Recently the Australian broadcaster hinted at some of the artists that will be competing in the upcoming Eurovision national final. Today, we found out the first four artists that will be taking part in the competition.
The show, which will be held on the Gold Coast in February will feature ten diverse Australian artists and groups singing original compositions. The first four acts are:
- Sheppard
“We’re excited at the prospect of representing Australia in what feels like the pop music Olympics. The fact that this is the first time the show has ever taken part in Australia and letting the public decide who gets to go to the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 is really exciting for us. It will be an historic television event that we look forward to being a part of!”
- Kate Miller-Heidke
“I’ve never done anything like this before. I do feel vulnerable putting myself out there in a competitive setting. I’m trying to ignore that element, and thinking of it as a very eclectic celebration of Australian music. I think there will be a lot of solidarity amongst the performers.”
- Mark Vincent
“This opportunity to compete in Eurovision – Australia Decides means everything to me. I’ve been a Eurovision fan since I was young and love the incredible voices and talents that have emerged. I’m going to bring everything I’ve got to the stage. I’ve been working my entire life for this moment, and I can’t wait to perform for you.”
- Electric Fields
“The Eurovision Song Contest is the Olympics of camp! It’s a flamboyant spectacle and we’re excited to be part of the first ever Eurovision selection show on home soil. We want to tell a story on stage with fierce energy that will hopefully shoot through the cameras and out of the TV screens at home.”
Director of Blink TV and the Creative Director of Eurovision – Australia Decides, Paul Clarke has said,
“We are delighted to announce our first four artists, and boy do they show the diversity of musical culture in Australia. Electric Fields are one of the most exciting and extraordinary bands to land on the Australian music scene for years; Kate Miller-Heidke has a voice and creative persona made for the Eurovision stage; Sheppard write brilliant pop songs and are one of Australia’s most popular groups, and have often been namechecked for Eurovision. And Mark Vincent’s wonderful operatic voice and Italian heritage will really excite Eurovision audiences. We can promise a terrific Eurovision – Australia Decides show on the Gold Coast in February 2019, and look forward to announcing our next artists soon. There are more great surprises to come!”
SBS had previously opened the song submission period, and through that have received over 700 songs. Shortlisted songs will now be matched with artists and the entries will be revealed soon.
Eurovision – Australia Decides will take place on Saturday the 9th of February at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre with the Jury preview show taking place on the 8th of February. The television broadcast will be on SBS exclusively at 8:30pm AEDT on the 9th of February.
Tickets are still available here.