Road to Liverpool: Australia
We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Australia. Voyager Australia internally chose Voyager as their representants. The band composed the song “Promise” themselves, while band member Daniel Estrin wrote the lyrics. Voyager is an Australian progressive metal band hailing from Perth, Western Australia. The band was formed in 1999 by guitarist Simone Dow and bassist Mark De Vattimo. Voyager quickly gained a following in the local metal scene with their unique blend of melodic, symphonic, and progressive elements. In 2003, Voyager released their debut album, “Element V,” which was well-received by critics and fans alike. The album showcased the band’s technical proficiency and songwriting abilities, and helped establish them as one of the premier progressive metal acts in Australia. Over the years, Voyager has continued to release critically acclaimed albums, including “uniVers” (2007), “The Meaning of I” (2011), “V” (2014), “Ghost Mile” (2017), and “Colours in the Sun” (2019). The band’s sound has evolved over time, incorporating electronic and pop influences into their metal framework. In 2022 Voyager took part in Eurovision – Australia decides, the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. They were pretty close to winning with their song “Dreamer“: they were the winners of the televote. They became the overall runner up. Voyager has also gained international recognition, touring extensively throughout Europe, the UK, Asia, and North America. They have shared the stage with renowned acts such as Devin Townsend, Opeth, Nightwish, and Children of Bodom. Australians participating for other countries The first Australian participant Guy Sebastian was not the first ever Australian artist participating. That honour went to Olivia Newton-John, who participated for the United Kingdom in 1974, getting a 4th place. In 1996 she was followed by Gina G, also for the United Kingdom, getting an 8th place. Furthermore, we saw the German band Texas Lightning competing in 2006. Singer Jane Comerford was also from Australia. And let’s not forget: although he is Irish, mr. Eurovision himself Johnny Logan was born in Australia! Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest Australian singer Jessica Mauboy was a special guest in the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest. She performed in the 2nd semifinal, because Australia watched the contest already since 1983. A year later, when the 60th contest was held, Australia could take part for one time. Guy Sebastian sang “Tonight again”. But in the end, it wasn’t a one-time experience: Australia never went away from Eurovision anymore. The best score was for Dami Im in 2016. Her “Sound of silence” became 2nd. Also remarkable: Kate Miller-Heidtke won her semifinal with the song “Zero gravity” in 2019. However, in the final she became 9th. Bookmakers Australia currently has a 14th place in the betting odds. That means at least the country will make it to the final; a tradition, they only failed to do so on one occasion so far. The song And of course, this is the song: