Eurovision Song Contest

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Songs and special guests revealed for ‘Eurovision – Australia Decides’ 2020

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SBS and production partner Blink TV today revealed five songs and the first two special guest acts for Eurovision – Australia Decides 2020, setting the stage for a show like no other.

Hosted on the Gold Coast and broadcast live and exclusive on SBS on Saturday 8 February, the national selection will showcase ten well-known Australian artists, performing original songs, for their chance to represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

The ten contenders from across the musical spectrum are: Aussie icon Vanessa Amorosi, powerhouse entertainer Casey Donovan, rising First Nations artist Mitch Tambo, glam rock star iOTA, art pop auteur Montaigne, alternative artist Didirri , The Voice winner Diana Rouvas , Australia’s Got Talent winner Jack Vidgen , 19-year-old emerging singer-songwriter Jordan-Ravi and Taiwanese-Australian multi-media artist Jaguar Jonze.

Live and TV audiences will be graced by Eurovision royalty with the first two special guests confirmed to perform: winner of the inaugural Eurovision – Australia Decides Kate Miller-Heidke will return to the stage where it all began to perform Zero Gravity and will join the jury as one of five judges, whilepowerhouse vocalist and Eurovision 2016 runner up Dami Im will take to the stage with a brand new track.

SBS can also reveal five new songs released today: Casey Donovan’s anthem of self-respect and acceptance Proud was submitted to the SBS Song Portal by songwriter Justine Eltakchi, Mitch Tambo’s inspirational and uniting anthem Together is sung in both English and Gamilaraay, iOTA’s inspirational and energetic Life was submitted to the SBS Song Portal by emerging songwriter Jesse Watt, Diana Rouvas’s song of empowerment Can We Make Heaven was inspired by personal lessons in life and Jordan-Ravi’s Pushing Stars was written by a team, which included two 2019 Eurovision – Australia Decides contenders George Sheppard and Tania Doko.

With Jack Vidgen’s self-penned, deeply personal ballad I Am King I Am Queen released last month (watch the video here), this leaves just four songs to be revealed from Vanessa Amorosi, Montaigne, Didirri and Jaguar Jonze.

Casey Donovan said: “From the first line of the song to the end crescendo, I had fallen in love with this song, it spoke to me in a way music hasn’t in a very long time. Proud’ is merely a reminder to yourself, to be proud of who you are, proud of all of the ups and downs, to keep getting up despite the pain and push forward no matter how many people put you down. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy at that. It’s an anthem of self-love and acceptance - a little reminder that we have to stand tall and proud."

Diana Rouvas said: “ ‘Can We Make Heaven’ was inspired by the personal lessons we learn in life and how I feel we can choose to be empowered, choose to grow, create, manifest and be the light in the darkness. The last few months have been an incredibly difficult time for so many Australians affected by the bushfires and it has been so inspiring to watch the nation come together to support those in need. It is amazing to see what we can achieve when we all band together and I know our resilient spirits will see us through to find that light again.”

Mitch Tambo said: “ ‘Together’ is a really important song to me. It’s the culmination of everything I want to do with my music - to bring people from all walks of life, cultures and creeds together with a message of love, especially when so many are going through such tough times. It’s the perfect song for Eurovision, which is all about uniting people through music no matter what language they speak – or sing. I can’t wait to get out on that stage and perform this song for Australia, and the world.”

iOTA said: “I really like this song… and it’s not my song, it was written by Jesse Watt - but I love it. ‘Life’ is inspirational and energetic, positive, mighty, heartfelt and fun… it’s been a joy to imbue my emotion and vibe into another writer’s song, to make it my own - and hopefully please the listeners.”

Jordan-Ravi said: “I’m incredibly excited to be releasing ‘Pushing Stars’ today, and I’m very honoured to be releasing it for Eurovision – Australia Decides . The song was written by George Sheppard, Tania Doko and two other Swedish writers, so it has really great Eurovision vibes attached to it. It’s such a meaningful song with heartfelt lyrics and I’ve been able to put my own spin musically on it. I am really proud of the result and I hope that Australia falls in love with ‘Pushing Stars’ ."

SBS Commissioning Editor for Entertainment and Australia’s Head of Delegation, Josh Martin said: “We’re thrilled with the calibre and diversity of artists and songs this year, and proud to provide a platform to share their music with the world. To have Kate return as both a performer and a judge, to the stage where her Eurovision journey began with a new re-imagining of Zero Gravity , is really special. And what would Australia Decides be without the one and only Dami Im who has something exciting in store for us! Their experiences will no doubt provide inspiration to all ten performers, highlighting what an incredible opportunity the show is for home-grown artists and songwriters to promote their music on the world stage.”

Kate Miller-Heidke said: “I’m so excited to return to where it all began and once again perform as part of Eurovision – Australia Decides - this time without the pressure of trying to beat out nine other amazing acts! I’m also honoured to have been asked to be on this year’s jury. Winning the inaugural ‘Australia Decides’ was the start of a life-changing whirlwind and I’m looking forward to seeing the adventure begin for our next Eurovision contender."

Creative Director of Eurovision – Australia Decides and Director of Blink TV, Paul Clarke said: “It’s an exciting day. The contestants and their production teams have all worked so hard over the summer to get the very best vocal recordings. We are delighted with their efforts and the standard of music we are releasing today. It’s shaping up to be a show to remember. We’re looking forward to the final releases very soon and can promise original performances with a lot of props and a little bit of danger! The Live TV Final is almost sold out, so get in quick if you want to be closer to the action and feel the energy in the room as the votes and winner are revealed. And for those that miss out on the Final, the Opening Night and Matinee are a hoot!”

In association with the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland, the City of Gold Coast, Screen Queensland, APRA AMCOS, Moroccanoil and accommodation partner QT Gold Coast, Eurovision – Australia Decides will be presented at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 February and tickets for the Opening Night Show, Matinee Show are on sale, with limited tickets available to the Live TV Final.

Hosted by SBS Eurovisionaries comedian Joel Creasey and music buff Myf Warhurst, Eurovision – Australia Decides will showcase the best of Australian music and bring the nation closer to the Eurovision action. Audiences are encouraged to vote for their favourite acts and the winner will be revealed during the Live TV Final broadcast live and exclusively on SBS on Saturday 8 February.

OPENING NIGHT SHOW

Friday 7 February, 7.30pm AEST (Not televised – Tickets available) Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
Jury Vote

MATINEE SHOW

Saturday 8 February, 1.00pm AEST (Not televised – Tickets available) Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre

LIVE TV FINAL

Saturday 8 February, 7.30pm AEST (Live and Exclusive TV Broadcast on SBS – Limited tickets available)
Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
Public Vote and Winner Announced

Eurovision – Australia Decides airs live and exclusively on SBS on Saturday 8 February 2020. Broadcast times across Australia:

  • NSW/VIC/TAS/ACT 8:30pm – 11:00pm AEDT
  • QLD 7:30pm – 10:00pm AEST
  • SA 8:00pm – 10:30pm ACDT
  • WA 5:30pm – 8:00pm AWST
  • NT 7:00pm – 9:30pm ACST
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Dami Im will have a busy week as she is also rehearsing for her first dance on 10’s Dancing with the Stars, which starts on February 9, the night after Eurovision: Australia Decides final.

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I don’t really understand why we keep sending contestants to Eurovision…

It was only meant to be a one off entry for the 60th anniversary.

It kind of feels like I’m going to the wedding of someone I don’t know.

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But you’ve known them for 37 years. :wink:

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Nah it wasn’t a one off, I suspect SBS had been planning it for a while, and they did partly by stealth.

First there was the “hello from Australia” message during the intermission

Then the following year, Jessica Mauboy singing during the intermission.

Then competing, and I think we’re in for a few more years if I remember reading correctly .

But yes, the novelty has very much worn off, and I kind of get the feeling Australia has overstayed it’s welcome and Joel and Myf drinking their koolaid and believe the hype, it was amazing to hear their silence when Isiah Firebrace and Jessica Mauboy placed terribly.
Kate Miller-Heidke did well, but I believe that’s mainly due to the unique staging, which was excellent, the song wasn’t amazing.

My basis of saying overstayed, if you look at the last few years, excepting last year where we did alright (see above) Australia’s points have come from the jury votes - in the public votes Australia has done exceptionally badly
European public votes:
2017 - second last, 2 points
2018 - last, 9 points

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it is because we got invited i will say it again invited to particapte again

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EBU gets money out of it and we keep paying

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Which is also why countries like Israel, Armenia and Azerbaijan participate, which are not Europe either.

Turkey and Georgia are a bit iffy too. :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

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The ‘Euro’ in Eurovision became redundant when Israel joined in 1973.
A few Arab countries in the Middle East and North Africa would’ve joined as well but always objected to the former already participating.

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Im going to call BS on the invite, SBS (or recording company) were happy to stump up the cash, we were “invited” the same same way a customer pays to enter a club.
So long as you pay the entry fee, come on in

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Isaiah came 9th, same as Kate. Australia is actually the 7th most succesful country the past decade despite competing for only half the decade. Most country would love to have that success.

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Israel is a member of the European Broadcasting Union. As long as you are a full member of the European Broadcasting Union you are free to participate. Because SBS is an associate member and has been showing Eurovision for over 30 years the EBU decided to let them participate. They campaigned for years for us to join before the EBU finally gave in.

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My point is that for the majority, Australia’s votes are all coming from the same place, and it’s not the voting public.
It’s heavily weighted from the jury votes

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But what’s wrong with that?

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That was only in 2017 and 2018 because Jess and Isaiah had average songs and performances. In 2015, Guy came 6th with the public, 2016 Dami came 4th and last year Kate came 7th.

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Without causing a thing about it.

The first year Australia was a novelty factor, and also directly qualified for the final.
The second year was Dami Im, who in my books should have won, because the song was head and shoulders above all others.
Then I think Europe had a moment and went, omg Australia could win this, and I think the tide turned.
Hence the pattern of Europe public voting turning against Australia.
After that, a couple of poor results and then what I think will prove you be a blip by doing alright in 2019.

SBS is very good at telling local stories, and generally they do it well, but i still think the irony hasn’t hit them they’re treating the contest as though we’re a part of Europe and we can conquer it, not recognising it’s not ours to participate in.

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And why isn’t it? The name Eurovision has nothing to do with Europe but refers to the EBU, of which SBS is an associate member of and therefore can participate by invitation. It has also been mentioned last week that if the planned US version of the contest is successful that the EBU would also look at the USA joining Eurovision.

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Eurovision royalty Måns Zelmerlöw among special guests to grace ‘Eurovision – Australia Decides 2020’

SBS and production partner Blink TV are excited to announce Swedish pop phenomenon and winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 Måns Zelmerlöw is heading to the Gold Coast to perform and take part as a Jury member for Eurovision – Australia Decides next month.

Singer, songwriter and TV presenter, Zelmerlöw masterminded one of the most memorable wins in Swedish Eurovision Song Contest history with his performance of the uplifting multi-platinum single Heroes. After winning, Heroes peaked at #1 on iTunes in 21 countries and his tour across Europe took him to 22 cities – most of them at sold out venues. In 2016, he co-hosted Eurovision in Stockholm, Sweden where Dami Im made history winning the Jury vote and coming second overall with her performance of Sound of Silence.

“I’m so excited to come back to my favourite country to perform, and to be a guest judge on the National Eurovision selection show!” said Måns Zelmerlöw. “Australia has sent great songs ever since they joined the Eurovision Song Contest and I think 2020 could be THE year. I might sing a line or two from my winning song from 2015 and from my newest single, Walk with Me, featuring the wonderful Dami Im. Can’t wait to see you all!”

Joining him in Australia is Eurovision boss Jon Ola Sand who will step down as Executive Supervisor after Rotterdam 2020. Over the past decade, Jon Ola has become synonymous with the Eurovision Song Contest among the hundreds of millions of viewers who’ve watched him throw to the voting segment with the iconic phrase “take it away.”

Jon Ola Sand paid tribute to the role SBS plays in bringing Eurovision to Australians.“I’m very happy to be Down Under and a part of Australia Decides this year. Since first taking part in 2015, SBS has made a huge contribution to the success of the Eurovision Song Contest. Their excellent national selection show, which showcases the country’s best singing talent, underscores SBS and Australia’s place as valued members of the Eurovision family.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Måns and Jon Ola to Australia for our national selection show,” said Josh Martin, SBS Commissioning Editor for Entertainment and Australian Head of Delegation. “Normally, Australia heads to Europe, but in February Europe is coming to Australia! Måns is one of the all-time Eurovision greats and fans are in for a real treat. And it’s with a mix of sadness and excitement that we welcome Jon Ola to our shores as his stewardship of Eurovision approaches the end. Since 2010 he has overseen a phenomenal period of change and growth in the contest, and all of us here at SBS and around Australia will be forever thankful that we were invited to the party!”

Said Creative Director of Eurovision – Australia Decides and Director of Blink TV Paul Clarke, “Hej Hej, welcome Måns! He was a game changer at Eurovision when he won in 2015 and it will be like a Eurovision masterclass for our artists and audience to see him performing on the Gold Coast. It’s a dream come true for Dami Im to release a song with Måns, and their duet on the night will be one of the highlights of the show. We also look forward to hosting Jon Ola Sand at Australia Decides – he’s been a great advocate for Australia’s involvement in Eurovision over the past decade.”

Broadcast live and exclusive from the Gold Coast, the national selection, now in its second year, will showcase 10 well-known Australian artists, performing original songs, for the chance to represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest. You’ll be able to cast your vote, too! Tune into SBS on Saturday 8 February at 8.30pm AEDT.

https://twitter.com/damiandmusic/status/1220251771601186816

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All ten songs revealed for ‘Eurovision – Australia Decides 2020’

Artists and fans will soon be arriving on the Gold Coast, with the Live TV Final broadcast live and exclusive on SBS on Saturday 8 February. The national final will showcase some of Australia’s biggest acts, singing original songs, for the chance to represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

With just one week until show time, SBS and production partner Blink TV have announced the final four songs for Eurovision – Australia Decides, setting the stage for a show like no other.

The final four songs to be revealed are Vanessa Amorosi’s power ballad Lessons of Love, Montaigne’s Don’t Break Me about the breakdown of a toxic relationship, both personal and political, Didirri’s mesmerising and reflective ballad Raw Stuff and Jaguar Jonze’s Rabbit Hole about battles with mental health.

Vanessa Amorosi: Lessons of Love

“So happy to announce Lessons of Love is the song I’m taking to Eurovision – Australia Decides 2020!” say Amorosi. “I couldn’t be more proud and excited to perform this LIVE for the first time in February. Rehearsals have begun and I’m beyond thrilled with the concept of my performance. I CAN’T WAIT for you all to see it.”

Montaigne: Don’t Break Me

“Don’t Break Me is a depiction of the ‘enough is enough’ phase of a relationship breakdown, where one person feels like they are putting much more time, energy and resources into the relationship than the other person and becomes frustrated and resentful,” reveals Montaigne. “I wrote it while reading Codependent No More by Melody Beattie, which really informed the qualities of the character and the relationship dynamic.”

Didirri: Raw Stuff

“Raw Stuff is a personal song that I almost gave up on. It is a moment for reflection,” shares Didirri. “It’s for anyone else who is trying to process what’s happening in their life. It’s a song about a time when two people are so close but unable to open up to each other. Songwriting really helps me express things that I may otherwise be without words to explain. Performing Raw Stuff cuts close to the bone for me.”

Jaguar Jonze: Rabbit Hole

“Rabbit Hole is about exploring the intricacies of our vulnerabilities, and how it unknowingly manifests into different coping mechanisms as we go through life’s inevitable obstacles. It’s about the complicated relationship I have with trauma and the way I react in the face of it,” says Jonze. “I wrote it at a time when I was really learning about my Complex PTSD, which I’ve had for 20 years. I hope it connects with Australia or whoever needs it. I want it to say that trauma doesn’t have to define you, and that we can return the strength to live the life we deserve.”

The final ten acts vying for their shot to represent Australia on the world’s biggest stage are:

  • powerhouse entertainer Casey Donovan with Proud
  • rising First Nations artist Mitch Tambo with Together
  • glam rock star iOTA with Life
  • The Voice winner Diana Rouvas with Can We Make Heaven
  • 19-year-old singer-songwriter Jordan-Ravi with Pushing Stars
  • Australia’s Got Talent winner Jack Vidgen with I Am King I Am Queen
  • Aussie icon Vanessa Amorosi with Lessons of Love
  • art pop auteur Montaigne with Don’t Break Me
  • alternative artist Didirri with Raw Stuff and
  • multi-media artist Jaguar Jonze with Rabbit Hole.

Hosted by SBS Eurovisionaries comedian Joel Creasey and music buff Myf Warhurst, Eurovision – Australia Decides will also showcase local and international Eurovision royalty with four special guest acts confirmed to perform:

  • winner of the inaugural Eurovision – Australia Decides Kate Miller-Heidke will return to the stage where it all began
  • Swedish pop phenomenon and winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 Måns Zelmerlöw
  • powerhouse vocalist and Eurovision 2016 runner up Dami Im and
  • Australia’s 2019 Junior Eurovision representative Jordan Anthony.

During the Opening Night Show on Friday 7 February, a Jury of artists and industry experts will vote for their favourite performance. The Australian public are eligible to vote for their favourite performances via SMS* from Friday 7 February at 8.30pm AEDT until Saturday 8 February at approximately 10:15pm AEDT. The public vote makes up half the overall vote. The artist and song that receives the most points overall will go on to represent Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in May.

Josh Martin, SBS Commissioning Editor for Entertainment and Australian Head of Delegation, says, “After listening to over 600 songs, we have our final ten! And what a diverse and incredibly eclectic group of songs they are. The artists and songwriters have put so much heart and soul into their music, and the coming week is all about perfecting their staging, which is so crucial for a memorable Eurovision performance. We are so thrilled with the calibre of our final ten, but now the focus will turn to who Australia thinks should be our musical emissary to Eurovision. There can only be one winner and all will be revealed live on SBS!”

Paul Clarke, Director of Blink TV and Creative Director of Eurovision – Australia Decides, says, “These songs and performances are all very different, but they share one thing – a ton of emotive power. First and foremost, Eurovision is about passion, connecting with people’s hearts. The staging and performances this year will be next level, so people can feel the magic. Worth being in the room if you can get a ticket! This year, the audience can vote in the room during the Opening Night Show on Friday. Then a segment of the performances will be available to view on SBS On Demand for people who want to vote early.”

In association with the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland, the City of Gold Coast, Screen Queensland, APRA AMCOS, Moroccanoil and accommodation partner QT Gold Coast, Eurovision – Australia Decides will be presented at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 February and tickets for the Opening Night Show, Matinee Show are on sale, with limited tickets available to the Live TV Final.

Be a part of history and see it live at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

https://twitter.com/SBSEurovision/status/1222997737227993088