It’s past the time that I explain to non-Eurovision friends why Australia is in the contest – they just are, OK! Since 2015 in fact… And here they are in mid-table for in my preview countdown ranking represented by a big star in Australia, the bubbly Jessica Mauboy. Australia haven’t finished outside the top 10 in their previous three contests, will that continue this year? 

Jessica is no stranger to Eurovision actually – in 2014, Australia were invited to participate as part of an interval act at one of the semi-finals in Copenhagen. Aside from having a rare Australian previous experience of Eurovision, she is certainly someone used to the big stage and is one of Australia’s most successful female artists. Like Isaiah Firebrace before her, she will also fly the flag for indigenous Australians (from her mother’s side).

She may be one of Australia’s biggest stars, but she remains extremely down to earth, friendly and very bubbly – and a significant philanthropist. I think that bubbly, friendly nature certainly comes through in her Eurovision entry. It’s a very upbeat pop song and definitely Spotify (and voter) friendly. I appreciate my ranking might seem quite low given that write up, but this isn’t a bad ranking and reflects the fact that I think it is a likeable song but at same time doesn’t stand out from a lot of other pop, nor does it really ever go anywhere. I also think that if this was the UK entry it would be being dismissed or far less popular. But I predict it will be popular on Eurovision club night dancefloors in Lisbon and beyond.

There is no doubt that this will sail through qualifying and I think this has to have a strong chance of finishing top 5, or even being a contender to win. Juries still upvote Australia significantly, even when the song was weaker – last year in the grand final, Australia got a mere 2 points and finished second from last in the televote alone, but achieved an overall finish of 9th based on a huge jury vote. Expect another big jury vote this year and a bigger televote and Australia maintaining its great run of results.

Official music video:

Live at London Eurovision Party:

Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest:

 First entered: 2015

Appearances (excluding this year): 3

Best result: 2nd in 2016

Last year’s result: 9th