She was revealed as Australia’s representative for Eurovision 2018 way back in December. Fast forward to the eve of Sydney’s Mardi Gras last Saturday, Jessica Mauboy showed her support for the event with the hashtag #WEGOTLOVE – a clue about her Eurovision entry, hidden in plain sight.
And now — after many teases, leaks and snippets — Jessica has finally released her song for Lisbon “We Got Love”.
Jessica Mauboy “We Got Love” Official Music Video
“We Got Love” officially landed at midnight on Friday morning, Melbourne time.
The track is co-written by Jessica and DNA –David Musumeci and Anthony Egizii (who also wrote the entries for Dami Im in 2016 and Isaiah Firebrace in 2017). David and Anthony explain the story their track, as “a reminder that love, acceptance and the power of inclusivity can overcome all obstacles or hardships that arise”.
It’s a mid-tempo pop number all about empowerment in the face of a testing relationship. The accompanying film clip sees Jessica getting wet and dancing on her own inside a light box — all in front of a projection of contrasting nature and modern light imagery. She ain’t gonna surrender — because Ms Mauboy has sass, style and love to share.
The path to today’s release has been as rocky as the Northern Territory Jessica hails from. On Monday night, a full version of the track leaked online — only to be taken down shortly after by Jessica’s record label Sony.
And while many eagle-eyed fans did get a taste of the leaked track, Jessica’s official release remasters the leaked version, cutting the track to fit within the three minutes as specified under Eurovision rules and finishing on a powerful note.
Speaking to wiwiblogger William back in December after her official announcement as the Australian entrant for 2018, Jessica revealed her passion for Eurovision, telling us that she has “unfinished business” at the competition following her participation in the 2014 interval act.
The queen of the Australian desert also expressed an interest in performing in preview parties – so watch this space!
Who is Jessica Mauboy?
Securing a contract with Sony BMG at the young age of 14 after winning a regional singing competition, Jessica rose to fame as the runner-up on the fourth season of Australian Idol in 2006. Her father is of Indonesian origin and her mother is of Indigenous Australian, Native American and English descent.
After Idol, Jessica joined the girl group Young Divas in 2007 alongside fellow Australian idol alumni, before making her big solo break in 2008 with her debut album Been Waiting, where her single “Burn” became her first number one single. She has since collaborated with artists Pitbull, Snoop Dogg and Flo Rida, as well as touring alongside Chris Brown and Beyonce.
Alongside her music career, Jessica also started acting, garnering critical acclaim in her performances in Australian films Bran Nue Dae in 2010 and The Sapphires in 2012, before securing the lead role in Australian television series The Secret Daughter in 2016.
Eurovision fans were first introduced to Jessica when she was selected by SBS as the interval act in the second semi-final of the 2014 contest in Copenhagen, where she performed “Sea of Flags”. Most recently, Jessica scored six nominations at the Australian Record Industry Awards in 2017 for her album The Secret Daughter Season Two: Songs from the Original 7 Series.
Are you feeling the love for Jessica’s track “We Got Love”? Will Australia reach the grand final for the fourth year running? Let us know in our comments below.
It’s a shame they didn’t give Jess a better song. I wish she could have got something as good as “This Ain’t Love” which is still one of my fave songs from her. Oh well, the important thing is that at least we get to take part again.
Jess has already released much much better songs than this one. So it’s a shame the writers didn’t create something more unique. It is easy to remember the chorus but has no ‘freshness’ or individuality which is why many people comment it sounds ‘generic’ or ‘already done’. Seriously a drum break? Really? The video looks so cheap and is typical of the rubbish Sony Australia is known for. I mean couldn’t they afford more than a fluoro light box for her to dance in? The stylist did her no favors either, dated and without any direction. Sequins and a metal… Read more »
Preach!! This is the bad kind of generic song.
I expected more from Australia especially when they send Jessica Mauboy who is one of their top-tier homegrown artists. This just falls short overall.
It’s like they blatantly want to send an entry to spread about love + world peace.
However, it’s void of any emotions because it is so forced.
Azerbaijan’s entry (which is one of the most generic songs you can get about love and positivity) at least make their product more believable and catchy, whereas for Australia’s entry, I just can’t get into it.
Again, it appears we have a number of musical “experts” in the comment section. Go read a book if you want something deep and meaningful. This is Eurovision. Entertainment. Always was. Always will be. Morons. Morons everywhere.
Help! People have a different opinion than mine! Their reasoned and fair arguments don’t align with my own views! Someone call the internet police!
Help! People don’t like being called out for their double standards. Their so-called arguments implicate a stick needs to be pulled out. Someone call Jesus!
The reactions on Youtube have been Mixed to Meh….. over 1400 dislikes in 1 day which is equivalent to last year’s entry “Don’t Come Easy.” I believe it took over a month for “Sound of Silence” to receive 1000 dislikes. I was rooting for Aussies to take the crown but I don’t think this is good enough to win. It should still finish top 10 due to the fact Juries love Sony err Australia and it’s a very weak year for good songs, that is, unless Jessica chokes under pressure again. She seems to get very nervous singing in front… Read more »
Two different genres. Two different singers. Stop comparing apples to oranges. Not every song has to be a ballad. Pull the stick out.
There are so much deserving entries this year than this entry (Estonia, Finland, Greece, Italy, etc.). Heck, her ‘Sea of Flags’ 2014 was so much better.
If this was representing any country but my own, I’d be happy to have it in the contest.
But… I was hoping for more from Australia. Until the Blink/SBS/Sony deal ends though, we’re going to be stuck with these top tier fast food entries. And they really are top tier for what they are, but they’re nothing special, nothing lasting, and ultimately nothing to remember or to be proud of.
Good luck Jess, I reckon you’ll do well. But next time, let’s hope we have something a little more… well, a little ‘more’.
Did you seriously use the phrase “fast food” in your comment? You are, without a doubt, an idiot. Go kiss Quasimodo’s butt.
Much better than some of the depressing , pseudo political , «bleeding hearts « songs of this year…
This is another good entry from Australia. Great production, radio friendly song and a beautiful voice. The thing with this song is that it’s made for a live performance. The studio version may seem bland but I can already imagine this on stage and it can be awesome.
Not my faovurite but I like it.
Negative nellies out in full force
I kept on thinking that she would release something like her other music and less like the generic ‘Sea of Flags’… but no.
It’s certainly good for its genre but I really wanted something like ‘This Is Love’. HOW COOL WOULD THAT HAVE BEEN! It frustrates me. I will live for the day Australia takes a risk… if it ever comes…
I can see potential in the song…
I haven’t heard the other entries yet so hard to say if it’s a stand out song in the contest.
I do like the music video though, elements of that could be used in the staging..
The chorus does hook you…I’m guessing like the other entries they will tweak the arrangement slightly. Maybe have a part where her voice really takes off, where you go whoa! I hope she does take bit of risk vocally in this song…fully go for it.
Uninspiring BS.
It’s absolutely bland. Awful generic song.
What a load of rubbish.Eurovision song contest started out to bring countries together with music after WWII.Australia was welcomed by Europe to help win the War.Australia was there during WWI fighting in the trenches in Belgium and France.We are good enough to fight with but not to sing with? I hope you feel ashamed. I have noted that the quality of songs have improved and more competition makes that happen but don’t try and kid yourselves very few songs make an impact from Eurovision in the real world. ABBA made an impact with Waterloo but after that very few countries… Read more »
Beautiful song sang by a beautiful singer with a beautiful voice. It has very meaningful lyrics. I hope the ppl who hated on Australia last year will think twice once they hear this song. If ppl can still love USA or Russia despite the things they read on the news then why not Australia too?
First listen = Bland
I’d take Greece out of there and put maybe Spain. Greece’s song will most likely get them a Top 10 (best case scenario) but not a winner.
so bad lol australia will not go to final this year XD
Call me disappointed. Was hoping for something along the lines of Sound of Silence but instead got something really cheesy (like the Aussie song from 2014 Eurovision). I’ll be shocked if it wins let alone finish in Top 5. I think this is the first time UK ranks ahead of Australia.
But “Sound of Silence” is also cheesy as heck. The thing that uplifted that song was Dami’s superb vocals. It was also very repetitive, specially the word silence.
Disagree. Sound of Silence wasn’t cheesy at all as many people (including all the other contestants) thought it was beautiful and touching. It is one of the most watched and beloved Eurovision music videos of all time with nearly 17M views and over 100,000 likes. I know quite a few people who can’t stop crying during the song cause they find it so beautiful and moving. Of course, Dami’s flawless vocals made it that much better. I don’t think We Got Love comes anywhere close to that magic.
Awful and super generic. The only good Aussie song in the ESC remains ”Tonight Again”
I like it. Anthem-like. Will get people up and chant. Good entry.
I’m really disappointed with Aussie song this year. I have listened to it only once and I was so bored.
flop song, Katy Perry 2010s b-side reject
Very weak entry in my opinion. It’s so usual. And I expect even the jurors to not help it so much Australia this time. Even though, there are commercials reasons why EBU wants Australia in the final… But I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t reach it this year.
Love it. Super catchy and happy, without going over the top. This is perfect for Eurovision.
I am so happy about the quality of songs this year – I think it’s by far the best selection since I started following the contest in 2010. It seems like the jury/televote split has massively raised the respectability level, and we’re seeing much better song submissions as a result. Good call, EBU.
It appears we have a number of musical “experts” in the comment section. Typical snobbery from the fans. Ever since Quasimodo won last year, the sheer arrogance from the fans has gone through the roof!
Couldn’t say it any better!
And the user L’oiseau will react in 3,2,1 seconds.
At least that ”Quasimodo” was better than all of the russian songs from 2000 combined. Especially that Sergey Lazarev 8 bit piece of crap and Dima Bilan figure skater and that Kostov from Moscow signing in disguise for Bulgaria. Flops!
I like it. Better than all those boring ballads
I have never been a fan of Mauboy even though I am Australian, simply because of the reason of this song. This song is typical Mauboy and if any one expected more then sorry!!!!! Mauboys voice is typical mid range, she has a great low and Mid Register to her voice, but her high Register is lacking, so you get pretty much a bland mid register songs from her and there are no high points, not that it is necessary to have a high point, but she does try in this song to finish of with a high point, but… Read more »
the same guy again stanning for dami and putting down anyone else in the process..
Yes. He is a typical Dami Im’s fan, who always brought Dami into this but at least he is not the Jam Slam who keep bashing Australia except for Dami.
Guy Sebastian was so much better than Dami Im.
You can put that internalized homophobia back in the closet, thanks, Podesta. Be proud your country’s progress will be celebrated on the Eurovision stage – the world’s gayest party venue.
Jessica said it was about love in general (which includes same-sex love) but who cares if it was a gay anthem, if you don’t like it then why watch Eurovision in the first place. By the way, love your username ?
For me it’s just another pop song.
Amazing song, absolutely love it. There’s Top 5 potential here I think.
The same argument could have been made of Ukraine in 2016 and Portugal in 2017 in the lead up to ESC. “Genre track” may not necessarily be a bad thing 🙂
Jessica was the first australian in Esc and i hope she closed it too… First and last … Australia out … Eurovision Is europe..
Just like your negativity.
I hope the same, Australia takes a place in the final that could be for another country
If the countries can’t beat Australia, their entires are obviously awful
Yeah, right? At first I thought I would not like it at all because it is so generic, but I just love it! It suddenly just hit right into my heart and soul.
Senneka from Belgium is so much better. Besides she loves Salvador and we don’t know the opinion of the aussie girl. Go Senneka! Salvador will guide you to the victory! I’m so glad you were inspired by him, Senneka girl
Stop trolling here.
btw guys “Oniro Mou” music video is out.
Came here for the same comment 😀
omg, I watched it now, it’s beautiful, love it, I love the song too!!
Pass.
That was really, really good. Simple chorus and warm, meaningful verses. Thank you Australia!
We were promised a banger, and the best they could do was give us an underwhelming mid tempo song that falls solidly in the “love peace peace love” tradition. Does anyone actually know how to write an upbeat dance song anymore? On one hand, there is very little chance of Jessica giving a lousy vocal performance like in 2014, but on the other, there is little room for elevation live. Australia keeps finding new ways to make each year’s song sound more and more generic.
You know what , if your hungry for good music after listening to that pop trash Preslava has a new video to save the day
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ii6mAgRxCeg
Greece is TWICE as generic. #moron
Greece will flop in grand final. Autotune much!
jPod is always hearing something different from all of us #flop
Testing…every post I make disappears…1…2..3…
Of course this one shows up just to embarrass me.
I keep trying to reply to Roxy’s comments comparing Azerbaijan to Australia.
All I want to say is that Azerbaijan’s good run is explained by the fact that Azerbaijan cheated and stole their way to victory. Australia at least play fair, so the two can not be compared.
explained by whom and who confirmed that?? You can just say that it’s your opinion, because you didn’t like their entries which could be understanding. But you can’t blame a country on something like that. I personally loved Azerbaijan’s entries from 2009 to 2013 and then they went downhill especially after 2014 result. This year’s entry is another example that they are not good as they were during 2009-2013. Do not generalise your opinions. It’s seriously worrying how some countries (like Australia, Sweden, Azerbaijan) get such negative comments by some people here just because they are doing well in the… Read more »
Sounds as boring as a mixture of Germany’s last/second last places in the last few years. Hopefully won’t survive the semi-finals.
My wish for Australia 2019: Send 5 seconds of summer. I know, they’re some borderline boyband wannabe punkpop guys, but Australia would finally step out of their bland comfort Zone…
I mean… there is a cute blonde singer somewhere in this group, but isn’t that boy group stuff the definition of bland? Like, isn’t literally every single song meant for their 13-year-old fan girls, promising them that they only love her because she is the one and nobody is more special than her? I’m not sure they’d be musical progress.
Tbh, I kinda liked them a couple years ago. Actually… It was 2014. Not that Long ago. I thought they were ”edgy” and ”cool” and ”roooock, baby”. God, that was awful. But I would actually vote for them just because of the cute blonde guy, he Looks really good lol.
Ha! I knew it because I thought exactly the same. 😛 If I don’t get Sia from Australia, I would be very happy with Cody Simpson. He’s blonde, he has an amazing voice and he has been assembling some musical substance as of late. A former mainstream teenage pop product turned into a genuine guy who does whatever he wants now seems like a good compromise to me for the broadcaster.
God, Sia would be such a dream… A dream that will never ever come true. Such famous artists would never think about participating in Eurovision. Which also means that we’ll never send Rammstein, aww 🙁
She could however give away one of her songs for Eurovision. Also a possibility. Hopefully something like “Chandelier”, not one of her sloppy seconds. Well, one can dream.
Rammstein… well, at least you’ve got the Hungarian entry this year. Which I have come to absolutely adore, by the way. I have liked it since the beginning but never listened to it. Now, it’s on my playlist and I never skip it when it comes on. Just goes to show every musical genre is good for Eurovision, if it’s a good song. I’m totally gonna vote for them.
Yes! Celebrating the diversity like we should. I’m actually thinking about giving some votes to Netherlands, it has grown on me so much! Maybe I’ll split them like 10 for hungary, 5 for Denmark (Don’t judge me, I’ve got a Thing for that pretentious viking thing) and 5 for the Netherlands. I’m so sad for you that you can’t vote in semi 2 since all your favourites are in there… Hungary, Australia, Netherlands… What a disaster. 😀
I know! For me, things will only get interesting in the final. I’ll have to count on The Netherlands, Hungary and Australia to make it to Saturday. Not worried about either of them, though. I mean, I suppose I could vote for Switzerland in semi final 1, out of kindness. I actually like them, there’s nothing wrong with the entry and I do hope they will qualify. But truly moved I am only by the three favorites. What’s more, the odds are looking really good for all three. This could actually be the year where I finally agree with the… Read more »
I think the only way Australia can win is sending AC/DC , period!
Poor joke.
Nothing special. But they’ll probably do well (as always).
How boring and generic is this – till waiting for that ‘Occidentali’s Karma moment this year!
Should have read ‘still’ waiting
It’s not gonna happen this year. Waiting for your pretentiois moneky is a waste of time.
Gonna say it again: Nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing about Occidentalis Karma was Special. The melody was completely average. Everything was average. The lyrics were kinda good but hyping it as a ”masterpiece” was kinda unfitting. And the monkey didn’t really Change that average song into an outstanding one either. My opinion….
Obviously I respectfully completely disagree with you! Check out Francesco’s other songs as well to see how talented he is as a songwriter and performer. Anyway each to their own!
I mean, it was by no means a bad song. It was good, but I sadly happen to be the only Person in Europe that can’t see the masterpiece in that song, that everyone else seems to see… He probably is a good Songwriter, I believe it. Anyways, everybody loves Occidentalis Karma, so who am I to judge?
I’m Francesco’s fan and have to say he has better songs than Occidentallis karma imo.
SO SO SO GOOD MY #2
One argument that is being mentioned here repeatedly I totally get though: playing it safe. From a strictly musical point of view, I want Hungary to win.
Hungary’s in my top 5
I’m always a sucker for songs that are the only ones of its genre in the contest
I love Netherlands’s song for the same reason
Hell yeah. The Netherlands are my number 1, Hungary number 4 and climbing.
Same here i love Hungary, Netherlands and Estonia
Gee, this song sounds like it lasts for 30 minutes and it goes on and on. And then I even stop the clip when the predictable drum break comes. Only then you realize what you listened to was less than 3 minutes. That is the eye opener of this song: time travelling is possible, but one won’t necessarily enjoy it. But hey, we got love…
Whether they love or hate the song, everyone seems very confident that this would do well just because it’ll be saved by the jury. Their 3 Top 10 finishes signal that. But I expect it won’t be like this always. Just look Azerbaijan. Since their debut, they got 6 Top 10 finishes in a row, 5 of which were even Top 5, but then chain of success suddenly broke. Everyone was so used to see them doing well and baam! I expect the same for Australia at some point, sooner or later.
Azerbaijan is not Australia…
Absolutely not, Australia is a free country, Azerbaian a moslim dictature, is a big big diference
“Azerbaian a moslim dictature, is a big big diference”
And the most stupid comment award goes to…
@Donald Duck what an ignorant weirdo you are, man. I’m a jewish Azeri and there are thousands of Azeris like me living in this country. Azerbaijan is not just a “moslim” country as you put it. It’s a seculiar country and definitely is not a dictatorship. Don’t comment on something you know nothing about.
‘Definitely’ is a bit of a strong word to use given Azerbaijan ranks at 162 in the world for press freedom, corrupt billionaire and incumbent President Aliyev won the last election with 84% of the vote (bit disappointing given that 92% of election coverage was about him), and opposition voices are routinely silenced through intimidation, imprisonment, and, allegedly, torture. And not just opposition voices – people who voted for Armenia in Eurovision were questioned by the police because of their votes. Anyhoo, Azerbaijan has also got a long history of inexplicable and statistically extremely improbable shared voting between jury members,… Read more »
What does this have to do with what I just said? It’s pure nonsense on another level. So do you think well-established democracies were destined to do well? Check again.
I’m not here to defend Azerbaijan’s government policies, which I know nothing about, I was simply commenting on their Eurovision history. Yet you come and try to make everything about politics. Such a pity!
OOOPS is like i was puting my finger in the wound
Oh you’re such a crub. Grow up!
Azerbaijan cheated. #NeverForget
If Moldova would’ve sent it, everyone would hate it! Let’s be true!
Moldova will never send this well-produced kind of track. Period.
OMG Senneka from Belgium is the new Salvador. I love her so much because she tries to be like him
Also it’s Sennek not senneka
He meant Sieneke from Holland
Girl, you came to the wrong place.
LOL
But San Marino is literally done!
Another jessica with the same song (lyric wise) with a better production and a more jury favoured country!!
But the lack of a chorus in the Australian entry which imo is necessary for a pop song doesn’t make me want to listen to it either.
Like seriously! I still can’t decide if people saying Australia can win are trolling or what!
And the winner is…
It’s a stand out in comparison to the songs been released so far IMO. Getting Celine Dion “I’m Alive” vibes…