On November 26th, the crystal anniversary of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest will take place. Indeed, Georgia’s capital city of Tbilisi will host the 15th edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. Therefore it is the perfect time to look back at the journeys of all of this year’s participating countries in the contest so far. Therefore, following Australia’s recent artist announcement, let’s take a look at Australia’s Junior Eurovision journey.
Quick facts
- Country: Australia
- Broadcaster: ABC
- Debut appearance: 2015
- Number of participations: 2 (2015-2016)
- Highest finish: 5th= (2016)
- Lowest finish: 8th (2015)
Back to the very beginning…
It’s not too far back that we have to go to trace Australia’s origins in the junior competition. 2015 was a big year for Australia’s Eurovision participation with our first competing entry in the big competition and, mere months after such success in Vienna, participation in that year’s junior competition in Bulgaria. Since then Australia has competed in both Eurovision and Junior Eurovision with some degree of success.
Australia’s journey so far
Bella Paige had the honour of being the first Australian to perform in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. Her song My Girls was co-written by none other than Delta Goodrem and was a definite female empowerment anthem, set to Bella’s powerful vocals. There was no doubt in Australia’s commitment to all things Eurovision and how seriously we all take it! Placing 8th at the final, you can watch My Girls below.
Following on from Bella was Alexa Curtis. Interestingly enough Alexa had won The Voice Kids Australia the same year that Bella had come runner-up! It’s always nice when firsts are shared! Following on in the spirit of My Girls, Alexa’s We Are was another powerful strong about the strength of young women everywhere. Placing a very solid (equal) 5th (with Malta), Alexa proved once again why Australia’s participation in the contest could not be shaken. See We Are below!
Looking ahead to 2017
This year, Australia will be represented by Isabella Clarke! The song has yet to be released but we are assured it is “fun and catchy” and we couldn’t be looking more forward to it! Read more about her selection here.
My favourite Australian entry!
It’s a tough one with only 2 songs to choose from so far! It’s basically the ‘Sophie’s Choice’ of decisions from a self-confessed Australia/Eurovision/Junior Eurovision fanatic like me. But all things considered, it is hard to ignore our first entry of My Girls (see link above).
It is a song I definitely sang in the shower (much to my neighbour’s dismay) and is one I continue to listen to this day. I love a song that is age appropriate and uplifting. We don’t need another 12-year-old girl singing about love (a concept I barely understand, let alone a 12-year-old!). What we need are songs about how girls and young people are strong, deserve respect and to support each other – and boy did we get it in Bella’s song! Is anyone else excited for Tbilisi?! My Girls, here we GO!
Which is your favourite Australian Junior Eurovision entry so far? Furthermore, are you looking forward to their performance in Tbilisi? Make sure you tell us in the comments section below and via our social media pages @ESCXTRA!
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