The 64th Eurovision Song Contest holds semi-finals in Tel Aviv on Tuesday and Thursday ahead of the grand final on Saturday
Classically trained singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke is Australia's Eurovision representative and will sing her song Zero Gravity.
Amid protests over the decision to hold the contest in Israel, the 38-year-old says she's excited to take part.
"I thought long and hard about the decision to come here, and I stand by that decision now. I think Eurovision was created in the spirit of togetherness. Of spirit of breaking down barriers between people and using the power of music and art to come together. And to be open and I'm glad I'm here."
A group of pro-Palestinian activists have protested outside Eurovision's inauguration event in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.
About a dozen protesters sat on the road blindfolded, some wearing t-shirts reading "Free Palestine" to protest against what they say is Israel's poor treatment of Palestinians.
Israeli police were forced to move them on.
This activist explains why she's taking part.
"We're here to protest culture washing, to say no to sparkles and glitters while Palestinians are under occupation and to stand in solidarity with Gazans, calling for the right of return."
A Palestinian-led B-D-S movement, which promotes boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Israel, has been calling on performers to pull out of the contest.
