Hosted on the Gold Coast and broadcast live and exclusively on SBS, two of the country’s greatest female vocalists – Aussie icon Vanessa Amorosi and powerhouse entertainer Casey Donovan – will each perform an original song for their chance to represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Vanessa Amorosi
Vanessa Amorosi. Source: Supplied
Vanessa Amorosi's song-writing ability and dynamic vocal range have seen her sell over two million records worldwide. She’s released four critically acclaimed studio albums, received 16 ARIA and APRA nominations, and released a new album today, marking two decades since the release of her seminal dance anthem ‘Absolutely Everybody’.
“I am so incredibly excited to be part of Eurovision – Australia Decides 2020. I am a proud Aussie and to have the opportunity to sing one of my songs on a huge international stage representing Australia would be unforgettable. I look forward to Australia hearing my song and working alongside friends and fellow musicians on this journey," says Amorosi.
The 38-year-old also hints at the track she will be performing, "Listen to my new album Back to Love, released today, and see if you can guess which song it is,” she says.
Casey Donovan
Casey Donovan. Source: Supplied
After a quick rise to fame at the age of 16, Casey Donovan became the youngest ever winner of Australian Idol in 2004. Over the last 13 years, she’s made her mark not only as a musician, but also on stage and screen, and as a presenter and writer. Casey is a multi-award winner, including the ARIA No. 1 Award for ‘Listen with Your Heart’ and Deadly Awards for Best Album, Best Single and Most Promising New Talent. She is currently starring in the musical Chicago.
“I’m so excited to be a part of Eurovision – Australia Decides after opening the show this year and seeing the amazing talent," says Donovan.
"When I was asked I thought, what an amazing thing to be a part of. It doesn’t matter what happens for me, ‘Proud’ is such an incredible song written by the talented Justine Eltakchi and I’m proud to sing it," she says.
Donovan expressed her excitement at sharing the stage with some of Australia's most talented singers. "Vanessa Amorosi [is] my idol, I love her," she says.
‘Proud’ was one of hundreds of songs to be submitted to the SBS Song Portal this year. “Songwriter Justine Eltakchi has a brilliant story and we can’t wait for fans to hear [Eltakchi’s and Donovan’s] collaboration when it’s released – it’s really exciting,” says Josh Martin, SBS Commissioning Editor for Entertainment.
In association with the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland, the City of Gold Coast, Screen Queensland and new partner Moroccanoil, Eurovision – Australia Decides will be presented at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 February. Tickets for the Opening Night Show, Matinee Show and Live TV Final are now on sale.
Hosted by SBS Eurovisionaries comedian Joel Creasey and music buff Myf Warhurst, Eurovision – Australia Decides will showcase the best of Australian music and bring the nation closer to the Eurovision action. Audiences are encouraged to vote for their favourite acts and the winner will be revealed during the Live TV Final, broadcast live and exclusively on SBS on Saturday 8 February.
Be a part of history and see it live at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
OPENING NIGHT SHOW
MATINEE SHOW LIVE TV FINAL
Friday 7 February, 7.30pm AEST (Not televised – Tickets available) Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
Jury Vote
Saturday 8 February, 1.00pm AEST (Not televised – Tickets available) Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
Saturday 8 February, 7.30pm AEST (Live and Exclusive TV Broadcast on SBS – Tickets available)
Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
Public Vote and Winner Announced
Eurovision – Australia Decides airs live and exclusively on SBS on Saturday 8 February 2020. Broadcast times across Australia:
NSW/VIC/TAS/ACT 8:30pm – 11:00pm AEDT
QLD 7:30pm – 10:00pm AEST
SA 8:00pm – 10:30pm ACDT
WA 5:30pm – 8:00pm AWST
NT 7:00pm – 9:30pm ACST
#Eurovision #AusDecides
