Delta Goodrem to represent Australia at Eurovision 2026 as SBS plays it safe (and boring) for 70th anniversary.
After recent experiments in sending boundary-pushing, genre-bending and at times polarising acts to Europe, SBS has opted for a far more familiar face in 2026, announcing that Delta Goodrem will represent Australia at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria.
In a move that signals a more conservative approach for the milestone year, the broadcaster and production partner Beyond Productions confirmed today that the award-winning singer-songwriter will take to the stage at the Wiener Stadthalle in May with her new single Eclipse.
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One of Australia’s most recognisable pop exports, Goodrem brings an established global profile and a track record of arena-scale performances to a contest increasingly defined by bold staging concepts and creative risk.
A calculated shift in direction
In recent years, Australia has leaned into experimentation — from Kate Miller-Heidke’s operatic aerial staging in 2019, to progressive metal band Voyager in 2023, and Electric Fields’ 2024 entry featuring the Aboriginal language Yankunytjatjara.
But for Eurovision’s 70th anniversary, SBS appears to be prioritising stability and star power.
Broadcast to more than 160 million viewers worldwide, Eurovision remains one of television’s biggest live events — and the selection of Goodrem represents a strategic return to mainstream pop credentials after mixed results in recent semi-finals.
Australia has failed to qualify for the Grand Final three times since 2021, most recently in 2025 with Go-Jo’s Milkshake Man.
“I’m so honoured”
Speaking about her selection, Delta Goodrem said:
I’m so honoured to represent Australia on one of the biggest and most iconic music stages in the world at Eurovision!
As a singer-songwriter, music has been my lifelong passion.
I’ve always loved the creativity, individuality, and joy Eurovision brings, connecting and uniting people across the globe through music; the universal language.
I can’t wait to arrive in Vienna and make Australia proud.
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The single Eclipse, released today via ATLED Records, was written by Delta Goodrem, Ferras Alqaisi, Jonas Myrin and Michael Fatkin, who also produced the track.
A song built for the arena
According to release materials, Eclipse blends classical piano motifs with cinematic production, building toward an anthemic chorus designed for large-scale live performance.
The accompanying music video was directed by Liam Pethick and produced by Brian Purnell, filmed across sand dunes in Newcastle, NSW.
An established career
Signing her first record deal at 15, Goodrem’s debut album Innocent Eyes became one of the highest-selling albums in Australian history, achieving 23-times Platinum status and producing five number one singles.
Across her career she has sold more than nine million albums worldwide, achieved five number one albums and nine number one singles, and earned 12 ARIA Awards.
She has collaborated and toured with artists including Celine Dion, Olivia Newton-John, Andrea Bocelli, Tony Bennett, Shania Twain, Backstreet Boys and Ricky Martin.
In 2022, she launched her own label, ATLED Records.
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SBS backs milestone selection
SBS Head of Entertainment Emily Griggs said:
After years of speculation, the moment has arrived.
Everything has aligned for Delta to represent Australia at Eurovision, and there’s no better time than 2026 in the song contest’s 70th year, back where Australia’s participation began in 2015.
To mark this milestone, we wanted to send one of Australia’s most iconic artists to the world’s most iconic stage.
Her powerful voice is balanced by restraint and an openness that draws people in, creating performances that feel both intimate and expansive.
Europe, get ready. Australia is lighting up the stage.
Australia’s Creative Director for Vienna, Paul Clarke, added:
Delta Goodrem is a once in a generation artist.
Her elegant songwriting and unmatched vocal ability make her the perfect choice to represent Australia and eclipse the competition at the 70th anniversary of Eurovision in Vienna.
Her song is a bold step towards the next stage of her worldwide career, and we are excited to bring her vision to life on the stage in May.
Australia’s Eurovision journey
Australia first competed as a “special guest” in 2015 with Guy Sebastian, finishing fifth. Since then, the country has become a regular competitor, achieving its best result in 2016 when Dami Im placed second.
The 2026 contest marks 11 years since Australia’s debut on the Eurovision stage.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will be held from Tuesday 12 May to Saturday 16 May 2026 in Vienna, Austria, with SBS broadcasting the event live and in prime time from Wednesday 13 May to Sunday 17 May on SBS and SBS On Demand.
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