Australian band Voyager has made it through to the grand final Eurovision Song Contest held in Liverpool, UK.
The five-piece outfit from Perth won over European audiences with their song Promise and will perform on Sunday’s grand final.
Voyager joins acts from 25 countries also proceeding into this weekend’s final.
UK: Mae Muller – I Wrote A Song
Germany: Lord of the Lost – Blood & Glitter
France: La Zarra – Évidemment
Spain: Blanca Paloma: Eaea
Italy: Marco Mengoni – Due Vite
Ukraine: TVORCHI – Heart Of Steel
From semi-final 1:
Croatia: Let 3 – Mama ŠČ!
Moldova: Pasha Parfeni – Soarele și Luna
Switzerland: Remo Forrer – Watergun
Finland: Käärijä – Cha Cha Cha
Czechia: Vesna – My Sister’s Crown
Israel: Noa Kirel – Unicorn
Portugal: Mimicat – Ai Coração
Sweden: Loreen – Tattoo
Serbia: Luke Black – Samo mi se spava
Norway: Alessandra – Queen of Kings
From semi-final 2:
Albania: Albina & Familja Kelmendi – Duje
Cyprus: Andrew Lambrou – Break A Broken Heart
Estonia: Alika – BridgesBelgium: Gustaph – Because of You
Austria: Teya & Salena – Who The Hell Is Edgar?
Lithuania: Monika Linkytė – Stay
Poland: Blanka – Solo
Australia: Vogayer – Promise
Armenia: Brunette – Future Lover
Slovenia: Joker Out – Carpe Diem
The competition is being held in Liverpool, UK, as last year’s winners, Ukraine, were unable to host to song competition.
The live early morning broadcasts on SBS and SBS On Demand will air on Sunday 14 May at 5:00 am AEST, meanwhile the prime time broadcasts on SBS and SBS On Demand will air on Sunday 14 May at 7:30 pm AEST.
Mediaweek spoke to Emily Griggs, head of entertainment at SBS and head of delegation for Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest about bringing the contest to life down under.
When asked about why Voyager was the right band to represent Australia at Eurovision, she said that among the many reasons why they were the right choice was the song.
“The song Promise has everything you could want in a Eurovision banger, it has an intriguing start, catchy lyrics, an amazing ‘80s vibe and the best guitar solo of the competition.
“The band, particularly lead singer Danny (Estrin) has a long love of the contest, watching it yearly from way back. They have had a determination and drive to get onto the stage of the world’s biggest music contest since it was announced Australia was competing and that hard work and dedication paid off.
“Last year’s entry for Eurovision – Australia Decides showcased how professional they are with consistent performances time and time again and with them winning the public vote, we thought this was a perfect opportunity to give audiences what they asked for. I am lucky to be with them in Liverpool and watching them at every media opportunity and interaction with all the other artists is pure joy.
“They have embraced everything to do with Eurovision and the people, from interviews in German to dance remixes, covering other artists songs to posing with fans and even conga lines, they are getting involved in it all. They are so well received by everyone whether it be the media, the artists or the fans, everyone is happier for meeting them. Voyager are Eurovision through and through!”
Read more: “Possibilities are endless”: What Voyager bring to the iconic Eurovision song contest