Earlier this year, SBS the national broadcaster of Australia announced the return of their live selection format, Eurovision – Australia Decides 2022. Already SBS have revealed that PAULINI, Isaiah Firebrace and Jaguar Jonze are the first big names that will be performing at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on February 26. Now SBS have added Sheldon Riley, G-Nat!on and Andrew Lambrou to the line-up!
Eurovision – Australia Decides 2022
Everyone will be saying ‘good morning, Europe!’ once more on February 26 2022, as the Australian national final returns for its third year. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic the show has been on hiatus since 2020. During that time Australia Decides 2020 winner, Montaigne, was internally selected for the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 after the cancellation of the 2020 edition. Now, with travel restrictions set to be lifted, Australia is once again ready to take over the Gold Coast and showcase its best up and coming talent to Europe.
In total, ten entries from the 700 submissions received, will be selected to take part in the national final, with the winner being selected by a combination of public and professional jury voting. As February approaches, the line-up is beginning to take shape. With PAULINI, Isaiah FIrebrace and Jaguar Jonze already confirmed. Now SBS have added three more names to the star-studded line-up.
Sheldon Riley
A proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Sheldon Riley finally gets to live his Eurovision dream. The talented Australian-Filipino, who is also a fashion designer, will be hoping his talent show background puts him ahead of the competition this time. Already a Finalist in the The Voice AU 2018 and a Semi-Finalist on The Voice All-Stars 2019, last year Sheldon earned international fame as he achieved third place on America’s Got Talent. Together with his artistry and atmospheric vocal style, viewers can expect something equally impactful next February.
It has always been the highlight, waking up at 5am every year to watch from Australia. Growing up on the Gold Coast, watching Conchita for the first time was proof to me that the world will choose different if given the chance to see it. I am different but I have found my place on mainstream television where I never fit the mould, on radio that has never played music like mine, festivals you’d never think
I’d fit the bill for because I always dare to dream… in my fashion and my music always bringing that little bit of Eurovision magic with me every time. I’m so proud of the artist I am today, wearing my crystal mask in so many parts of the world. It would be an honour to represent Australia and bring my sparkle to Europe! After all these years of dreaming and creating the artist I am today. It’s all coming to life in epic fashion, LIVE on stage!
Sheldon Riley, (Eurovision.TV)
G-Nat!on
This six-piece girlband styled as G-Nat!on from Adelaide consists of Taylah, Isla, Mateja, Rylee, Alessia and Emma. Earlier this year they participated in the recent series of The Voice AU. In the process they broke a record for the largest act to audition for the show. Australia’s answer to Little Mix, who mix powerful vocals with RnB and Pop, impressed Guy Sebastian, Rita Ora, Keith Urban and Jessica Mauboy enough to turn four chairs and join Rita Ora’s team where they eventually became the joint runners-up. The girls first met in 2018 at the Australian Company of Performing Arts.
We are beyond honoured to be the first ever girl-group to perform at Eurovision – Australia Decides! It is so exciting to be a part of the creativity, inspiration, and diversity that Eurovision brings every year, and we cannot wait to bring our song to life on the national stage.
Full of strong harmonies and edgy choreography, our song is a dance-pop explosion set to provide the ultimate live show experience. We hope our performance inspires other young people to be strong, powerful, and confident in themselves – see you on the Gold Coast!
Emma, (Eurovision.TV)
Andrew Lambrou
Lastly for today, is brand new artist, Andrew Lambrou. The young singer based in Sydney, grew up playing the piano and studying his craft at the AMS. Over the years he developed a passion for song-writing, as well as performing. Recently he signed to City Pop Records and released his first single, ‘Throne’. Meanwhile Andrew describes his style as “pop with dark elements.”
I’m so thrilled to be a part of Eurovision – Australia Decides 2022! I’ve grown up watching Eurovision with my family, admiring all that goes into it and seeing artists show their craft to the world, and to be a part of this show is like a dream come true. I’m so excited to show Australia my artistry, and to potentially represent my country in this amazing song contest is the most encouraging thought for me.
Andrew Lambrou, (Eurovision.TV)
When and where to watch Australia Decides 2022
Expect to see the four remaining acts revealed over the coming weeks. However, one name we can rule out is Dami Im. Despite heavy interest, even declaring her intention to return in 2021, on the Australia Decides stage, more recently Dami has revealed she is ‘unsure’ whether she would extend her interest to 2022.
Eurovision – Australia Decides 2022, hosted by Joel Creasey and Myf Warhurst, will be broadcast live on SBS on 26 February 2022 at 20:30 AEDT (9:30am GMT/10:30am CET). Meanwhile, Australian fans can purchase tickets, here.
Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest
Although many Australians have performed on the Eurovision stage, it wasn’t until 2015 the nation took part ‘as a guest’. Guy Sebastian flew the flag with the uptempo ‘Tonight Again’, finishing in 5th place. Due to the resounding success and positive response, Australia have been doing tonight again ever since. In 2019, the EBU guaranteed Australia’s ability to participate until 2023. So far, Dami Im holds the crown for ‘best Australian result’. Almost winning the contest with ‘Sound of Silence’ in Stockholm 2016.
Last year, Montaigne was selected as Australia’s representative after winning Eurovision – Australia Decides 2020 with her song, ‘Don’t Break Me’. After the contest was cancelled, SBS invited Montaigne back to compete in the 2021 Rotterdam contest. Her entry ‘Technicolour’ placed 14th in semi-final one with 28 points. Unfortunately resulting in Australia’s first non-qualification.
Who are you most excited for in Australia Decides 2022? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, give us a follow on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts. As well as subscribing to YouTube for our reactions in the run up to the national final season and the Turin 2022 contest!
