Delta Goodrem has performed for Australia at the Eurovision final with a powerful ballad her fans hope could earn her the top prize in Austria.
Goodrem was the eighth performer out of a total of 25 acts competing in the song contest at the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna on Saturday night (Sunday morning AEST), sandwiched between Ukraine and Serbia.
The singer and former Neighbours star was accompanied by a harpist for her song, Eclipse.
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Goodrem was elevated into the air from the top of her sparkly gold piano at the pinnacle of her song.
“Thank you so much,” she said as she waved to the crowd and left the stage.
Millions of viewers around the world will cast their judgement on the performances at Eurovision’s 70th anniversary event, voting by phone or text message during and for a short time after the show, although they are not allowed to vote for their own country’s act.
The act with the most points wins, with their country getting to host the competition next year.
Finland, Greece and Australia have been the favourites in prediction markets.
It is unclear what would happen if Australia were to win but it is believed it would be made to select another host – a European country – or co-host it.
Speaking to SBS, Eurovision’s Australian broadcaster, Goodrem said Australia should be allowed to host it in the event of a win.
“We had to get up (at four in the morning) and we’re very passionate about Eurovision,” she said.
“I’m not into the logistics just yet. I have no idea of the operational side.”
Australia has participated in Eurovision since 2015 and was most successful in 2016 when Dami Im finished second with her song Sound of Silence in Stockholm, losing out to Ukraine’s Jamala.
The often irreverent song competition has been marred by controversy as several countries boycotted it this year over Israel’s participation.
The public broadcasters of five countries – Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia – oppose Israel’s involvement because of the country’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023.
with AP, PA, DPA and Reuters
