Australian music sensation Delta Goodrem is poised to make a big influence at this 12 months’s Eurovision Song Contest, not solely as a multi-million-selling artist but additionally by her exceptional connections to two of the competitors’s most iconic figures: Celine Dion and Olivia Newton-John.
With over 9 million albums bought and chart-topping success in eight countries, Goodrem arrives in Vienna representing her residence nation, Australia, which has been a surprising but welcome participant in the world’s largest live music event since 2015, regardless of its geographical distance from Europe.
Her ties to Eurovision run deep. In the Nineties, the previous Neighbours star penned “Eyes on Me” for Celine Dion, who famously secured victory for Switzerland in 1988. Goodrem additionally benefited from the mentorship of the late Olivia Newton-John, a world celebrity who represented the United Kingdom within the 1974 contest.
Reflecting on these profound influences, Goodrem shared: “Growing up, Olivia Newton-John and Celine Dion were two of my greatest loves in music. I don’t think I would be the musician I am today without my influence from the two of them. And they have both been a part of that stage from different countries.”
Goodrem’s community extends to this 12 months’s competitors itself, with a playful hyperlink to San Marino‘s entry. Boy George, who options on SENHIT’s observe “Superstar,” beforehand served as a choose alongside Goodrem on Australia’s common TV expertise present, “The Voice.” “I’ve got my eyes on him. I’m watching him,” Goodrem quipped. “I was so excited and couldn’t stop laughing … it’s so playful that Boy George was like, ‘I’m coming to Eurovision!’”
Competing together with her energy ballad “Eclipse,” Goodrem expressed a deep sense of nationwide delight. “I feel that as well and I’ve always been very patriotic and very true to the love I have for Australia and it feels like they’re all celebrating, we’re all sort of there together on this journey,” she said, including that she is “definitely here to give it my absolute all.”
Goodrem recalled Eurovision being “omnipresent” all through her life, an “incredible iconic stage” that at all times discovered its manner to Australian audiences, significantly because the nation turned “Team Australia” with its 11 years of participation.
Having skilled the “palpable” vitality of Eurovision firsthand throughout exhibits in London final 12 months, Goodrem stays open to new paths. Addressing the perennial challenge of politics within the contest, she firmly believes in music’s unifying energy. “I really am a true believer that throughout my career, coming to my show, I’m about unifying — music for me is a moment where we’re all singing the same song,” she defined. “I sort of focus on the power of music being a unifying space and a place that can wrap around people’s lives and their soundtrack and that’s where it sits for me.”
The prospect of Eurovision Asia additionally excites her. “The more music the better. I think that’s so exciting. That means I get to immerse myself in the music in September for Eurovision Asia,” she enthused. For her efficiency of “Eclipse,” Goodrem hinted at a visually putting staging, involving sand to create “a little beach on stage” as she seems up on the moon.
While the logistics of a possible Australian victory stay unsure, Goodrem is definitely open to the dialog about internet hosting. “Look, I don’t know those logistics yet but I’m open to the conversation … If you would like to vote for me then I’m happy to talk about if we could like have it here or if, you know, I’m happy to do a deal,” she concluded, embracing the chance with attribute enthusiasm.
