SBS reveals three more artists for Eurovision – Australia Decides 2022
Hosted on the Gold Coast and broadcast live and exclusively on SBS, avant-garde performance artist Sheldon Riley, six-piece girl group G-Nat!on and charismatic pop star Andrew Lambrou will perform original songs for their chance to represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in Turin, Italy.
They join three previously announced artists – powerhouse entertainer PAULINI, multi-media artist Jaguar Jonze, and Australia’s 2017 Eurovision Song Contest representative, Isaiah Firebrace who will be singing a duet with a soon to be revealed Australian artist, Four more artists are still to be revealed.
Sheldon Riley said
“It has always been the highlight, waking up at 5am every year to watch from Australia. Growing up on the Gold Coast, watching Conchita for the first time was proof to me that the world will choose different if given the chance to see it. I am different but I have found my place on mainstream television where I never fit the mould, on radio that has never played music like mine, festivals you’d never think I’d fit the bill for because I always dare to dream… in my fashion and my music always bringing that little bit of Eurovision magic with me every time. I’m so proud of the artist I am today, wearing my crystal mask in so many parts of the world. It would be an honour to represent Australia and bring my sparkle to Europe! After all these years of dreaming and creating the artist I am today. It’s all coming to life in epic fashion, LIVE on stage!”
Emma from G-Nat!on said
“We are beyond honoured to be the first ever girl-group to perform at Eurovision – Australia Decides! It is so exciting to be a part of the creativity, inspiration, and diversity that Eurovision brings every year, and we cannot wait to bring our song to life on the national stage. Full of strong harmonies and edgy choreography, our song is dance-pop explosion set to provide the ultimate live show experience. We hope our performance inspires other young people to be strong, powerful, and confident in themselves – see you on the Gold Coast!”
Andrew Lambrou said
“I’m so thrilled to be a part of Eurovision – Australia Decides 2022! I’ve grown up watching Eurovision with my family, admiring all that goes into it and seeing artists show their craft to the world, and to be a part of this show is like a dream come true. I’m so excited to show Australia my artistry, and to potentially represent my country in this amazing song contest is the most encouraging thought for me.”
Hosted by radio host and music buff Myf Warhurst, and comedian Joel Creasey, Eurovision – Australia Decides will showcase the best of Australian music and bring the nation closer to the Eurovision action.
In association with the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland, Major Events Gold Coast, Screen Queensland, APRA AMCOS, and official artist accommodation partner Dorsett Gold Coast, Eurovision – Australia Decides will be presented at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 February. The Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland, is proud to support Eurovision – Australia Decides, which features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar,
The winner will be revealed during the Live TV Final which will be broadcast exclusively on SBS and SBS On Demand on Saturday 26 February.
Be a part of history and see it live at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Tickets for the Jury Preview Show, Matinee Preview Show and Live TV Final are now on sale.
OPENING NIGHT SHOW Friday 25 February, 7.30pm AEST (Not televised – Tickets available)
(Jury Preview Show) Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
Jury Vote
MATINEE SHOW Saturday 26 February, 1.00pm AEST (Not televised – Tickets available)
Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
LIVE TV FINAL Saturday 26 February, 7.30pm AEST (Live and Exclusive TV Broadcast on SBS – Tickets available)
Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
Public Vote and Winner Announced
To purchase tickets: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=EUROVISI22
Eurovision – Australia Decides 2022 airs live and exclusively on SBS and SBS On Demand on Saturday 26 February.
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
For images and video assets:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4dm2mnato8w6qsj/AAA634Uj6OzvTC8eorGMyL7La?dl=0
For more information, and interview requests please contact:
Eva Pitarides | 0403 142 465 | [email protected]
Kaitlin Coleman | 0407 932 235 | [email protected]
Artist Biographies and Additional quotes
Sheldon Riley
Sheldon Riley’s mesmerising and emotional sound paired with his Avant-Garde, high fashion style have truly laid the foundation for a disruptive entry into the music industry making him one of Australia’s most notable up and coming artists. Sheldon’s style of music has been described as “dark pop” a cinematic and passionate expression. Forging a strong, authentic and inclusive path since establishing himself as a musician and artist to remember during his performances on Australian and US knockout television. Off the back of his acclaimed appearances, Sheldon has garnered significant praise and following with his original sound and style. Riley follows his first two single releases with his latest offering ‘AGAIN’, a confession to self-sabotage and torment. The orchestral, emotional and new-age cinematic vibe shows again that Riley’s original music showcases his empathetic and impactful song writing abilities along with his exquisite and captivating vocals.
G-Nat!on
Hot off their knock-out grand final appearance on The Voice, G-Nat!on combine powerful vocals with power-packed choreographer to rival girl groups of the past. This year they’ve given us our new favourite dance anthems ‘Mad About You’ and ‘Little Bit Of’, a fusion of K-Pop, RnB, Pop and Hip-Hop. This followed the successful release of their 2019 single ‘Girls’ Night Out’ and ‘Control’, which earned them a top ten spot on Triple J Unearthed. With a 200k following on TikTok and over one million streams on Spotify – it’s clear we’re ready for a new girl group!
Andrew Lambrou
At just 23, singer-songwriter Andrew Lambrou has built a following of millions with his soulful, honeyed vocals. The Sydney artist’s hard work has paid off, gaining fame through posting impressive singing covers that consistently earn upwards of 2 million views. Backed by his loving extended Greek Family, Andrew began refining his art and performing from an early age. Moving from performances for family and friends to posting his vocal talents on social media was a natural progression for him, sharing beautifully executed covers of pop hits by ZAYN, Charlie Puth and Bazzi. Andrew quickly developed a 1.5 million-strong fan base across Tik Tok, Instagram and YouTube collectively with a recent duet on Tik Tok reaching viral numbers of half a million views in under a week.
Isaiah Firebrace
Isaiah Firebrace first shot to fame when he won The X Factor in 2016 and grabbed global attention for his #1 single ‘It’s Gotta Be You’, which is certified Platinum in Australia, 2 x Platinum in Sweden, Platinum in Norway and Gold in Denmark and has now been streamed over 280 million times. He represented Australia as the first Indigenous Australian and third ever competing Australian contestant at the Eurovision Song Contest (finishing in the top 10) and features on many high-profile television events, including The Masked Singer Australia 2020. Isaiah is highly engaged in the fashion world, having worked with some incredible brands over the past two years and will be performing at Melbourne Fashion Week in 2021.
PAULINI
PAULINI has been heralded as one of the finest vocalists and performers to come out of Australia. The Fijian born songstress rose to fame through television screens on the very first season of Australian Idol which thrust her into the spotlight. Making it through to the final four, she won the hearts of a nation with her angelic, five octave range, and engaging personality. Post Idol, PAULINI rose to the top of the Australian ARIA Charts in 2004 with her debut Platinum album ‘One Determined Heart’ and her Platinum smash single ‘Angel Eyes’, both hitting the #1 spot and receiving Aria Number 1 Chart Awards (‘Angel Eyes’ remained at the top of the charts for 6 consecutive weeks). In fact, PAULINI is still 1 of only 10 Australian female solo artists to have a #1 album debut on the Australian ARIA Charts.
Jaguar Jonze
There is nothing predictable about the remarkable rise of the artist Jaguar Jonze. Her success stems from hard work and her pure creative vision, with WHO DIED AND MADE YOU KING the latest step in cementing her position in the cultural landscape. As the public artist voice of the Australian #MeToo movement, Jaguar Jonze has appeared on The Project, triple j’s Hack, The Guardian and in numerous news pieces as she strives to create meaningful change in the music industry. A true advocate, Jaguar Jonze’s commitment to getting results for survivors in an industry which has ignored reports of harassment and assault has seen her join a working group of industry professionals to build and enforce behavioural guidelines and victim support strategies in the workplace. Her latest musical work will sit alongside her photography and visual art as another reason this truly unique and iconic artist cannot be ignored.
SBS Head of Entertainment, Emily Griggs, said:
“Please welcome Sheldon Riley, G-Nat!on and Andrew Lambrou! Each one ready to bring their own edge and individuality to the stage. These impressive young artists all embrace and harness the power of storytelling and performance. Eurovision – Australia Decides 2022 is going to be a show to remember – you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll dance!”
Creative Director of Eurovision – Australia Decides, Paul Clarke, said:
“We are delighted to announce this next group of artists – who are all taking their Eurovision dreams in very different musical directions. This is a cracker of a year for songs, and we can’t wait for everyone to hear the music they will be creating on the Gold Coast February 25-26 next year.”