SBS and production partner Blink TV have announced the first song and final four artists to compete in Eurovision – Australia Decides in February 2020.
Hosted on the Gold Coast and broadcast live and exclusively on SBS on Saturday 8 February, the national selection show will showcase some of Australia’s biggest acts, singing original compositions, for their chance to represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Rounding out a diverse line-up of artists from across the musical spectrum are: The Voice 2019 winner Diana Rouvas, Australia’s Got Talent 2011 winner Jack Vidgen, 19-year-old emerging singer/songwriter from Darwin Jordan-Ravi and Taiwanese-Australian multi-media artist Jaguar Jonze.
They join Aussie icon Vanessa Amorosi, powerhouse entertainer Casey Donovan, rising First Nations artist Mitch Tambo, glam rock star iOTA, art pop auteur Montaigne and alternative artist Didirri. SBS can also reveal that Jack Vidgen will perform his self-penned, deeply personal ballad I Am King I Am Queen released today.
“I am incredibly excited to be a part of Eurovision – Australia Decides 2020 and actually can’t believe it’s really happening,” said Jack Vidgen. “I’m a huge fan of Eurovision, so to be competing for the opportunity to represent Australia is mind-blowing. I adore my song I Am King I Am Queen, which I cowrote with Andrew Lowden.
“It’s a real representation of me and everything I stand for and I think that everyone, young and old, will be able to relate to and take inspiration from this song. I hope that the Eurovision audiences love it as much as I do!”
“I’m really excited to be in Eurovision – Australia Decides. As a Greek Australian, I am proud to represent the culture that our country is rich and abundant in, and I’d be so honoured to stand on that stage for Australia! It’s an incredible opportunity for any artist,” said Diana Rouvas.
“I’d be bringing my true authentic self to the stage… my life’s work and dreams into that moment, and would be proud to earn a position on that stage and represent my country.”
“Eurovision – Australia Decides will be my debut on Australian TV and I am so honoured to be given this opportunity,” said Jordan-Ravi. “I will be performing Pushing Stars, a song which came in via the SBS Song Portal, and was co-written by a couple of this year’s Eurovision – Australia Decides stars, George Sheppard and Tania Doko.”
“I am grateful that they put their trust in me to infuse my style and flare to their work this year! I’m a 19 year old guitarist and singer-songwriter from outback Darwin, and this is a great chance for Australia to get to know me. I will be doing my best and loving the opportunity to share the stage with some incredible artists. Bring it on!”
“For me, Eurovision – Australia Decides is a massive opportunity to show Australia who I am as an artist and what I’m passionate about,” said Jaguar Jonze. “The selected 10 artists are all so talented and I’d be so happy for any one of us to represent Australia in Eurovision.”
“I think it shows the diverse pool of creativity and talent in this nation and I’m honoured to be a part of it. I’ve always taken Eurovision to be about each country, and each artist expressing their individuality without boundaries. So much of Jaguar Jonze is about honesty and vulnerability and I’m excited to express the uniqueness that comes with it.”
Hosted by SBS Eurovisionaries comedian Joel Creasey and music buff Myf Warhurst Eurovision – Australia Decides will showcase the best of Australian music and bring the nation closer to the Eurovision action.
Eurovision – Australia Decides will be presented at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 February – tickets for the Opening Night Show, Matinee Show and Live TV Final are now on sale.
For more information on Eurovision – Australia Decides 2020,visit: www.sbs.com.au for details.
Image: Eurovision – Australia Decides 2020 Artists – courtesy of SBS