X Factor's Isaiah Firebrace will represent Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest but admits he's never been to Europe.
The 17-year-old will jump on a 28-hour flight to Ukraine in May to be the third official Australian entry in the hugely popular music competition.
The Eurovision Song Contest is the most watched non-sporting event in the world, with more than 35 countries competing for musical glory.
Unveiled as the Australia's entry on Tuesday, Firebrace is hoping he can channel his nerves into a powerful but stripped back performance.
"Nerves are good, it's all about how you channel them into your performance and not get distracted by them," he told AAP.
"You need to stay focused."
While Eurovision is known for its kitsch and kooky acts adorned with wind machines and odd props, Firebrace is keen to let his song make its impact without the pageantry.
"I don't really feel like it should be very massive, eurovisiony extravaganza performance," he said.
"I think to keep it simple will be really interesting and cool will be a nice way to do it."
He will perform the ballad Don't Come Easy, a song based on his journey from rural kid to Australian recording artist.
The song is written by the same team that wrote last year's Eurovision Australian entry. It was sung by fellow X Factor winner Dami Im and came second.
The year before, Guy Sebastian took out fifth place.
He admits the high standards set by his predecessors will be an inspiration but won't paralyse him.
"I'm going to forget about all that and take it step by step, do my best, and that's all you can do," he said.
"If you think, 'Oh what if I'm going to place top 10 or top five?' all those thoughts are unnecessary."
Growing up in rural Victoria town along the NSW border, the enormity of his endeavour is starting to sink in.
"I think most people go to Europe for a nice holiday, but I'm going to go over there to do something really amazing," he said.
"I feel really blessed about that."
Eurovision will begin in Kiev, Ukraine on May 14.
