Australia has slid out of the bookies' top five since rehearsals began, but SBS Eurovision experts say Jessica Mauboy has a fighting chance.
Commentators Joel Creasey and Myf Warhurst believe fans are underestimating Mauboy's ability to connect with a live audience.
"She’s a superstar and I think what will really come into play is the crowd on the night," they said.
"Few acts here at Eurovision have the live experience she has, and once there are 15,000 people in the arena she will blow the roof off."
University of Southern Queensland Senior Lecturer Dr Jess Carniel is concerned the presentation of Mauboy's song will affect her scores.
"I think one of the things about the song itself, it’s just a joyous celebration that screams community, so it’s sad to see Jessica Mauboy up on the stage on her own," she said.
"I would have liked to have seen her surrounded by people, and I’d also like to see a greater celebration of Australia’s strong creative industries reflected in the way we approach staging the event.”
The second semi-final of Eurovision 2018 will air on SBS on May 11 at 7.30pm.
