The time has finally come – voting for who will receive the honour of representing Australia at Eurovision 2019 is almost upon us. 10 brave creatives have put themselves forward to take on the world’s largest stage, however only one will prevail in the hopes of conquering the comp.

Before Eurovision – Australia Decides takes place on February 9th, get to know four of the favourites set to face off this weekend.

Sheppard

We’re sure you’re already well acquainted with Sheppard’s 2014 smash hit, ‘Geronimo’ (the highest selling independent track in Australian music history), however, there may be a few things you’re unaware of.

The band have recently released the anthemic pop hit, ‘On My Way’ as their entry into the competition, but the last few years have proven to be incredibly fruitful for the Queensland pop act.

  1. In 2018, the band managed to nab their first ever Number 1 album in the form of Watching The Sky.
  2. The band toured with Justin Bieber in 2017, cutting their teeth in stadiums worldwide. They’ve also toured with international pop artists like Little Mix and Keith Urban.
  3. Their single ‘Keep Me Crazy’ has achieved gold certification in Australia, reaching the number 1 position on the AIR charts.
  4. ‘Coming Home’ ended 2018 at #1 on the Australian AIR 100% Indie Chart and is certified platinum. Europe also shared its love for the track, sending it Gold in Holland. 
  5. They’ve dominated international talk show stages with performances on Jimmy Fallon and Ellen as well as sold out shows internationally – including the iconic 02 Islington in London, proving internationals are hungry for what Sheppard have to serve. 

Sheppard – ‘On My Way’

Courtney Act

Although you may have first become aware of Courtney Act back in 2003 with her appearance on the first season of Australian Idol, here are a few things you may not know about the dazzling star.

  1. In 2018, Act took out the crown on the UK’s Celebrity Big Brother – Europe is clearly already a fan.
  2. Her debut single, ‘Rub Me Wrong’, fresh off her Australian Idol appearance peaked at Number 29 on the ARIA charts.
  3. In 2014, she placed in the top three of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
  4. She’s recently been announced as the host of the UK’s first ever bisexual dating show, The Bi Life.
  5. In 2018, she lent her bubbly personality to the Project as a co-host.

Courtney Act – ‘Fight For Love’

Ella Hooper

Ella Hooper is undeniably a national rock music treasure – but that doesn’t mean her skills can’t extend to the world of Eurovision. Here are a few things you may not know about Hooper, beyond the angst-drenched lyrics of ‘Weir’.

  1. In 2016, Hooper made a surprise appearance on the Australian documentary web series How To Be A Fan With Hex. 
  2. Her decision to embark on a solo career was sparked by a conversation with Stevie Nicks.
  3. In 2006, she toured with Broad, an all-female musical group featuring Deborah Conway.
  4. Hooper won 4 ARIA Awards during her time with Killing Heidi, including Album of the Year and Best Group.
  5. Hooper was awarded APRA 2001 Songwriter of the Year.

Ella Hooper – ‘Data Dust’

Kate Miller-Heidke

As a beacon of Australian indie-pop in the mid-00s, Kate Miller Heidke ruled the roost, but here’s why she’s qualified to represent the nation at Eurovision.

  1. Miller-Heidke has been nominated for 13 ARIAs
  2. In 2017, Miller-Heidke wrote the music and lyrics for the musical Muriel’s Wedding – she has an aptitude for the theatrics much needed for the Eurovision stage
  3. She starred in the Television opera comedy The Divorce in 2015
  4.  She and Keir Nuttall wrote the music for the songs in Simon Phillips’ 2018 production of Twelfth Night
  5. Her Eurovision song entry revolves around the topic of “coming out of depression”.

Kate Miller-Heidke – ‘Zero Gravity’

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