The 14th of September saw the third annual Eurovision workshop take place in Berlin, Germany. A part of the Eurovision Creative Forum, several leading producers from around the world shared tips and ideas on how to create a winning Eurovision entry.
Among the panel was the producer from SBS Australia, Paul Clarke, who suggested that Australia could get back in the game: “For us, Australia was riding on a wave of growing excitement for Eurovision and we wanted to deliver something authentic so we chose a big artist. If we were ever invited again we’d go for an even bigger one – dream big – the show is so big.”
This got us thinking about some big Australian names who could rock the Eurovision stage, and we’ve narrowed it down to ten of our favourites!
1. Sia
This woman obviously needs no introduction, but you’re getting one anyway. Sia is arguably Australia’s most famous singer-songwriter right now. Sia has written songs for the likes of Rihanna, Kesha, Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Beyoncé and Celine Dion. When Sia released the clip for ‘Chandelier‘ it was OVER. The song was an immediate success, with assistance from Dance Moms star, Maddie Ziegler. Sia then followed up with another smash hits such as ‘Elastic Heart‘, ‘Fire Meet Gasoline’, and her newest single ‘Alive’.
2. Iggy Azalea
Australian rapper Iggy Azalea moved to the United States at 16 to try and make it big. Eight years on, she has made that dream a reality. She has reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100, and has collaborated with the likes of Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez and Rita Ora. I.G.G.Y has also been nominated for Grammy’s, VMA’s, Teen Choice Awards and American Music Awards. She so fancy.
3. 5 Seconds of Summer
One of Australia’s most popular artists right now, 5 Seconds of Summer, or more affectionately known as 5SOS, have had charting success in Australia, the US and most of western Europe. The boys from Sydney have had more than 300 million views and over 2.2 million subscribers on YouTube.
4. Kylie Minogue
Another huge Australian name, Kylie Minogue is the leading pop princess from down under, stemming from her appearance in Australian soap ‘Neighbours’ in the 1980’s. Her music career catapulted into major success in the Australian, European and American markets and is still one of the most successful musical exports for Australia of all time.
5. Savage Garden
Savage Garden was a pop-duo made up of Darren Hayes and Daniel Jones. The pair only released two albums, both of huge success in Australia, the USA, Japan, New Zealand and a large portion of Europe. They had many hit singles around the world, one of which being ‘I Knew I Loved You’ from 1999. The pair officially split in 2005. A little Eurovision reunion could be a very popular and wise career move for the two of them.
6. Troye Sivan
Recent Australian/South African talent comes in the form of Troye Sivan. Known primarily for being an incredibly popular YouTube celebrity, he has also written, produced and sang vocal on many of his own songs. His most recent album ‘Wild’ charted very well globally, cracking the Top 5 in Australia, the USA, the UK, and Ireland.
7. The Veronicas
The Veronicas are a set of twins from Brisbane. Their actual names are Lisa and Jess Origliasso. Their debut album ‘The Secret Life of…’ had success in Australia and throughout Europe and the US. All 12 singles they have released have reached the Top 50 in Australia. Their most recent singles, ‘You Ruin Me‘ and ‘If You Love Someone’ have reached the Top 5 in Australia.
8. Delta Goodrem
Delta Goodrem started out as the girl next door on ‘Neighbours’ back in 2002, but has transformed into a Diva Down Under with her powerhouse vocals and flawless piano skills. Delta is one of Australia’s best-known vocalists and has been a coach on the Australian versions of The Voice and The Voice Kids. And her newest single ‘Wings’ SLAYS THE PACK.
9. Conrad Sewell
Another newcomer to the Australian music scene, Conrad Sewell has already seen local and international success, primarily in the form of his collaboration with Norwegian DJ Kygo on the track ‘Firestone’ and his own single ‘Start Again’.
10. Olivia Newton John
Arguably one of the most iconic Australian entertainers of all time, former Eurovision participant Olivia Newton John could bring the house down in Stockholm. A seasoned veteran, she has done a substantial amount of work for the arts community in Australia, as well as opening a support centre for cancer sufferers and survivors in Melbourne. Long live love, and long live Olivia!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha75f7i0JMI
You can check out our Australia Eurovision wishlist (filmed ahead of Guy Sebastian’s big reveal last year) below.
Darren Hayes and Conrad Sewell 2gether that would b amazing
Dami I’m is the only choice for euro vision, We need to show case our newest talents, not old hacks.
Dami ims talents are incredible, she a beautiful person, and she is Gorgeous.
yes,,, you fail this post, where is Dami’s name? was one of the fav last year…:)
So it seems from the statements in this article that the criteria is a really big Aus artist, bigger than Guy. Does this mean big in OS success, big in Aus success, or do we actually want a big talent with a big voice who is capable of surprising the ESC audience with a big and beautiful and memorable performance? There is one Aus artist who meets all these requirements and she is not on this list, but she was a huge preference the last time Wiwibloggs polled about an Aus performer at ESC2015 and that was Dami Im! Dami… Read more »
I’d really like to see TROYE SIVAN, my hun! <3
I would also love to see Samantha Jade, Delta Goodrem, The Veronicas, Kylie Minogue or Havana Brown :3
Dami Im. The end.
Sending Kylie would be an easy win for us though 😉
It being SBS, I’d imagine they’d go for another singer in the same vein as Jessica and Guy….like Dami Im, for example! I’d also like to see Samantha Jade–love her style and music! Anyway, something tells me Oz is going to be a permanent fixture at ESC!
I certainly hope Australia would have better standards than to send someone like Iggy Azalea.
Honestly if they return again this year, I’d like to see Australia surprise everyone and send someone unexpected. Or maybe even some part of an unexpected genre.
Where is Dami Im?
And a big fat no to Iggy Azalea and 5 Seconds of Summer.
Darren Hayes solo would be great. . As already mentioned Savage Garden won’t happen. From what i remember, Darren said after that Daniel didnt like being in the public eye and had extreme shyness. . He didnt want to be in the music videoa and didnt enjoy being on stage..but no reason why Darren couldnt do it..he is fantastic solo. Sia of course would be great. Yes she covers her face but she still performs onstage so i dont think thats a problem for her. She may do little to no press interviews or would have to keep covering her… Read more »
I think Guy Sebastian did a sensational job last year representing Australia. He’ll be tough act to follow…..
I think Troye would be an excellent choice if we were allowed back to compete.
TROYEEEEEE ????
I’m Australian and will rank my country at the bottom of any top 41/42/43 video if we send Iggy…if we do come back for 2016 it’s going to be Delta. She’s a huge artist in Australia but not that internationally recognised, much like Guy.
@Anouska – Yes for Tina Arena!
@Fatima: Gotye is half Australian and half Belgian (he was actually born in Bruges, Belgium). I’d rather see him competing for Belgium, since I don’t think Australia should participate in Eurovision anymore. 🙂
No has-beens, please. That would include Iggy Azalea.
Darren Hayes solo would be a great choice. I love him and he would fit right in.
Savage Garden as such is defunct and both Darren and Daniel have frequently denied they would ever reunite. So no to that even if it would be amazing.
I for one would like Nick Cave to participate. But he probably wouldn’t:)
The Veronicas would be cool too. “You Ruin Me” is a great ballad.
Vance Joy and Ben Lee are fun too.
The above choices are so predictable. Kylie? Really? 5SOS? What?
PLEASE SEND IGGY AZALEA!! SHE RULES!
If Iggy Azalea goes to ESC I am getting an ear surgery so I can hear even better for my own benefit
You forgot Gotye. Is he somebody that you used to know ?
omg… the thought of them sending iggy azalea. i’m living for that.
but since i’m gay… KYLIE MINOGUE!!
All of these are really good choices
But put Dami im in it
5 seconds of summer? Is this a joke?
Out of the ones above it’ll be cool to see Iggy doing the job. However, that’s likely not going to happen. I think that Delta could be the best choice, as she can pull a great song, knows pretty much how to handle the press flawless, and has tons of tables especially when it comes to TV. Also, she’s behind Bella Paige’s song for JESC, which is an even better sign if the Aussies are allowed to comeback to compete next year in Sweden. Delta goes and Australia will be among the ones to beat, she’s just too good to… Read more »
I’d happily support any of these artists – or the next X factor aus winner; Samantha Jade, or even Jessica Mauboy as a competitor. But Australia needs to present something current and unique. 5sos seem to be the obvious choice. They have a distinct image and popular sound that has been successful the world over! 🙂
But Sia doesn’t show her face in public – not sure how that’ll go down on a performance in front of millions. Also Savage a garden is defunct, Kylie Minogue laughed at the thought of even the rumour of being asked to represent Australia and Iggy Azalea is a rapper which has atrocious history at eurovison
Ew
Why even create hype for Australia’s participation if they aren’t even supposed to be in it this year
LIAR!!! Troye Sivan and that Conrad person are no where near the level of fame and success that is Guy Sebastian. And I don’t even like Guy Sebastian.
@Mark Before Eurovision Guy was practically unknown in Europe and he certainly hadn’t successfully charted anywhere on the continent. Both Troye and Conrad have had big hits, and Troye is even charting in the US. PS no need to be calling people liars, it’s an opinion piece not a news story.
I just sort of assumed it would go to Delta Goodrem.
If Iggy Azalea goes to ESC I am cutting my ears off for my own benefit.
I love Australia and it’s one of the 4 countries I would like to live in outside Europe, but sorry, that won’t happen
How about Havana Brown? she is also good for Eurovision too!! 😀
How can you NOT mention AC/DC? possibly the most popular and enduring band from Australia. Would be GREAT to hear them in ESC 🙂
And if they were from Australia….as many think (not New Zeland)….Crowded House! 🙂
Troye would be great! He is one of my favourite singers currently.
I’d prefer Tina Arena over any of the above.