With Eurovision – Australia Decides just over three weeks away, five more entrants have released their entries that they will be performing on the Gold Coast on February 7 and 8.
Among the five entrants include Casey Donovan, Diana Rouvas, iOTA, Jordan-Ravi and Mitch Tambo. The five join Jack Vidgen, who released his entry “I Am King I Am Queen” late last year.
Casey Donovan – “Proud”
Composed by songwriter Justine Eltakchi, Casey will be performing the ballad “Proud”. Despite sharing a song title with 2019’s Tamara Todevska, the similarities end there. A strong ballad about self-powerment, “Proud” is one part Celine Dion, one part Wilson Phillips. A song about “being strong, and standing tall and proud” the once-shy Casey has flourished as a musician — whether on stage or on screen. Both will crucially determine her placing on the Gold Coast.
Casey spoke about how proud she is of “Proud”:
“From the first line of the song to the end crescendo, I had fallen in love with this song, it spoke to me in a way music hasn’t in a very long time. ‘Proud’ is merely a reminder to yourself, to be proud of who you are, proud of all of the ups and downs, to keep getting up despite the pain and push forward no matter how many people put you down. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy at that. It’s an anthem of self-love and acceptance – a little reminder that we have to stand tall and proud.”
Diana Rouvas – “Can We Make Heaven”
As the 2019 The Voice Australia winner, Diana should have no problems singing her entry, “Can We Make Heaven”. Lyrically, it makes lemonade from lemons – with Diana singing about deriving the heaven from hell. There’s a strong choir element to the track, with Diana’s vocals cutting through, hitting the high notes and hitting all minor chords. “Can We Make Heaven” is a masterclass in showing vocal range.
Diana spoke about how “Can We Make Heaven” came to be:
“‘Can We Make Heaven’ was inspired by the personal lessons we learn in life and how I feel we can choose to be empowered, choose to grow, create, manifest and be the light in the darkness. The last few months have been an incredibly difficult time for so many Australians affected by the bushfires and it has been so inspiring to watch the nation come together to support those in need. It is amazing to see what we can achieve when we all band together and I know our resilient spirits will see us through to find that light again.”
iOTA – “Life”
Don’t let the maniacal video clip fool you – iOTA lives and breathes out of this world. With a musicality best described as eclectic both in style and in substance, iOTA has delivered his typical style through his entry “Life”, penned by emerging songwriter Jesse Watt. Opening with a piano, “Life” is a hark back to a sound not to dissimilar to Freddie Mercury – yet still seems timeless. iOTA’s notes are high, full of breadth and depth, the trumpets are blaring, and the lyrics are, frankly, quite genius. Expect iOTA (aka the Doof Warrior) to pull some more magic as he takes this to the stage.
iOTA spoke about how he made Jesse Watt’s song his own:
“I really like this song… and it’s not my song, it was written by Jesse Watt – but I love it. ‘Life’ is inspirational and energetic, positive, mighty, heartfelt and fun… it’s been a joy to imbue my emotion and vibe into another writer’s song, to make it my own – and hopefully please the listeners.”
Jordan-Ravi – “Pushing Stars”
Colourfully described as an ‘enigmatic soulful singer-songwriter with a chocolate tone and a talent on the guitar’, Jordan-Ravi has aligned all his talents in “Pushing Stars”. Written by last year’s Australia Decides entrants George Sheppard and Tania Doko, Jordan hits the high-notes in this easy-listening, Sheppard-inspired track. The guitar strums are strong, the production is slick, and Jordan brings his charisma and charm in three minutes.
Jordan-Ravi spoke to wiwibloggs, telling us he was over the moon with the support he received in our poll, being considered one of the acts to look forward:
“I’m so happy that wiwibloggs has given me the opportunity to reach out to my fans and people who never heard of me! To be one of the top contenders on the artist poll is mind blowing and it’s given me so much positive energy going into the competition. I’m working really hard preparing for the show and I’m really looking forward to everyone finally hearing “Pushing Stars”. I hope to make everyone proud on the 8th of February and I just can’t wait to perform at Eurovision – Australia Decides.”
Mitch Tambo – “Together”
Described as “a true representative of Australia’s beauty, culture and talent” from former Pussycat Dolls lead singer Nicole Scherzinger, the First Nations singer Mitch Tambo has blended traditional sounds and language with contemporary beats and production in his entry “Together”, breathing modernity to a traditional culture.
The track features Indigenous Gilmaraay language and English, blended with the didgeridoo as the main instrumental. It’s both powerful and anthemic, as Mitch describes:
“‘Together’ is a really important song to me. It’s the culmination of everything I want to do with my music – to bring people from all walks of life, cultures and creeds together with a message of love, especially when so many are going through such tough times. It’s the perfect song for Eurovision, which is all about uniting people through music no matter what language they speak – or sing. I can’t wait to get out on that stage and perform this song for Australia, and the world.”
The five above entries join Jack Vidgen, who previously released his entry “I Am King I Am Queen”.
Yet to release or confirm their entries to Australia Decides are entrants Montaigne, Didirri, Jaguar Jonze and Vanessa Amorosi.
Eurovision – Australia Decides will take place again at the sunny Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on February 7 (preview show) and February 8 (Grand Final).
Which of the five newly released entries excites you the most? Let us know in the comments below.
Hope iOTA or Mitch Tambo, will win!!
God I hope these sound better live as they currently sound really boring and bland. I’m a little disappointed SBS.
Together is so far my favourite, yes some of the english lyrics come across a little cheesy but hey sometimes thats nice and otherwise I love the song. Next 2 favs are iota and jack vidgen. I was hoping more from casey’s song and while it would be good in a movie it doesnt feel right for eurovision, also builds too slowly. I expect her staging will be good though!
So far my fav songs are the ones by IOTA which is instantly likeable and could be amazing live and a close 2nd Vanessa Amorosi Lessons of Love. She will bring this home live. Mitch Tambo’s Together disappoints as i was expecting much better. The English parts of the song sound cheesy and song ends flat.
Jordan’s song sounds like a Eurovision winning song to me. Stands out from the rest and it has the ooomph factor. Australia vote for this if you want to win it. 🙂 such a beautiful song . I can hear this in the closing credits .
Jordan and Casey in my opinion
I am seriously torn between Casey and Diana… Casey’s song is like a Frozen 3 anthem but Diana Rouvas has been spot on with the current state of emergency that has been the Aussie bushfire crisis this year. I don’t know which Australia will decide upon this year but I hope it is one of these two… I can picture both coming in Top 5 easily this year… even winning despite Australia being only the 2nd country to show their cards in 2020. Full credit to SBS again this year for the quality and commitment to Eurovision
????
Mitch’s song be like :
Cause every night I lie in bed
A thousand Colors fill my head
A million dreams……
Oh not the same song
I think it’s the best of the 6 released so far
Casey Donovan’s song is so amazing! And who better to represent Australia than a 2 time winner!? Idol Winner, Queen of the Jungle, Singer-Songwriter, Musician, Actress, Author and a Philanthropist. She is mixed race and descends from a heritage of people as old as time, with her grandmother being a key reason her people have their language in written form! Again, Who better to represent AUSTRALIA TO THE WORLD!?
Someone with a better song ?
As an Aussie I find all the songs released so far really bland and boring. Hoping the remaining songs offer something special
As an Aussie I find all the songs released so far bland and a total snore fest. Here’s hoping the remaining 4 offer something better
Honestly? None of them.
Lessons of love will qualify I suppose
It sounds like it has elements from chandelier and dusk till dawn
Elements? You mean screaming?
Haha I meant musically
Parts of the song when she starts “screaming” sound like chandelier and the end of the chorus sounds like dusk till dawn
The only song which grabbed my interest immediately was iOTA …. the rest I couldn’t listen to through to the end. Last year there were 6 or 7 songs from Australia Decides which made it onto my playlist and there were none I actively disliked. This year looks like it might be a struggle. On a positive note, I hope Vanessa Amoroso goes for “Lessons of Love” which is on my playlist already. Other than that, Montaigne, Jaguar Jonze and Didirri are going to have to come up with something special otherwise we are doomed to remain in the Semis.… Read more »
Australia’s Head of Delegation must have been smoking something pretty strong when he said that there were 4-6 songs in this year’s selection that could win Eurovision. I’ve heard 7 songs so far and none of them have a chance at winning and would really struggle to qualify. I really hope they’re leaving the best till last.
LOL exactly what I’ve been thinking!
As per usual, the Wiwi Cognescenti are out in force, declaring songs are “below average”, “forgettable” or “boring”, offering little more than an abrupt appraisal of some very talented artists and some very decent songs. Fortunately, it’s the same folk who bemoaned that Sound of Silence was forgettable, or Zero Gravity wouldn’t qualify. Sounds about right from this nasty, musically illiterate lot.
I wasn’t and am still not a fan of “Sound of Silence” but I never doubted that it would qualify and knew it would do well, and that was before seeing Dami Im’s live performance. And I loved Zero Gravity and never doubted it would qualify either. But there’s no denying that this year’s songs are a weak bunch.
What a downer these songs are after Zero Gravity.
Jordan has my vote! Love his voice and the song’s message!
Jordab’s song, love it, go Jordan
Wow there’s so much negativety in the comments. Idk why given that all the songs are better than half the entries in AD last year. Casey Donovan this song is fantastic! It build and builds and when combined with her voice is incredible. It’s much better than I expected! It reminds me of Chiara from Malta in 2005. Diana Rouvas, her voice is incredible! The song is exactly what I expected from her but it would be absolute jury bait at the contest. iOTA, for me is extremely dated and boring. I’ve heard they have a spectacle planned for the… Read more »
Oh wow, I’ll be at the GCCC on the 8th of Feb and I hope the last remaining artists have something better to deliver, because all of these songs are below average. I’ll make sure I drink lots of coffee so I don’t fall asleep. Why so many generic and badly produced ballads? So far iOTA has the best start but it just becomes so repetitive. I’m counting on Vanessa, Montaigne and Jaguar Jones to deliver. At least we know who is not going to Eurovision.
I was really underwhelmed, now I’m worried, if last 4 doesn’t have a standout, then we might not qualify for the final this year
Just wait for the live performances. Just remember what Dami achieved when she represented us – look at what happened on the night! <3
Elevating the song – that's what Aussie's are good at 😉
Perhaps don’t bother coming then? Not sure your attitude is particularly welcome at the GCCC?
Some great songs here. Particular favourite is Jordan-Ravi’s “Pushing Stars”… Makes me want to dance!
Casey’s song is amazing! Her live performances are always incredible as well! Has a great chance.
I’m hoping we haven’t heard the winner yet because I don’t think any of the ones I’ve listened to are as good as the top three or four from Australia last year.
That being said, I might be the only person here who prefers Jordan-Ravi’s song!
I prefer it, its the best of an average bunch
It’s my favorite too.
Mitch Tambo is something… good luck!!
Casey by far the best
No, I was bored before it was even half finished.
By far the best of the six I’ve heard so far!
How good is this rain in Australia right now! Praise God. Lying in bed listening to the beautiful rain and these songs. and the rain sounds better than all five of these songs, hope Amorosi comes up with a gem of a song soon or we’re in trouble 🙂 Go Aus! Love my country
Proud was better than I thought it would be. Good for you and your beautiful voice Casey!
If only it wasn’t named “Proud” , there will be comparisons to Tamara’s Eurovision song from last year if it wins
I could only listen Iota and Jordan and the songs are nice, non – European and yeah little different from european music (i have a feeling at least)
I also heard Jack and BTW on you tube is also Vanessa’s eurovision song) …so from these 4 i can’t choose my winner so far…
It’s a shame Tambo’s song is so generic, Indigenous elements aside. Otherwise it would be an easy pick.
‘Lessons of Love’ is still my favourite. Closely followed by Life and Can We Make Heaven
All the tracks are not available in Portugal… 0 points from Portugal
Same here in central europe (well i could only listen iota and jordan)
The lyrics of these songs are so generic… this is so disappointing… I hope the remaining songs are better
I feel like Jaguar Jonze and Montaigne are gonna deliver because these songs are…not good
Iota is great !
Best one I’ve heard so far.
Forgettable tries
From the acts I have higher expectations about, iOTA was the only one to release his song so far and I really liked the vibe and the structure of the track. Since he’s supposed to have inventive staging, I imagine how high will he get and how will they do it… Nice efforts by Mitch (what a beautiful crystal clear voice) and Jordan, but they’re more like the kind of extra safe songs Australia used to pick when they were selecting internally. For some reason, Casey’s and Diana’s songs aren’t available here, neither in Youtube or Spotify.
Casey’s is available on youtube now.
Do you have a link? I found just a 30 seconds teaser there. The video linked in the post is unavailable.
Does this work? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lgJSvvFyXY
Hmm not really a fan of the songs so far, I hope the rest are better
Think Diana’s, Jordan’s, and iOTA’s are the one we can go for. IMO only few of them is standing out as distinct as their 2019 counterparts (I mean, you could tell how varied are the sounds of AD2019). I hope the other 3 songs can bring more flavor.
Mitch Tambo’s song is my favourite!!
These songs are all kinda middling for me. I’m most excited about Montaigne, so fingers crossed!!
Last year, Australia has a great NF with no song I rated under a 6, with 4 of them entering my playlist. I expect great things from them once again.
It’s too soon for me to get through them just yet. Portugal is out and I am still on that. I want to take my time and pay them a proper attention. Once I do, I hope they’ll once again make me happy!
Good luck, Australia! Europe is with you! 🙂
Only Mitch Tambo’s “Together” caught my attention and I think it would work very well on Eurovision
That one’s already been released. 🙂
Gooo Mitch Tambo Goooo
Casey Donovan to win! Masterpiece!
im kind of relying on the last four to be better than this
IOTA has to win!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mitch Tambo’s track is my #1 and is by far the best representation of Australia. Diana would be my #2!