Last night, the national final season news kept rolling in as Australian Broadcaster SBS revealed three more acts for Australia Decides 2022.
The announced artists include a mix of established names and up-coming artists in Australia.
Two Well-Known Personalities Join the Competition
First up is Sheldon Riley. Sheldon has plenty of television experience, having made it to quarter-finals on Australia’s Got Talent and placing third on The Voice Australia. He released his latest single “Left Broken” earlier this year. Speaking to Eurovision.tv, he highlighted Conchita’s win in 2014 as proof that Europe can choose different.
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 youโd never think Iโd fit the bill for because I always dare to dreamโฆ in my fashion and my music always bringing that little bit of Eurovision magic with me every time.
Sheldon Riley
Joining Riley at Australia Decides will be Sydney-based social media sensation Andrew Lambrou. He has amassed an audience of over a million fans across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok and has released several singles. Andrew’s latest single, “Confidence” was released in September, and he was enthusiastic about his upcoming Australia Decides debut when interviewed by Eurovision.tv.
โIโm so thrilled to be a part of Eurovision โ Australia Decides 2022! Iโve 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.
Andrew Lambrou
The New Group Bringing the Girl Power
Less familiar to mainstream audiences, six-piece girl group G-Nat!ion will be bringing a burst of female empowerment to Australia Decides 2022. The group formed in 2019 and made it to the final of the most recent season of The Voice Australia. They will be the first girl group to participate in Australia Decides, which group member Emma says they cannot wait to be a part of.
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.
Emma, G-Nat!ion
In addition to their covers on The Voice Australia, G-Nat!ion have released the uptempo party anthem “Girl’s Night Out”.
Getting Closer to Australia Decides 2022
Riley, Lambrou, and G-Nat!ion will join previously announced Australia Decides 2022 artists Isaiah, Jaguar Jonze, and Paulini at the third edition of Australia Decides. The live show is due to take place on 26th February and tickets are on sale now and Eurovision commentators Joel Creasy and Myf Warhurst will once again serve as hosts. Another artist announcement is expected soon along with the competing songs.
Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest
Australia is the newest country to debut at the contest. First joining in 2015 as part of the contest’s 60th anniversary, Australia has amassed a total of four top ten finishes – including a second-place finish in 2016 with Dami Im’s “Sounf of Silence”.
Along with Dami Im, Australia finished fifth on its debut with Guy Sebastian’s “Tonight Again” as well as ninth in both 2017 and 2019 with Isaiah Firebrace and Kate Miller-Heidke, respectively. Miller-Heidke won the first edition of Australia Decides, while Montaigne won the second edition in 2020.
Due to the cancellation of Eurovision 2020, Montaigne was internally selected for Eurovision 2021 with her song “Technicolour”. Unfortunately, Montainge was unable to travel to Rotterdam due to travel restrictions and her live-on-tape performance was used instead. She ultimately placed 14th in the first semi-final with 28 points, but has remained a queer icon in the Eurovision community.
Are you looking forward to the national final season? Which of the Australia Decides 2022 artists are you most excited to see perform? Let us know in the comments or on social media. Be sure to follow THAT Eurovision Site on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
News Sources: SBS / Eurovision.tv / Aussievision
Photo Source: SBS
