SBS and production partner Blink TV have announced the first two artists to compete in Eurovision – Australia Decides in February 2020.
Hosted on the Gold Coast and broadcast live and exclusively on SBS, two of the country’s greatest female vocalists – Aussie icon Vanessa Amorosi and powerhouse entertainer Casey Donovan – will perform an original song for their chance to represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Vanessa’s song writing ability and dynamic vocal range have seen her sell over two million records worldwide. She’s released four critically acclaimed studio albums, received sixteen ARIA and APRA nominations, and released a new album today, marking two decades since the release of her seminal dance anthem Absolutely Everybody.
“I am so incredibly excited to be part of Eurovision – Australia Decides 2020,” said Vanessa Amorosi. “I am a proud Aussie and to have the opportunity to sing one of my songs on a huge international stage representing Australia would be unforgettable.”
“I look forward to Australia hearing my song and working alongside friends and fellow musicians on this journey. It’s going to be very special. Listen to my new album Back to Love, released today, and see if you can guess which song it is…”
After a meteoric rise to fame at the age of 16, Casey became the youngest ever winner of Australian Idol in 2004. Over the last thirteen years, she’s made her mark not only as a musician, but also on stage, screen, and as a presenter and writer. Casey is a multi-award winner, including an ARIA No #1 Award for Listen with Your Heart and Deadly Awards for Best Album, Best Single and Most Promising New Talent. She is currently starring in the musical Chicago.
“I’m so excited to be a part of Eurovision – Australia Decides after opening the show this year and seeing the amazing talent,” said Casey Donovan. “When I was asked I thought, what an amazing thing to be a part of! It doesn’t matter what happens for me, Proud is such an incredible song written by the talented Justine Eltakchi and I’m proud to sing it. I can’t wait to share the stage with some of Australia’s most talented singers. And I mean Vanessa Amorosi… She’s my idol! I love her!”
Hosted by SBS Eurovisionaries comedian Joel Creasey and music buff Myf Warhurst Eurovision – Australia Decides will showcase the best of Australian music and bring the nation closer to the Eurovision action. Audiences are encouraged to vote for their favourite acts and the winner will be revealed during the Live TV Final broadcast live and exclusively on SBS on Saturday 8 February.
Eurovision – Australia Decides will be presented at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 February and tickets for the Opening Night Show, Matinee Show and Live TV Final are now on sale.
For more information on Eurovision – Australia Decides 2020,visit: www.sbs.com.au for details.
Image: Vanessa Amorosi and Casey Donovan (supplied)