SBS and TikTok reveal the inaugural Eurovision TikTok Wildcard winner
SBS, TikTok and production partner Blink TV have announced the inaugural Eurovision – Australia Decides TikTok Wildcard winner – singer, songwriter, Erica Padilla. Erica is the 11th artist to join Eurovision – Australia Decides 2022, rounding out a diverse line-up of artists from across the musical spectrum.
Hosted on the Gold Coast and broadcast live and exclusively on SBS on Saturday 26 February, the event will feature some of Australia’s biggest acts for their chance to represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in Italy.
Erica Padilla attracted millions of views across her Eurovision TikTok Wildcard submissions and grew her following to more than 1.2 million fans across the world.
Erica Padilla said:
“I feel like somebody needs to pinch me because I always hoped but never thought this could actually be possible! Eurovision has made some of the GREATS and to be chosen as the TikTok Wildcard gives me so much hope. From performing to my phone in my bedroom to performing at Eurovision – Australia Decides and potentially the biggest stage in the world this year in Italy – now that would be a dream come true.”
Ollie Wards, Director of Music TikTok Australia / New Zealand, said:
“Australian artists are finding fans and being discovered on TikTok. Eurovision is one of the world’s most loved music moments with the power to create global stars, so it’s exciting to bring the two together and see the incredible Erica Padilla enter the competition as our TikTok Wildcard. We’re already so proud to support Erica onto this stage and no doubt her millions of TikTok followers as well as new fans are going to get behind her.”
Erica joins dynamic duo Evie Irie and Isaiah Firebrace, avant-garde performance artist Sheldon Riley, powerhouse entertainer PAULINI, multi-media artist Jaguar Jonze, six-piece girl group G-NAT!ON, charismatic pop star Andrew Lambrou, pop newcomer Charley, the fabulous Seann Miley Moore, Perth’s metal quintet Voyager, and singer-songwriter Jude York.
Renowned lover of music, Dylan Lewis, will be joining Joel Creasey and Myf Warhurst on the Gold Coast as Eurovision – Australia Decides’ first-ever Green Room host, bringing the nation closer to the artists and Eurovision action.
Dylan Lewis said:
“I live for music. I write it, perform it, teach it, collect it, present it, talk about it and need it. Since hosting the Recovery music show back in the day, I’ve presented a pile of other music TV shows and done a pile of radio too…playing music. Yep. I bloody love music. So to get to be involved in the world’s most eclectic, colourful, diverse and magical music show is a dream!”
“Yes. I’m excited to announce that this year, I’ll get to bring a little bit of mayhem and a whole lotta love to Eurovision – Australia Decides. Wooo! I’ll leave Myf and Joel to do the hard work, while I get to join the party reporting with all the action straight from the green room, to you! I’ve always been passionate about supporting local artists, and I’m so glad we can showcase our talents to the world on the Eurovision stage. I can’t wait to see who’ll go on to represent Australia in 2022. Let’s do this. ”
But wait, there’s more… Joining the star-studded line-up for an unforgettable half-time performance is the winner of the 2020 Eurovision – Australia Decides, Montaigne, who returns to the Gold Coast stage where it all began.
Montaigne said:
“It will be fun to perform Technicolour again for the first time in ages, especially to the audience who cares about it so much. I’m also excited to intro all these new artists to the world of Australia Decides and Eurovision-at-large! I think it’ll just be a really neat night.”
SBS can also reveal three new songs following their exclusive teaser drops on TikTok this week: Evie Irie and Isaiah Firebrace’s When I’m With You, Paulini’s unforgettable We Are One and Jaguar Jonze’s blaze of reckoning Little Fires.
Evie Irie and Isaiah Firebrace said:
“We are super stoked that When I’m With You is out today!!! We have been waiting to release this song for almost a year now and it’s surreal that people are finally going to hear it after all this time. Neither one of us could have imagined that a random day in the studio together would turn into the chance to go all the way to Italy for Eurovision 2022, and would take us on this wild journey together.”
Paulini:
“The world is hurting so it’s time to bust out with a little hope, unity and joy. There’s no better way to do that than with big sounds, and some big notes,” PAULINI said of the track written by songwriters Rick Price and John Capek.
“I’m tired of being the person of colour, Australians are tired of lockdowns due to the pandemic, and the world is tired of being divided by religion and fear. It’s time to remind everyone that we are all humans standing on the same Earth, breathing the same air.”
Jaguar Jonze said:
“Little Fires is a reminder about where we’ve come from, what we are fighting for, and what we can achieve when we work together. And, it’s a reminder that we are not alone. I wanted my Eurovision song to be for those moments where it was hard to stay strong, for those times I felt overwhelmed by what I had taken on.”
“I am constantly defining what vulnerability means to me. Growing up, vulnerability was seen as a weakness, but now to me, I see vulnerability as strength. And I’m seeing this reflect in my lyrics and songwriting. Little Fires is a moment for me to share a vulnerable side of me that I haven’t before.”
Get a preview of the songs you’ll see performed at Eurovision – Australia Decides here on TikTok. Check out G-NAT!ON’s Bite Me teaser and Charley’s I Suck At Being Lonely. Andrew Lambrou’s Electrify is set to drop on February 11, Sheldon Riley’s Not The Same will be released on February 15 and Seann Miley Moore’s My Body will be released soon.
SBS Head of Entertainment, Emily Griggs, said:
“Through this competition, SBS sets out to uncover and celebrate the depth and breadth of Australian music and this year we’ve done exactly that. The TikTok Wildcard winner Erica Padilla completes the line-up for the third ever Eurovision – Australia Decides bringing with her a unique sound and enthusiasm. The new song releases reveal that the performances will potentially send shivers up your spine, warm your heart or get you dancing.
“SBS is also thrilled to welcome Dylan Lewis. His unique experience in both music and broadcasting make him a wonderful addition to our team.”
Creative Director of Eurovision – Australia Decides, Paul Clarke, said:
“Erica is really exciting. She has drama. That’s the one prerequisite for a great Eurovision performance. I’m sure we can do something really memorable together at Australia Decides.”
Joel Creasey and Myf Warhurst will be at the helm of SBS’s Eurovision – Australia Decides coverage.
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.
To purchase tickets: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=EUROVISI22
In association with the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland, Major Events Gold Coast, Screen Queensland, APRA AMCOS, TikTok, 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. Moroccanoil is also supporting the event with hair styling.
For songs, see links below:
Evie Irie and Isaiah Firebrace – When I’m With You
By Isaiah Firebrace, Evie Irie and Taka Perry
https://isaiahfirebrace.lnk.to/WIWY
Paulini – We Are One
By Rick Price and John Capek
https://ffm.to/weareonesingle
Jaguar Jonze – Little Fires
By Deena Lynch, PJ Harding, Louis Schoorl
https://jaguarjonze.ffm.to/littlefires
Voyager – Dreamer
By Daniel Estrin, Simone Dow, Scott Kay, Ashley Doodkorte and Alex Canion
https://listen.voyagerau.com/links
Jude York – I Won’t Need to Dream
By Jeremy Beamish
https://li.sten.to/iwontneedtodream
Stay tuned to the SBS Eurovision website for updates sbs.com.au/eurovision
#EurovisionAustralia #Eurovision #AusDecides
For images and video assets:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jnabmsgj66041lg/AAA6LMsIyxSilR1lZkukrVtEa?dl=0
Artist Biographies
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.
Evie Irie
Unpredictable and undeniably irresistible, critically acclaimed Sydney-born singer-songwriter Evie Irie is Australian pop’s new star-on-the-rise. With snotty punk energy and universal pop ambition, Evie strikes a balance between the wild sonic bliss of WILLOW and classic Gwen Stefani girl goddess energy.
After returning home to Sydney following a stint in LA, Evie has been channelling her pop punk dreams into songwriting with some of the country’s most progressive producers. Recent singles The Idea Of You and Bleed garnered millions of streams and plaudits from the likes of triple j, and The Daily Telegraph who tipped her as a ‘star to watch’ in 2022.
Now on the cusp of releasing a forthcoming debut project, the teenage pop wunderkind is showing no signs of slowing down.
Isaiah Firebrace
Proud Yorta Yorta and Gunditjmara man, Isaiah Firebrace, first shot to fame when he won The X Factor in 2016 on his 17th birthday 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. With over 330 Million streams, Isaiah Firebrace is one of the highest streamed First Nations artists in the world. 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 has featured 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. His work raising attention for Aboriginal rights is being widely recognised with his recent petition to have Aboriginal history taught as part of the national curriculum in schools garnering over 295,000 signatures to date making it one of Change.org’s most successful campaigns.
In 2021 the petition was formally tabled to Parliament. (https://www.change.org/p/aboriginal-history-class-to-be-implemented-into-primary-and-secondary-education/u/29887415) With more music and a new book imminent – Isaiah Firebrace continues to quietly make history and positive change.
G-NAT!ON
Hot off their knock-out grand final appearance on The Voice, G-NAT!ION 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 TikTok, Instagram and YouTube collectively with a recent duet on TikTok reaching viral numbers of half a million views in under a week.
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.
Charley
Emerging as a new addition to Australia’s growing pop music community, Gold Coast born / Sydney-based musician Charley is someone that encapsulates the talent and prowess of the genre’s arena-selling stars with the forward-thinking creativity of its limitless next generation. As a songwriter, she’s someone that puts 100% of herself into everything she writes, and after showing one side of that through her debut single ‘Hard For Me’ – a song that “embraces female sexuality and unapologetic love” – and her second single ‘Arizona’, which introduces a more personal edge to Charley’s music, a song born from the anxiety that has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember.
Seann Miley Moore
Seann hit the London scene (with a bang!) and appeared as a finalist on X Factor UK (2015) with his standing ovation performance of Freddy Mercury’s ‘Show Must Go On’. Simon Cowell said “I’m going to remember this audition for a very, very long time. this guy’s a star!” Seann has since headlined the UK/European Gay Pride Circuit, UK X Factor Tour and appeared at London’s iconic 02 Arena. He also featured at the closing ceremony of the 2018 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras alongside Cher. An embodiment of queer excellence, with a gorgeous sense of humour, Seann is known for pushing fashion boundaries outside the heteronormative. Seann’s focus is authenticity and happiness: “Doing all these things make me happy. They make me feel alive. That’s what matters.” Recently SMM has gone back to his theatrical roots: he is currently playing Cordelia in new rendition of Shakespeare’s Qween Lear for Sydney Festival 2022 and appeared at the Opera House in 2021 playing Angel in the musical Rent. Musically, Seann is currently working & recording on his own originals with Sydney Queer Legendary Producers ‘Stereogamous’.”
Voyager
Whatever genre norms, boundaries and regulations have been thrust upon Perth, Voyager have smashed them. The vibrant quintet succeed in choreographing an intricate dance between metal and pop; employ a keytar on stage, and bring forward a positive, uplifting feeling to their music, running head-first into the endless parade of heavy bands who see the world in a different light. Voyager’s latest album ‘Colours in the Sun’ exploded like a supernova onto the worldwide stage with their vivid, uplifting and exhilarating music and live performance, capturing the excitement of existing fans and the intrigue of new ones from all around the world. Frontman Danny Estrin, a long time Eurovision fanatic is not only an award winning, multilingual lawyer by day, he also moonlights as a renowned and respected musician whose signature dose of 80’s influenced vocals and hook-laden keytar lines over the top of genre-transfiguring, ultra-modern and prismatic hard rock has travelled the world many times over.
Jude York
Newcomer Jude York has arrived on the international music scene with surprising haste and a flurry of interest and activity around the refreshingly unique, 22 year-old, artist. As he starts to take his rightful place in the spotlight, he emerges with over 20 million streams already under his belt. Whilst releasing music under a variety of different projects, Jude York has honed his proficient skills as a singer, songwriter and producer. The results are breathtakingly beautiful, journey driven, musical delicacies.
New promos for media use: HERE and HERE
Images and video assets: HERE