Australian fans say they are not letting the double billing of the federal election and Eurovision ruin their enjoyment of the song contest.
Award-winning singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke is set to compete against 16 countries in Semi Final 1.
Her song operatic pop song Zero Gravity was selected by the Australian public and judges at the first national selection show Eurovision – Australia Decides in February.
For fans, staying across the marathon four-day competition between 16 to 19 May will be complicated with Australia's federal election slated for May 18.
"Voting twice in one weekend. I don't mind voting and I know exactly who I will be voting for: Kate Miller-Heidke," one fan said.
Another fan said it would be exhausting trying to fit both in, but it can be done.
"Fortunately, it doesn't clash with the main part of the day. So you can still go out and vote (in the federal election) probably like a zombie."
Saturday night's Australian preview party was organised by OGAE Australia, the Australian branch of the largest body of Eurovision fan clubs worldwide.
Fans are able to watch all 41 acts on a screen, before taking to an unofficial online voting platform.
Eurovision fans dance to Kate Miller-Heidke's 'Zero Gravity' at a preview party in Sydney. Source: SBS
Committee member Kurtis Carter said preview parties are an opportunity for fans to relive the Eurovision experience.
"Some are making their way to Tel Aviv this year," Mr Carter said.
"Quite a few are actually heading over. Every year it's growing and growing."
Eurovision fans casting their vote on the unofficial voting platform. Source: SBS
International guests
Pop rock due 'Eye Cue' was the guest performance this year.
They represented the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in last year's song contest, a country now known as North Macedonia, with their song 'Lost and Found'.
The band consists of the guitar player and vocalist Bojan Trajkovski and lead vocalist Marija Ivanovska.
The duo treated Australian fans to a very special performance of 2018 contestant Jessica Mauboy's hit song 'We Got Love'.
"Such a lovely person," Eye Cue said.
"One of the best vocalists from the Eurovision.
"She's wonderful."
The pair spent part of the evening signing CDs for fans and taking pictures.
Source: SBS
