Jessica Mauboy representing Australia at Eurovision 2018

Jessica Mauboy is Australia’s entrant for the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest, held in Lisbon, Portugal and broadcast exclusively on SBS from May 9 to 13.

She said: “Eurovision is a wonderfully joyous and unique event. It brings together over 40 diverse countries and cultures under one roof to unite us all in music.

“It shows how much the power of song can transcend differences.

“I will sing my heart out for Australia, I’m so proud to be officially representing my country and a little bit nervous – mainly about the stress of the dress!”

Mauboy in fact made her Eurovision debut in 2014, performing as a guest during the interval of a semi-final in Copenhagen, reaching a global viewing audience of 20 million (the actual performances drew 160 million).

This was the time that SBS and Eurovision organisers were trying to edge Australia into the competition, andMauboy was the first solo artist from outside Europe to appear.

She’s already got a presence outside Australia, with 158 million streams and 37 million video views from around the world.

Mauboyhas sold 3.4 million albums internationally.

Australian Head of Delegation Paul Clarke said: “Jessica Mauboy’s performance at ESC Copenhagen 2014 opened the door for Australia to compete at Eurovision – before the great moments of Guy, Dami and Isaiah there was Jess, who touched the hearts of the Eurovision directors and proved just how talented our vocalists are.

“Since then we have always wanted to give Jessica a shot at the competition, and this year the stars aligned.

“We can’t wait to develop a great song and stage production with Jessica and her team, and recreate her Eurovisionstyle as a galactic soul diva.”

SBS’ broadcast hosts Myf Warhurst and Joel Creasey were all a-tingle at Mauboy’s choice.

Warhurst thundered: “Look out Lisbon because we are sending one of the best in the biz to Eurovision 2018.

“I’ve been following Jessica’s career from the start and the girl’s gone from strength to strength – she can sing, dance, act – I hear she can even make a mean Portuguese Tart. C’mon Australia, get behind our Jessica!”

Creasey added: “Ever since my failed audition for the Young Divas back in ’08, I’ve been trying everything I can to work with Jess Mauboy.

“Her response has mostly been ‘Can I Get a Moment To Myself?!’ – but finally, the stars have aligned!”

This year Eurovision’s semi-finals and grand final reached a total of 182 million viewers worldwide, and over three million in Australia, according to SBS.

A SHORT HISTORY OF AUSSIES AT EUROVISION

1974:Olivia Newton-John competed in a gown for the UK in the 19th Eurovision in Brighton, UK with the song ’Long Live Love’. She made it to #4 while the single hit #11 in Australia.

1996:Brisbane-born singer and DJ Gina G competed for the United Kingdom in Oslo, Norway wearing a dress meant for Cher (which Cher rejected) with the Eurodance track ’Ooh Aah… Just a Little Bit’. She was placed #8 and the song went on to be nominated for a Grammy.

2014:Jessica Mauboy performed during the interval a song she co-wrote called ’Sea of Flags’ about Australia and her indigenous identity.

2015:It was Eurovision’s 60th anniversary, which gave them the excuse to give Australia “special consideration” to go straight into the grand finals in Vienna, Austria.Guy Sebastian and his song ‘Tonight Again’ went all the way up to #5.

2016:Another reality TV series contestant got trotted out, with Brisbane based Dami Im and ’Sound of Silence’ reaching #2.

2017:The impossibly handsome Isaiah Firebrace headed to Kyiv, Ukraine and was given 9th spot.