The first four acts vying for selection as Australia‘s next Eurovision Song Content entry have been revealed, showcasing a genuine breadth of talent ready to take on the world – and make us all temporarily forget that Australia is not technically a part of Europe.
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SBS today announced Sheppard, Kate Miller-Heidke, Electric Fields and Mark Vincent are the first artists in the running to represent Australia in our fourth showing at the world’s biggest song contest.
Sheppard, the Brisbane pop act behind Geronimo, said the opportunity “feels like the pop music Olympics,” while versatile songsmith Miller-Heidke described the experience as “a very eclectic celebration of Australian music.”
Eclectic is right. Electric Fields, whose synth-driven tunes build the foundation for soulful lyrics in the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara languages, will be joined by opera belter Vincent as runners for the audience vote.
The full roster of 10 contenders will be revealed in the near future. Right now, it’s up to the Eurovision boffins to match those acts with one of the 700 original tunes submitted by local songwriters for the contest.
It’s the first time Australia’s entry will be determined by local Eurovision fans, bringing the nation into line with nearly every other nation which asks viewers to decide who should smash it out on the global stage.
The line-up will show the goods at the Eurovision – Australia Decides live TV final, airing Saturday 9 February.
That’s when you’ll be asked to vote, folks, but it’s in your best interest to get acquainted with the first four contenders before that night to get a feel for their vibes. Australia’s honour depends on it.
