Looks like one of our top predictions came true, but maybe not the one you were hoping for. Australia has named as its official champion for the Eurovision 2016 songwriting competition as Dami Im.
The 2013 X-Factor winner was unveiled tonight in a special ceremony at the Sydney Opera House by Austria’s 2014 Eurovision queen Conchita Wurst, and will now go on to contest this year’s crown in the name of Vegemite, drop bears and the great Land Down Under.
Im treated the crowd to a rendition of ABBA’s Waterloo on the iconic Opera House stage as part of the announcement ceremony, which was (after a few hiccups) broadcast live on Facebook.
At least 900 Aussie punters will be nursing broken hearts following Im’s appointment, after they signed a petition to send national treasure and former Australian Idol runner-up Shannon Noll to Stockholm, Sweden as Eurovision’s 2016 superstar.
Once again, Nollsy finishes second.
But never in our hearts.
His arch nemesis Guy Sebastian was the first artist to ever represent Australia at Eurovision, after fellow Idol grand finalist Jessica Mauboy’s token performance in 2014, and now Im’s selection seems to carry on the tradition for former reality TV talent show contenders.
However Im’s trademark quirky, artful fashion sense and huge voice is bound to see her shine bright on the Eurovision stage. Needless to say we have high expectations for her outfit.
Competition organisers first announced Australia’s second chance at taking out the Eurovision title back in November of 2015, with Eurovision 2016 set to take place in Stockholm’s Globe Arena on 10th, 12th and 14th May.
As always, you’ll be able to catch all the action live on SBS.
UPDATE 11/03/16: Dami Im has unsheathed the full version of Australia’s Eurovision 2016 song, Sound Of Silence. Listen here.
Watch LIVE now as we announce who will be representing Australia at Eurovision, from the ‘Conchita: From Vienna with Love’ concert. Thanks to Austria Official Travel Info and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Posted by SBS Australia on Thursday, March 3, 2016
Watch: Dami Im – Gladiator
