Holy crap Eurovision was fun.
Not only was the annual celebration of all things gloriously European the most watched edition in Australian TV history – with the final attracting a peak audience of 1,053,000 people, making a total audience across all three broadcasts reach a staggering 4.2 million – but it may well have given Guy Sebastian‘s career in Europe one hell of a jumpstart.
Following our wildcard entry into the competition, Guy blistered his way through a genuinely bang-up great performance of “Tonight Again” that struck a chord with European viewers so great that their votes propelled Australia to a remarkable 5th place finish, with 196 points in total – including top marks of 12 from both Sweden and Austria.
And the success of Guy’s performance is having resonating effects today, with “Tonight Again” rocketing up the iTunes charts across Europe today.
In Sweden, the song shot up to number 2 on the overall charts, behind only the Swedish Eurovision winner Måns Zelmerlöw and his competition destroying banger “Heroes.”
Elsewhere, Sebastian’s track sits at number 4 in the Bahamas, number 7 in Estonia, number 8 in Norway and the Netherlands, number 9 in Austria, number 10 in Denmark, and at 12 here in Australia.
The increased exposure and barnstorming performance could also lead to a potential collaboration with winner Zelmerlöw, who expressed his desire to work with Sebastian after accepting the winner’s trophy.
There’s no word at the moment as to whether or not Australia’s successful debut performance will lead to us gaining a more permanent invitation to compete annually in the contest, but we sure as hell can cross our fingers and hope for the best.
For the record – as far as this writer/die-hard Eurovision tragic is concerned:
12 points to Sweden – Such hunk. Very perfect jawline. Wow.
10 points to Latvia – QUEEN.
And 8 points to Serbia – Because dat Eurohouse dance break.
(Hopefully) see you next year, Europe!
Photo: Nigel Treblin via Getty Images.
