Portugal has got love for our Australian Eurovision contender Jessica Mauboy, who received a rapturous response at an Australian Embassy event that was staged in her honour this week.
Australia’s pop darling told the crowd that involvement with Eurovision had been “such an incredible journey” just before she performed for an intimate crowd at the prestigious Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Sky Bar in Lisbon.
Before inviting Mauboy on stage, Australian ambassador to Portugal, Mr Peter Rayner told the crowd that Australia’s involvement helps continue to push “the boundaries of culture and gender identity”.
Eurovision hosts Joel Creasey and Myf Warhurst welcomed Jess to perform on the rooftop stage overlooking the Lisbon skyline. Bright pink paddles bearing Mauboy’s name and trending Eurovision hashtag ‘WeGotLove’ were waved around in support of her second appearance (first time as a contender) at Eurovision.
Taking to the stage, Jessica pleased the crowd with performing her newly written track ‘Falling’ while incorporating the gentle sounds of traditional Portuguese Fado. She then enchanted everyone with her highly charismatic performance of her Eurovision entry ‘We Got Love’ and encouraged the crowd to sing-along.
Travelling from Melbourne to attend his first Eurovision, fan Cameron Thomas is excited about seeing who he thinks is the reason why Australia is competing in the first place.
“When she did the guest spot in the interval in Copenhagen I think that secured our spot to compete in Eurovision so its actually great to see her compete.”
Australian expat Philip Evangelou travelled from London to attend his second Eurovision event. Feeling optimistic, Philip suggested the popularity of the song comes down to the positive message she is conveying in an upbeat manner.
“I believe Jessica is a top contender this year with her uplifting song as the message is more important in the world today than ever before. I think it’s catchy and authentic, Go Jess!”
Catch Jessica's Semi-Final 2 performance LIVE at 5am on Friday 11 May on SBS and SBS On Demand, and again at 7.30pm.
