelmingly positive. We strongly believe the Eurovision Song Contest has the potential to evolve organically into a truly global event. Australia's continued participation is an exciting step in that direction. It remains to be seen what such an event may look like in the long run." [5] SBS CEO and managing director Michael Ebeid stated: "SBS is thrilled to have secured this opportunity for Australia to compete at Stockholm in 2016 and thank the European Broadcasting Union for their invitation. The Eurovision Song Contest is a wonderful example of cultural diversity and social inclusion and our continued participation offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase Australian musical talent in a truly international multicultural celebration. Production partner Blink TV have been integral in supporting our ambition to build Australia's presence on the world's biggest stage and together we look forward to again bringing the Eurovision experience to our screens." [5]

Internal selection

Dami Im was announced as the artist that would represent Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 on 3 March 2016. [6] The announcement was made by Austria's Eurovision Song Contest 2014 winner Conchita Wurst during her concert with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Conchita: From Vienna with Love, which took place at the Sydney Opera House. [7] SBS streamed the announcement online through Facebook Live. [8] In regards to her selection as the Australian representative, Im stated: "I am so thrilled and honoured to be representing Australia at Eurovision this year in Stockholm. I am really excited to be following in the footsteps of Guy Sebastian and Jessica Mauboy who have both graced the Eurovision stage before me. I truly believe that the Australian public and Eurovision fans around the world are going to love the song I will be performing in Sweden. I cannot wait to showcase it to the world and represent Australia to the best of my ability!" [6] Dami Im also represented Australia at the ABU TV Song Festival 2014 with the song "Living Dangerously". [9]

Dami Im's Eurovision song, "Sound of Silence", was previewed on 10 March 2016 during the SBS 2 programme The Feed . [10] The official video and digital download release of the full song occurred on 11 March 2016. [11] The song was written by the songwriting and production team DNA Songs, which consists of Anthony Egizii and David Musumeci. [11]

The first time I heard "Sound of Silence" I knew it was the perfect song for me to perform at the Eurovision Song Contest. There are many ways to interpret the meaning around a song, but one theme that I relate to in "Sound of Silence" is that of disconnection and being away from the people in my life that I love. We live in a world where it is easy to be connected every minute of the day but along with this connection you can feel alone and isolated. I can't wait to perform it live in Stockholm and connect with a whole new audience.

— Dami Im about "Sound of Silence" [12]

Lyric controversy

Controversy arose following the release of the Australian entry due to complaints that the lyrics of "Sound of Silence" violated the rules of the Eurovision Song Contest, which prohibit lyrics that contain "messages promoting any political cause, company, brand, products or services". The lyric in question, "Trying to feel your love through face time", was alleged to be mentioning the Apple Inc. videotelephony product FaceTime. On 5 April 2016, the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group released a statement that cleared the song for the competition: "The lyrics of the Australian song are presented as two separate words, 'face time' and not FaceTime which is an Apple trademark". [13] [14]

Promotion

Prior to the Eurovision Song Contest, Dami Im made several appearances across Australia to promote "Sound of Silence" as the Australian Eurovision entry while also promoting her album Classic Carpenters , which was released on 22 April 2016. [15] On 10 April, Im performed "Sound of Silence" live for the first time during the Streat Vibes Music Festival at Watergardens Town Centre in Melbourne. [16] On 12 April, Im performed the song during the Salesforce World Tour in Melbourne. [17] On 23 April, Dami Im performed "Sound of Silence" at the Hyperdome Home Centre in Loganholme and at Warner Bros. Movie World in Gold Coast. On 28 April, Im performed the song at Westfield Parramatta in Sydney. [18]

At Eurovision

Dami Im during a press meet and greet ESC2016 - Australia Meet & Greet 10.jpg
Dami Im during a press meet and greet

According to Eurovision rules, all nations with the exceptions of the host country and the "Big Five" (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom) are required to qualify from one of two semi-finals in order to compete for the final; the top ten countries from each semi-final progress to the final. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) split up the competing countries into six different pots based on voting patterns from previous contests, with countries with favourable voting histories put into the same pot. [19] On 25 January 2016, a special allocation draw was held which placed each country into one of the two semi-finals, as well as which half of the show they would perform in. Australia was placed into the second semi-final, to be held on 12 May 2016, and was scheduled to perform in the first half of the show. [20]

Once all the competing songs for the 2016 contest had been released, the running order for the semi-finals was decided by the shows' producers rather than through another draw, so that similar songs were not placed next to each other. Australia was set to perform in position 10, following the entry from Lithuania and before the entry from Slovenia. [21]

In Australia, both semi-finals and the final were broadcast live on SBS at 5 am AEST, allowing Australia to participate in the official voting period for the second semi-final and the final. In addition to live broadcasts early on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings, all three shows were replayed in primetime on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights as part of SBS's Eurovision Weekend. [6] The commentators for all three shows were Julia Zemiro and Sam Pang. [6] SBS Radio also launched SBS Eurovision Radio on 1 May, which was broadcast via SBS Radio 4 and the SBS Radio App; the radio broadcasts featured backstage coverage of the contest, interviews with the contestants by reporter Alistair Birch and live simulcasts of the contest as it aired on SBS. [22] The Australian spokesperson, who announced the top 12-point score awarded by the Australian jury during the final, was Lee Lin Chin. [23]

Semi-final

Dami Im during a rehearsal before the second semi-final ESC2016 - Australia 03.jpg
Dami Im during a rehearsal before the second semi-final

Dami Im took part in technical rehearsals on 4 and 7 May, followed by dress rehearsals on 11 and 12 May. [24] This included the jury show on 11 May where the professional juries of each country watched and voted on the competing entries. [25]

The Australian performance featured Dami Im performing in a white dress with crystals on the top half designed by Australian designer Steven Khalil. [26] [27] [28] [29] Dami Im began her performance on top of a large blue box surrounded by transparent hologram screens which displayed a nighttime city skyline, robotic imagery and pictures of faces. Im interacted with the screens by making hand motions that gave the impression that the images displayed were being manipulated. Dami Im finished the performance standing on the stage with a wind machine and the stage displaying blue light effects. Dami Im was joined by two off-stage backing vocalists: Anna Sahlene and Dea Norberg. [30] Sahlene previously represented Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2002 where she placed third with the song "Runaway".

At the end of the show, Australia was announced as having finished in the top 10 and subsequently qualifying for the grand final. [31] It was later revealed that Australia placed first in the semi-final, receiving a total of 330 points: 142 points from the televoting and 188 points from the juries. [32]

Final

Shortly after the second semi-final, a winners' press conference was held for the ten qualifying countries. As part of this press conference, the qualifying artists took part in a draw to determine which half of the grand final they would subsequently participate in. This draw was done in the reverse order the countries appeared in the semi-final running order. Australia was drawn to compete in the first half. [33] Following this draw, the shows' producers decided upon the running order of the final, as they had done for the semi-finals. Australia was subsequently placed to perform in position 13, following the entry from Poland and before the entry from Cyprus. [34]

Dami Im once again took part in dress rehearsals on 13 and 14 May before the final, including the jury final where the professional juries cast their final votes before the live show. [35] Dami Im performed a repeat of her semi-final performance during the final on 14 May. Australia placed second in the final, scoring 511 points: 191 points from the televoting and 320 points from the juries. [36] [37]

Marcel Bezençon Awards

The Marcel Bezençon Awards, first awarded during the 2002 contest, are awards honouring the best competing songs in the final each year. Named after the creator of the annual contest, Marcel Bezençon, the awards are divided into 3 categories: the Press Award, given to the best entry as voted on by the accredited media and press during the event; the Artistic Award, presented to the best artist as voted on by the shows' commentators; and the Composer Award, given to the best and most original composition as voted by the participating composers. "Sound of Silence" was awarded the Composer Award, which was accepted at the awards ceremony by the songwriters David Musumeci and Anthony Egizii. [38]

Voting

Voting during the three shows was conducted under a new system that involved each country now awarding two sets of points from 1–8, 10 and 12: one from their professional jury and the other from televoting. Each nation's jury consisted of five music industry professionals who are citizens of the country they represent, with their names published before the contest to ensure transparency. This jury judged each entry based on: vocal capacity; the stage performance; the song's composition and originality; and the overall impression by the act. [39] In addition, no member of a national jury was permitted to be related in any way to any of the competing acts in such a way that they cannot vote impartially and independently. The individual rankings of each jury member as well as the nation's televoting results were released shortly after the grand final. [40]

Below is a breakdown of points awarded to Australia and awarded by Australia in the second semi-final and grand final of the contest, and the breakdown of the jury voting and televoting conducted during the two shows:

Points awarded to Australia

Points awarded by Australia

Detailed voting results

The following members comprised the Australian jury: [39]

Detailed voting results from Australia (Semi-final 2) [41]
DrawCountryJuryTelevote
M. TrapagaJ. MathisonS. NollC. PortelisM. WarhurstAverage RankPointsRankPoints
01Flag of Latvia.svg  Latvia 781512101165
02Flag of Poland.svg  Poland 10161717141711
03Flag of Switzerland.svg   Switzerland 111199910116
04Flag of Israel.svg  Israel 2332221056
05Flag of Belarus.svg  Belarus 45123125612
06Flag of Serbia.svg  Serbia 81251178392
07Flag of Ireland.svg  Ireland 9141615171647
08Flag of North Macedonia.svg  Macedonia 132141649274
09Flag of Lithuania.svg  Lithuania 544664738
10Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
11Flag of Slovenia.svg  Slovenia 6975157415
12Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria 3664338210
13Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark 121510131113101
14Flag of Ukraine.svg  Ukraine 1410111081283
15Flag of Norway.svg  Norway 1671856513
16Flag of Georgia.svg  Georgia 1717137161514
17Flag of Albania.svg  Albania 1513814131417
18Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium 11211112112
Detailed voting results from Australia (Final) [42]
DrawCountryJuryTelevote
M. TrapagaJ. MathisonS. NollC. PortelisM. WarhurstAverage RankPointsRankPoints
01Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium 12111112112
02Flag of the Czech Republic.svg  Czech Republic 1823414221625
03Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands 1014114108316
04Flag of Azerbaijan.svg  Azerbaijan 7201515111222
05Flag of Hungary.svg  Hungary 2261024231919
06Flag of Italy.svg  Italy 11162416161723
07Flag of Israel.svg  Israel 4332221014
08Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria 2173338210
09Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden 16212217252320
10Flag of Germany.svg  Germany 19121612171421
11Flag of France.svg  France 5713755647
12Flag of Poland.svg  Poland 25191425122215
13Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
14Flag of Cyprus.svg  Cyprus 2318620212013
15Flag of Serbia.svg  Serbia 817211371117
16Flag of Lithuania.svg  Lithuania 6455447101
17Flag of Croatia.svg  Croatia 1788191310118
18Flag of Russia.svg  Russia 2413172281865
19Flag of Spain.svg  Spain 3518666592
20Flag of Latvia.svg  Latvia 149258241511
21Flag of Ukraine.svg  Ukraine 13109999238
22Flag of Malta.svg  Malta 15241918142156
23Flag of Georgia.svg  Georgia 21252021182524
24Flag of Austria.svg  Austria 20152323202483
25Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom 911211157474
26Flag of Armenia.svg  Armenia 12221210191312

Related Research Articles

Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest

Australia has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest six times since their debut in 2015 and has been in the top ten four times. They are the second country outside of the Eurasia region to take part in the contest since Morocco competed in 1980. The country's best result in the contest is a second-place finish for Dami Im in 2016. Australia also finished in the top ten in three of its other appearances in the contest, with Guy Sebastian finishing fifth in 2015, and both Isaiah and Kate Miller-Heidke finishing ninth in 2017 and 2019.

Finland participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 with the song "Aina mun pitää" written and performed by the band Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät. The Finnish broadcaster Yleisradio (Yle) organised the national final Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2015 in order to select the Finnish entry for the 2015 contest in Vienna, Austria. 18 entries were selected to compete in the national final, which consisted of three semi-finals and a final, taking place in February 2015. Six entries competed in each semi-final and the top three from each semi-final, as selected solely by a public vote, advanced to the final. Nine entries competed in the final on 28 February where the combination of votes from eight jury groups representing different factions of Finnish society and votes from the public selected "Aina mun pitää" performed by Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät as the winner.

Australia debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 by invitation from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) as a "one-off" special guest to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Eurovision. The country participated with the song "Tonight Again" written by Guy Sebastian, David Ryan Harris and Louis Schoorl. The song was performed by Guy Sebastian, who was internally selected by the Australian broadcaster Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) to represent that nation at the 2015 contest in Vienna, Austria. Sebastian was announced as the Australian representative on 3 March 2015 during a press conference in Sydney. The song Sebastian performed, "Tonight Again", was presented to the public on 16 March 2015. The Australian coloratura soprano of Armenian descent Mary-Jean O'Doherty also participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 contest as part of the group Genealogy representing Armenia, but this marked the first time that the country has officially participated.

Romania had originally applied and selected an entry to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 in Stockholm, Sweden, however, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) removed the Romanian national broadcaster Televiziunea Română (TVR) from all EBU member services, including the contest, following repeated non-payment of debts on 22 April 2016. With TVR's inability to broadcast the contest, the Romanian entry became ineligible to compete and was removed from the contest.

Iceland participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 with the song "Hear Them Calling" written and performed by Greta Salóme. Greta Salóme Stefánsdóttir previously represented Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 in a duet with Jónsi, where they placed twentieth in the final of the competition with the song "Never Forget". The Icelandic entry for the 2016 contest in Stockholm, Sweden was selected through the national final Söngvakeppnin 2016, organised by the Icelandic broadcaster Ríkisútvarpið (RÚV). The selection consisted of two semi-finals and a final, held on 6, 13 and 20 February 2016, respectively. Six songs competed in each semi-final with the top three as selected by a public televote advancing to the final. In the final, the winner was selected over two rounds of voting: the first involved a 50/50 combination of regional jury voting and public televoting, which reduced the six competing entries to two superfinalists and the second round selected the winner exclusively through public televoting. "Hear Them Calling" performed by Greta Salóme emerged as the winner after gaining 61.32% of the public vote.

Poland participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 with the song "Color of Your Life" written by Andy Palmer and Kamil Varen. The song was performed by Michał Szpak. The Polish broadcaster Telewizja Polska (TVP) first announced in October 2015 that the Polish entry for the 2016 contest in Stockholm, Sweden would be selected through an internal selection. However, the broadcaster later decided to organise the national final Krajowe Eliminacje 2016 in order to select the Polish entry. The national final took place on 5 March 2016 and featured nine entries. "Color of Your Life" performed by Michał Szpak was selected as the winner after gaining 35.89% of the public vote.

Russia participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 with the song "You Are the Only One" written by Philipp Kirkorov, Dimitris Kontopoulos, John Ballard and Ralph Charlie. The song was performed by Sergey Lazarev who was internally selected by the Russian broadcaster All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (VGTRK) to compete at the 2016 contest in Stockholm, Sweden. Lazarev's appointment as the Russian representative was announced on 10 December 2015, while the song, "You Are the Only One", was presented to the public on 5 March 2016.

Ukraine participated in and won the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 with the song "1944" written and performed by Jamala. Ukraine returned to the Eurovision Song Contest after the nation withdrew from the 2015 due to financial and political reasons related to the Russo-Ukrainian War.

Norway participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017. The Norwegian broadcaster NRK organised the national final Melodi Grand Prix 2017 in order to select the Norwegian entry for the 2017 contest in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Belarus participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 with the song "Story of My Life" written by Arciom Lukjanienka. The song was performed by Naviband. The Belarusian entry for the 2017 contest in Kyiv, Ukraine was selected through a national final organised by the Belarusian broadcaster National State Television and Radio Company of the Republic of Belarus (BTRC). The national final consisted of thirteen competing acts participating in a televised production where the winner was determined by a 50/50 combination of votes from jury members made up of music professionals and a public telephone vote. "Historyja majho žyccia" performed by Navi was selected as the winner. The song's title was later translated from Belarusian to English for the Eurovision Song Contest and was titled "Story of My Life".

Australia participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 with the song "Don't Come Easy" written by Anthony Egizii, David Musumeci and Michael Angelo. The song was performed by Isaiah Firebrace, who was internally selected by the Australian broadcaster Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) to represent that nation at the 2017 contest in Kyiv, Ukraine. Firebrace as the Australian representative and the song he performed, "Don't Come Easy", was announced and presented to the public on 7 March 2017 during an announcement event in Melbourne.

Georgia participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 with the song "Keep the Faith" written by Anri Jokhadze and Tamara Gachechiladze. The song was performed by Tamara Gachechiladze, who was due to represent in the Georgia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 as part of Stephane and 3G with the song "We Don't Wanna Put In" before the nation's withdrawal in protest of the Russo-Georgian War. Songwriter Anri Jokhadze represented Georgia in the 2012 contest where he failed to qualify to the final with the song "I'm a Joker". The Georgian broadcaster Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) held a national final in order to select the Georgian entry for the 2017 contest in Kyiv, Ukraine. An open call for submissions was held which resulted in the submission of twenty-five entries that were presented to the public during a televised production on 20 January 2017. The results of a public televote combined with the votes of an international jury resulted in the selection of "Keep the Faith" performed by Tamara Gachechiladze as the Georgian entry.

Romania participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 with the song "Yodel It!" written by Mihai Alexandru and Alexandra Niculae. The song was performed by Ilinca and Alex Florea. In October 2016, the Romanian broadcaster Televiziunea Română (TVR) announced that they would be returning to the Eurovision Song Contest after a one-year absence following their forced withdrawal in 2016 due to repeated non-payment of debts to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). TVR organised the national final Selecția Națională 2017 in order to select the Romanian entry for the 2017 contest in Kyiv, Ukraine. The national final consisted of two shows: a semi-final and a final. Fifteen entries were selected to compete in the semi-final on 26 February 2017 where a five-member jury panel selected ten entries to advance to the final. The ten qualifiers competed in the final on 5 March 2017 where "Yodel It!" performed by Ilinca and Alex Florea was selected as the winner entirely by a public vote.

Czech Republic participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018. The Czech broadcaster Česká televize (ČT) organised a national final in order to select the Czech entry for the 2018 contest in Lisbon, Portugal. The winning entry was the song Lie to Me performed by Mikolas Josef, which represented the country in Lisbon.

Australia participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 with the song "We Got Love" written by Anthony Egizii, David Musumeci and Jessica Mauboy. The song was performed by Jessica Mauboy, who was internally selected by the Australian broadcaster Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) to represent that nation at the 2018 contest in Lisbon, Portugal. Mauboy was announced as the Australian representative on 11 December 2017. The song Mauboy performed, "We Got Love", was presented to the public on 8 March 2018.

Ireland participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 with the song "Together", performed by Ryan O'Shaughnessy and written by himself, Mark Caplice and Laura Elizabeth Hughes. The song and the singer were internally selected in January 2018 by the Irish broadcaster Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ) to represent the nation at the 2018 contest in Lisbon, Portugal.

Australia participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with the song "Zero Gravity" written by Kate Miller-Heidke, Keir Nuttall and Julian Hamilton. The song was performed by Kate Miller-Heidke. The Australian broadcaster Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) organised the national final Eurovision – Australia Decides in order to select the Australian entry for the 2019 contest in Tel Aviv, Israel. Ten artists and songs competed in the national final and the winner was selected by a public and jury vote.

Australia originally planned to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 with the song "Don't Break Me" written by Jessica Cerro, Anthony Egizii and David Musumeci. The song would have been performed by Montaigne. The Australian broadcaster Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) organised the national final Eurovision – Australia Decides in order to select the Australian entry for the 2020 contest in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Ten artists and songs competed in the national final and the winner was selected by a public and jury vote.

Australia participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 with the song "Technicolour" written by Montaigne and Dave Hammer. The song was performed by Montaigne, who was internally selected by the Australian broadcaster Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) to represent that nation at the 2021 contest in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Montaigne was announced as the Australian representative on 2 April 2020 after she was due to compete in the 2020 contest with "Don't Break Me" before the 2020 event's cancellation. The song Montaigne performed, "Technicolour", was presented to the public on 4 March 2021.

Australia will participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in Turin, Italy. The Australian broadcaster Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) selected Sheldon Riley with "Not the Same" to represent the country, after he won Eurovision – Australia Decides on 26 February 2022.

References

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  24. ↑ "Media Activities" (PDF). eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 May 2016. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  25. ↑ Roxburgh, Gordon (11 May 2016). "Time for the juries to make their choice". eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union . Retrieved 11 May 2016.
  26. ↑ Norton, Sarah; Dwyer, Genevieve (4 May 2016). "Your first look at Dami Im's incredible Eurovision dress". sbs.com.au. SBS . Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  27. ↑ Roxburgh, Gordon (4 May 2016). "Third day of rehearsals". eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union. Archived from the original on 5 May 2016. Retrieved 4 May 2016.
  28. ↑ Salmon, Josh (4 May 2016). "Australia: Dami Im visually slays "Sound of Silence" first rehearsal". wiwibloggs.com. Wiwibloggs. Retrieved 4 May 2016.
  29. ↑ Escudero, Victor M. (7 May 2016). "Day 6 at the Globe Arena". eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union. Archived from the original on 7 May 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  30. ↑ Ågrahn, Emma (4 May 2016). "Anna Sahlene gör comeback i Eurovision Song Contest – körar bakom Australien". svt.se (in Swedish). Sveriges Television . Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  31. ↑ Roxburgh, Gordon (12 May 2016). "10 more finalists through to the Grand Final". eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union . Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  32. ↑ "Second Semi-Final of Stockholm 2016". European Broadcasting Union. Archived from the original on 8 May 2021. Retrieved 8 May 2021.
  33. ↑ Brey, Marco (12 May 2016). "The Second Semi-Final winners' press conference". eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union. Archived from the original on 14 May 2016. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  34. ↑ Brey, Marco (13 May 2016). "Running order for the 2016 Grand Final revealed". eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union . Retrieved 13 May 2016.
  35. ↑ Roxburgh, Gordon (13 May 2016). "Juries voting tonight for the 2016 Grand Final". eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union . Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  36. ↑ Roxburgh, Gordon (14 May 2016). "Ukraine wins 2016 Eurovision Song Contest". eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union . Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  37. ↑ "Grand Final of Stockholm 2016". European Broadcasting Union. Archived from the original on 8 May 2021. Retrieved 8 May 2021.
  38. ↑ Albinsson, Mathilde (14 May 2016). "De prisades redan innan Eurovision Song Contest 2016 – vann Marcel Bezençon Award". svt.se (in Swedish). Sveriges Television . Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  39. 1 2 "Here are the judges for Eurovision 2016!". eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union. 29 April 2016. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  40. ↑ Jordan, Paul (18 February 2016). "Biggest change to Eurovision Song Contest voting since 1975". eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union . Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  41. 1 2 3 "Results of the Second Semi-Final of Stockholm 2016". European Broadcasting Union. Archived from the original on 14 May 2021. Retrieved 14 May 2021.
  42. 1 2 3 "Results of the Grand Final of Stockholm 2016". European Broadcasting Union. Archived from the original on 14 May 2021. Retrieved 14 May 2021.
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