We're a step closer to knowing who will represent Australia at Eurovision 2022!
SBS and production partner Blink TV today announced the first three acts to compete in Eurovision – Australia Decides on the Gold Coast in February.
The first three acts to be revealed are a diverse mix of high-profile artists from across the musical spectrum setting the stage for a show like no other: powerhouse entertainer PAULINI, multi-media artist Jaguar Jonze, and Australia’s 2017 Eurovision Song Contest representative, Isaiah Firebrace, who will be singing a duet with a soon to be revealed Australian artist.
Isaiah Firebrace said: “I’m over the moon to be jumping onto the stage for Eurovision – Australia Decides 2022. When I first represented Australia at Eurovision in 2017, I was 17, it was my first time in Europe and I feel like everything was a blurry dream that went by so quickly - I’ve grown so much as a singer, a performer and as a person since then and I’ve definitely got unfinished business! I can’t tell you anything more except that I’m singing a duet with someone incredible and that we co-wrote the song. What I can tell you is that I cannot wait to share everything with you and that Eurovision – Australia Decides is going to be the biggest party on the Gold Coast. Until I can release the official Aus Decides duet, I’m keeping myself busy and releasing my own single “More Than Me" on November 12 - it’s going to be a very good Summer!”
Isaiah Firebrace first shot to fame when he won The X Factor in 2016 and grabbed global attention for his #1 single ‘It's Gotta Be You’, which is certified Platinum in Australia, 2 x Platinum in Sweden, Platinum in Norway and Gold in Denmark and has now been streamed over 280 million times. He represented Australia as the first Indigenous Australian and third ever competing Australian contestant at the Eurovision Song Contest (finishing in the top 10). He is also heaviy engaged in the fashion world.
PAULINI said: “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.”
Isaiah Firebrace Source: SBS
Paulini Source: SBS
PAULINI has been heralded as one of the finest vocalists and performers to come out of Australia. The Fijian born songstress rose to fame through television screens on the very first season of Australian Idol which thrust her into the spotlight. Making it through to the final four, she won the hearts of a nation with her angelic, five octave range, and engaging personality. Post Idol, PAULINI rose to the top of the Australian ARIA Charts in 2004 with her debut Platinum album ‘One Determined Heart’ and her Platinum smash single ‘Angel Eyes’, both hitting the #1 spot and receiving Aria Number 1 Chart Awards (‘Angel Eyes’ remained at the top of the charts for 6 consecutive weeks). In fact, PAULINI is still 1 of only 10 Australian female solo artists to have a #1 album debut on the Australian ARIA Charts.
Jaguar Jonze said: “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!”
Jaguar Jonze Source: She Is Aphrodite
Jaguar Jonze’s remarkable rise stems from hard work and her pure creative vision. As an artist voice of the Australian #MeToo movement, as well as her powerful 2021 song ‘Who Died and Made You King’, she has appeared on The Project, triple j’s Hack, The Guardian and in numerous news pieces as she strives to create meaningful change in the music industry. Her latest musical work will sit alongside her photography and visual art as another reason this truly unique and iconic artist cannot be ignored.
As for what these three artists will be singing… More than 700 songs were submitted to the Eurovision – Australia Decides song portal during the four-week entry period. Shortlisted songs are in the process of being matched with artists and the full list will be revealed soon.
SBS is thrilled to introduce Toowoomba based musician, Jude York; a singer-songwriter whose uplifting ballad arrangement has been selected from the hundreds of compositions submitted to the 2022 Eurovision – Australia Decides song portal. SBS will reveal the lucky artist set to sing Jude’s song in coming months.
Jude York said: “To think of my song being shared on such a monumental platform is truly mind-blowing. I wrote it with the amazing Billy Stonecipher about staying hopeful that dreams can come true. And now to have this opportunity as a queer artist in regional Queensland, I’ve never had a better reason to believe in that message! I can’t wait for everybody to hear this!”
Jude York Source: Kintoshoot
In association with the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland, Major Events Gold Coast, Screen Queensland, APRA AMCOS, and now also official artist accommodation partner Dorsett Gold Coast, Eurovision – Australia Decides will be presented at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 February.
Hosted by comedian Joel Creasey and music buff Myf Warhurst, Eurovision – Australia Decides will showcase the best of Australian music and talent. Australians are encouraged to vote for their favourite artist and song to represent the nation on the world’s biggest stage. The winner will be revealed during the Live TV Final which will be broadcast exclusively on SBS and SBS On Demand on Saturday 26 February.
Joel Creasey and Myf Warhurst will again host Eurovision – Australia Decides. Source: SBS
Be a part of history and see it live at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Tickets for the Jury Preview Show, Matinee Preview Show and Live TV Final are now on sale.
OPENING NIGHT SHOW
Friday 25 February, 7.30pm AEST (Not televised – Tickets available)
Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
Jury Vote
MATINEE SHOW
Saturday 26 February, 1.00pm AEST (Not televised – Tickets available)
Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
LIVE TV FINAL
Saturday 26 February, 7.30pm AEST (Live and Exclusive TV Broadcast on SBS – Tickets available)
Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
Public Vote and Winner Announced
Eurovision – Australia Decides 2022 airs live and exclusively on SBS on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 February.
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
#Eurovision #AusDecides
