How Australia secured a continued future in Eurovision

There have been ups and downs for Australia at Eurovision in recent years as we struggled to gain points from European fans in the popular vote, and the competition was rocked by the Covid pandemic. But just when things were looking precarious, Voyager arrived in 2023 to reignite the flame. We wrap up this series with Voyager's Danny Estrin, Eurovision academic Associate Professor Jess Carniel, and Blink TV's Paul Clarke.

Voyager performing for Australia during semi-final 2 of the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool 2023. Credit: Aaron Chown - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images

With the European public giving Australia some harsh results in the popular vote, Aussie fans started feeling a little insecure about our welcome.

The introduction of Eurovision - Australia Decides reinvigorated the passion at home, and gave Australia a semi-permanent place in the contest. But with the pandemic disruption, Australia’s participation was again under threat.

A prog-metal band from Perth rode in on a Toyota MR2 ready to save the day.

I do think we brought the joy, the love and the enthusiasm and we dragged everyone with us. There was a reignition of the love for Eurovision in Australia.

Danny Estrin, Voyager

In this final episode, we talk to Eurovision 2023 artist Danny Estrin of Voyager, Eurovision academic Associate Professor Jess Carniel from the University of Southern Queensland, and Paul Clarke from Blink TV who helps produce the coverage for SBS.

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How Australia secured a continued future in Eurovision

SBS Audio

28:43English

Credits

Why is Australia in Eurovision? is hosted by Mike Jones and Dale Roberts with additional sound mixing by Max Gosford.