Meet the contenders for ‘Eurovision – Australia Decides 2020’

Ten artists have taken the first steps towards becoming Australia’s representative at Eurovision 2020, with the candidates now finalised for Australia Decides 2020.

Taking place on Saturday, February 8 on the Gold Coast, Australia’s national selection showcase will be broadcast live on SBS and allow the candidates to perform their original songs in front of a live audience.

There will also be two special guests performing, including winner of the inaugural Eurovision – Australia Decides, Kate Miller-Heidke as well as Eurovision 2016 runner-up Dami Im.

Returning as hosts once again are Joel Creasey and Myf Warhurst.

“It’s an exciting day. The contestants and their production teams have all worked so hard over the summer to get the very best vocal recordings,” said creative director of Eurovision – Australia Decides and director of Blink TV, Paul Clarke.

“We are delighted with their efforts and the standard of music we are releasing today. It’s shaping up to be a show to remember. We’re looking forward to the final releases very soon and can promise original performances with a lot of props and a little bit of danger!

“The Live TV Final is almost sold out, so get in quick if you want to be closer to the action and feel the energy in the room as the votes and winner are revealed. And for those that miss out on the Final, the Opening Night and Matinee are a hoot!”

Here are the candidates and their entries for Eurovision – Australia Decides 2020.

Mitch Tambo – ‘Together’

“Together’ is a really important song to me. It’s the culmination of everything I want to do with my music – to bring people from all walks of life, cultures and creeds together with a message of love, especially when so many are going through such tough times,” said Tambo.

“It’s the perfect song for Eurovision, which is all about uniting people through music no matter what language they speak – or sing. I can’t wait to get out on that stage and perform this song for Australia, and the world.”

Casey Donovan – ‘Proud’

“From the first line of the song to the end crescendo, I had fallen in love with this song, it spoke to me in a way music hasn’t in a very long time,” Donovan said.

“‘Proud’ is merely a reminder to yourself, to be proud of who you are, proud of all of the ups and downs, to keep getting up despite the pain and push forward no matter how many people put you down. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy at that. It’s an anthem of self-love and acceptance – a little reminder that we have to stand tall and proud.”

Diana Rouvas – ‘Can We Make Heaven’ 

“‘Can We Make Heaven’ was inspired by the personal lessons we learn in life and how I feel we can choose to be empowered, choose to grow, create, manifest and be the light in the darkness,” said Rouvas.

“The last few months have been an incredibly difficult time for so many Australians affected by the bushfires and it has been so inspiring to watch the nation come together to support those in need. It is amazing to see what we can achieve when we all band together and I know our resilient spirits will see us through to find that light again.”

iOTA – ‘Life’

“I really like this song… and it’s not my song, it was written by Jesse Watt – but I love it,” explained iOTA.

‘Life’ is inspirational and energetic, positive, mighty, heartfelt and fun… it’s been a joy to imbue my emotion and vibe into another writer’s song, to make it my own – and hopefully please the listeners.”

Jordan-Ravi – ‘Pushing Stars’ 

“I’m incredibly excited to be releasing ‘Pushing Stars’ today, and I’m very honoured to be releasing it for Eurovision – Australia Decides,” he said.

“The song was written by George Sheppard, Tania Doko and two other Swedish writers, so it has really great Eurovision vibes attached to it.

“It’s such a meaningful song with heartfelt lyrics and I’ve been able to put my own spin musically on it. I am really proud of the result and I hope that Australia falls in love with ‘Pushing Stars’.”

Jack Vidgen – ‘I Am King I Am Queen’

Vanessa Amorosi, Montaigne, Didirri and Jaguar Jonze are the four artists yet to release their original tracks to be performed on the Gold Coast next month.

Eurovision 2020 is set to take place in Rotterdam, the Netherlands in 2020.