With the full line-up for Australia’s first national final complete and now all the songs revealed, we take a closer look at what to expect in Eurovision – Australia Decides. As well as this, SBS have this morning revealed exciting news for international viewers.
Good evening Australia!
Earlier today SBS announced good news for international viewers watching the national final. On Saturday 9th February, Eurovision – Australia Decides will air at 9:30am (GMT)/10:30am (CET). Through the SBS Eurovision Facebook page and SBS Twitter account, fans will be able to follow the action live as the Australian entrant for the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv this May is selected.
Furthermore it has been announced a special guest act will be performing in the selections interval. After launching Australia’s first dip into the world of national finals, Australia’s 2016 runner-up, Dami Im will be taking to the stage in the Gold Coast.
Listen to the entries of Eurovision – Australia Decides
Next weekend ten acts will be competing for one ticket to Tel Aviv in May. So let’s take a closer look at the entries, as the anticipation for Australia’s first national selection approaches.
Alfie Arcuri – ‘To Myself’ (Alfie Arcuri, Audius Mtawarira, Séb Mont)
First up is a 30-year-old singer-songwriter from Camden, NSW, Alfie Arcuri. Alfie came to fame after winning The Voice Season 5 with his standout vocals and gentle interpretations. During that time he was mentored by Delta Goodrem who has a Eurovision attachment herself in co-writing Bella Paige’s Junior Eurovision 2015 entry ‘My Girls‘. Since then Alfie has been a keen vocal advocate for the LGBT community. Including releasing the inspiring pop anthem ‘Love Is Love‘ to support the ‘YES’ campaign for Australia’s same-sex marriage vote.
With ‘To Myself’ Alfie delivers a heartfelt personal letter in song to his younger self. An emotional ballad that rises in a symphony of percussion and violins as he relays a message of remembering a difficult past, but the hopeful optimism in the final crescendo as Alfie lays his youthful regrets to rest.
Aydan Calafiore – ‘Dust’ (Aydan, Cam Bluff, Dylan Joel)
Young 18-year-old Aydan Calafiore shot to fame as a child star on Young Talent Time. Similar to the American show Mickey Mouse Club, it is a variety show which launches new stars in music, dance and television. One of Australia’s most successful artists and media personalities, Dannii Minogue found childhood fame on Young Talent Time. More recently Aydan was a finalist on Season 7 of The Voice in 2018.
Certainly not wanting to gather ‘Dust’, Aydan’s song is a journey of melodic soul and pop. A sound very current with contemporary artists like James Arthur and Ariana Grande. With a vocal mature beyond his years, delivering a strong falsetto range, as he sings about the folly of young romance.
Courtney Act – ‘Fight For Love’ (Danny Shah, Felicity Birt, Courtney Act, Sky Adams)
From the sequins and glitter of RuPaul’s Drag Race and the upcoming series of Dancing With The Stars, Courtney Act is ready to fight for love and the ticket to Tel Aviv. Real name Shane Gilberto Jenek, the 36-year-old shot to stardom with his stage alter-ego Courtney Act in Australian Idol 2003. Following that, Courtney has become a popular media personality with her talents in the fields of pop music and entertainment. Recently she has crossed over, as many Australians do, to being a celebrity in the UK. As well as winning Celebrity Big Brother in 2018, Courtney now hosts Britain’s first bisexual dating show, The Bi Life on E4.
In ‘Fight For Love’ Courtney delivers a treat for fans of dancefloor Schlager anthems. Whilst it is upbeat and makes you want to wave a glowstick, at its heart is a message of empowerment. Within the lyrics is a story of social discussion on current topics of gender-fluidity and the fight the LGBT community has to stay present and be accepted. Here Courtney embraces all of that with her slice of 90s inspired pop rhythms.
Electric Fields – ‘2000 and Whatever’ (Michael Ross, Zaachariaha Fielding)
One of two groups in the competition, Electric Fields is a collaboration between Michael Ross and Zaachariaha Fielding. Both have past experiences as solo singers on Australia’s version of The X Factor, before joining forces in 2015. Since then they’ve carved a path on the festival scene, which saw them win New Talent of the Year at the 2017 National Indigenous Music Awards.Best described as experimental-electro with elements of soul, the duo are hoping to bring a new energy and music style to the contest.
Of course this new element can be heard instantly as the beat of ‘2000 and Whatever’ takes hold. The fusion of the Pitjantjatjara dialect of Aboriginal languages. This blend of Australia’s heritage, with modern electronic beats and 80s power vocals gives a unique dimension not heard before.
Ella Hooper – ‘Data Dust’ (Alice Chancer)
The 36-year-old Ella Hooper started her career as part of the female rock/folk group Killing Heidi. During the 90s and 2000s they became a critically acclaimed band, winning 4 ARIA Music Awards. As well as this they achieved 3 top 10 singles and a number 1 album with their debut Reflector. Over time Ella eventually left the group to commit to solo projects. Since then Ella has become a singer-songwriter in her own right, as well as branching out into the field of TV presenting.
Written by Sydney native Alice Chancer, ‘Data Dust’ was especially composed for Australia Decides and chosen from the pool of over 700 submissions. The song suits Ella’s quirky tone perfectly and is a fun jaunty anthem. Despite its power-pop beats there is a deeper meaning at its core. The lyrics speak of the over absorption of digital and social media. Perhaps we should put down our phones and listen to ‘Data Dust’ instead!
