Three more acts and five more songs have been added into SBS’s Australia Decides Eurovision contest. For the first time Australia will be doing what many countries do, getting a say in who represents us at Eurovision.
Hosted on the Gold Coast and broadcast live and exclusively on SBS on Saturday 9 February, Eurovision – Australia Decides will showcase some of Australia’s biggest acts, singing original compositions, for their chance to represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019.
Rounding out a diverse line-up of artists from across the musical spectrum are: Ella Hooper well-known and loved for her debut in rock-pop band Killing Heidi, Tania Doko best known for her success in ARIA award winning pop duo Bachelor Girl and The Voice winner Alfie Arcuri.
SBS have also revealed five more original compositions released today: Mark Vincent will sing This Is Not The End, a powerful song about facing obstacles with persistence and determination. Aydan’s song Dust is about young love and heartbreak, 16-year-old Leea Nanos’ song Set Me Free is about empowerment and letting go of self-doubt, while Alfie Arcuri’s To Myself questions how one could ever doubt their self-worth.
Teased over New Year’s Eve, modern electric-soul duo Electric Fields’s song 2000 and Whatever is a brooding and joyous track about making the most of life, while drag star Courtney Act’s song Fight for Love was released last month. This leaves just four songs to be released from Sheppard, Kate Miller-Heidke, Tania Doko and Ella Hooper.
Alfie Arcuri said he was honoured to be taking part in the competition. “It’s an honour to be involved in a competition that celebrates and embraces music and diversity… and to take this journey alongside such amazing Australian talents is truly incredible! There’s always something special about the first – scary but exciting!”
Former Killing Heidi singer Ella Hooper said she had a growing fascination with Eurovision. “It’s very exciting to be involved in anything that is the first of its kind, and in recent years I have become more and more fascinated with Eurovision, so it’s perfect timing! I’m hoping to bring a bit of traditional rock ‘n’ roll energy to a bombastic performance of a meaningful pop song.”
Tania Doko had massive success around the world as one half of Bachelor Girl, but in recent years she been spending her time writing songs for other people including Anthony Callea and Tina Arena.
“This is one of those unplanned, didn’t-see-this-coming little chapter in my career I’m embracing with a sense of adventure and excitement. Then, as a songwriter performing a song I co-wrote, there’s the icing on the cake right there!” Doko said.
Hosted by radio host and music buff Myf Warhurst, and comedian Joel Creasey, Eurovision – Australia Decides will showcase the best of Australian music and bring the nation closer to the Eurovision action.
Don’t forget to mark Saturday 9th February in your diary and tune in to SBS.
OIP Staff, source: Media Release.