In November of 2015, Australia’s validity in European song contest Eurovision was again questioned when SBS announced that Australia will compete once more. Eyebrows were further raised on Friday, March 4 when Australian X-Factor winner Dami Im was announced as Australia’s 2016 entrant. Though seemingly an unusual move, Australia’s inclusion in the glitzy, talent-heavy competition makes a huge amount of sense, as does the impeccable choice of artist.
In terms of song contests, one of the biggest is undoubtedly Eurovision. It has been a game changer for many artists, launching their national celebrity into global fame, creating anthems like ABBA’s ‘Waterloo,’ and creating a platform where different countries can enjoy a common interest: music. Eurovision gave us Conchita Wurst, the bearded beauty from Austria that challenged and enriched viewers attitudes towards the LGBTQ community, and, believe it or not, the incredible voice of Celine Dion, who won the competition for Switzerland in 1988. It’s basically a very exclusive Olympics for the creative arts. Unfortunately, that exclusivity is overshadowing the exciting fact that Australia has been invited back to compete in the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest.
When it was announced that Guy Sebastian would compete as a wild card for Australia in the grand final of Eurovision in 2015, many were surprised, but it was understood that the decision was a one-off as a way both to commemorate Eurovision’s 60th anniversary, and to acknowledge Australia’s 3 million strong viewership. If Sebastian had won with his song “Tonight Again”, Australia could defend its title in 2016, but when the singer placed 5th, it was assumed that Australia’s involvement was over. Therefore, when it was announced that Australia would also compete in 2016, the response was a confused combination of excitement, outrage, frustration and elation.
Many Australians and Europeans alike were concerned about Australia’s inclusion, as it is almost 9000km away from Europe. Fans of the competition complained about Eurovision becoming too global. Considering the inclusive focus of the competition, it must be questioned whether these die-hard fans really understand what kind of event they are supporting if they cannot accept the addition of one more country, especially in light of the popularity of the show in Australia.
Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of Eurovision on behalf of the EBU, said:
“We strongly believe the Eurovision Song Contest has the potential to evolve organically into a truly global event. Australia’s continued participation is an exciting step in that direction… It remains to be seen what such an event may look like in the long run,”
It was inevitable that Australia would eventually enter the competitive side of Eurovision. SBS has broadcast the competition annually since 1983, and with 3 million viewers, Australian viewership percentage wise is higher than some competing countries. In 2013, Eurovision gave a special dedication to Australian supporters during its half-time break, and in 2014, Jessica Mauboy performed in the interval. Several Australian artists, including Olivia Newton-John and Gina G, have also entered the competition as representatives of other countries.
Furthermore, Australia is not the first non-European country to participate in Eurovision. To compete, it is not necessary to be a part of Europe, but to be a part of the European Broadcasting Union, of which SBS is an associate member. This rule has allowed for Israel, Azerbaijan, Morocco, Armenia and Georgia to compete at some point during the competition’s 61 years, with Israel consistently returning.
The governing body of Eurovison, the EBU Reference Group, voted unanimously in favour of Australia’s inclusion this year.
“Europe and Australia have a lot in common in regards to cultural values and when a broadcaster is so committed to bring great acts to the contest, the only right thing to do is to be inclusive… This is also a way for many Australians to re-connect with their European roots, and celebrate our shared cultural values and understanding through music” – Dr. Frank Dieter Freiling, Chairman of the EBU Reference Group.
Once the issue of Australia’s presence in the competition was solved, opponents needed a new target of attack. They were given one on Friday, in the form of Australian entrant Dami Im. There were several reasons for their opposition, which mainly revolved around the idea that other artists would do a better job. Kylie and Dannii Minogue, Delta Goodrem, and Tina Arena were all popular choices, as they are veterans of Australian music and internationally renowned, whereas Im is a fairly new addition to the cohort as the winner of Australian X-Factor in 2013.
What opponents fail to realise is the abundance of reasons that make Im the perfect choice as the representative of Australia at Eurovision.
Dami Im’s story embodies the multicultural nature of Australia in an almost fairytale-like way, emphasising its connections all over the globe. Im was born in South Korea and moved to Australia at 9 years of age. She taught herself English in a variety of ways, but a big influence were pop singers. Im has remained true to her roots, as a music teacher and gospel singer in South Korea, performed at Christian Youth camps, and released an album called “Dream” as a charity fundraiser for her church. In Australia, Im was in the Young Conservatorium of Music programme at Griffith University from 11 years old, and now holds a first class honours degree in music from the University of Queensland, and a Masters of Arts degree in contemporary voice at Griffith University. If that’s not enough, Im can also play the violin and piano. Im sings in both Korean and English and draws influences from both cultures.
Eurovision is as much about a certain way of presentation and style as it is about the original song, with lots of glitz, glamour, choreography, and dramatics, in order to give a memorable performance. Im’s performance style, fashion, and persona are ideal for this competition, and will hopefully gain Australia enough votes for her to reach the grand final.
While it seems odd that Australia would compete in a competition primarily based in Europe, it makes a lot of sense. If 3 million people are watching, forming opinions, and enjoying the show, what is wrong with them having their own representative? No, Australia is not in Europe. Maybe that could have been an issue 60 years ago when Eurovision began, but the world has progressed in leaps and bounds since then to become completely interconnected. Globalisation means that even if Australia is a 20-something hour flight from Europe, Australians can tune in live to the broadcast, hear news about the artists, get involved through Twitter, preview their songs prior to the competition, and vote, just like all of the European people that don’t attend the event but watch it from their homes.
Eurovision is about fun, about celebrating talented musicians around the world with some friendly rivalry. It does not discriminate based on race, gender, religion or sexuality, and it is a wonderful event for Australia to be involved in. In 2015, competing artists responded to Guy Sebastian’s performance with praise, joking nervousness, and welcoming words. Australia is a multicultural continent with citizens from all over the world, and venturing into a European competition does not seem like a far stretch.
Im with Dami!