Australia has cemented its position as a serious contender for the Eurovision Song Contest crown, with singer Delta Goodrem now emerging as a favourite following her captivating performance in the semi-final. Her staging and vocal delivery reportedly resonated strongly with audiences and critics alike, propelling the nation's entry into the grand final.
The UK, as one of the 'Big Five' nations alongside France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, automatically qualifies for the final and therefore did not participate in the semi-final rounds. This means the British public will get their first glimpse of the UK's 2024 entry, performed by Olly Alexander, during the live grand final this Saturday. The 'Big Five' status grants automatic qualification due to their significant financial contributions to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organisation behind Eurovision.
Australia's journey in Eurovision began in 2015 as a one-off special guest to celebrate the contest's 60th anniversary. Due to its popularity and success, the nation has been invited back every year since, participating through the EBU's associate member SBS. Despite its geographical distance, Australia has consistently performed well, reaching the top ten on multiple occasions, including a second-place finish in 2016 with Dami Im.
The grand final promises to be a spectacle of music and performance, with 26 countries vying for the coveted title. Viewers across the UK can tune in to watch the event live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with commentary expected to be provided by Graham Norton. The show will also be available for catch-up viewing on BBC iPlayer shortly after its live broadcast.
For the UK, the pressure will be on Olly Alexander to deliver a memorable performance and potentially improve on recent results. The contest holds a special place in British popular culture, often sparking national debate and excitement, regardless of the outcome. With Australia now tipped as a strong contender, the competition in the final is set to be intense.