Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016

Eurovision Song Contest 2016
Country  Australia
National selection
Selection process Internal Selection
Selection date(s) Artist: 3 March 2016
Song: 11 March 2016
Selected entrant Dami Im
Selected song "Sound of Silence"
Selected songwriter(s)
  • Anthony Egizii
  • David Musumeci
Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest
◄2015 • 2016

Australia will participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 with the song "Sound of Silence" written by Anthony Egizii and David Musumeci. The song will be performed by Dami Im, who was internally selected by the Australian broadcaster Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) to represent that nation at the 2016 contest in Stockholm, Sweden. Im was announced as the Australian representative on 3 March 2016 during the Sydney concert of Conchita Wurst, Austria's Eurovision Song Contest 2014 winner. The song Im will perform, "Sound of Silence, was presented to the public on 11 March 2016.

Australia debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015 by invitation from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) as a "one-off" special guest to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Eurovision. On 17 November 2015, the EBU announced that SBS had been invited to participate in the 2016 contest and that Australia would once again take part. In 2015, Australia was guaranteed a spot in the final of the contest and was allowed to vote during both semi-finals and the final; however, for the 2016 contest, Australia will have to qualify to the final from one of two semi-finals and can only vote in the semi-final in which the nation was allocated to compete.

Background

Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) has broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest since 1983, and the contest has gained a cult following over that time, primarily due the country's strong political and cultural ties with Europe. Paying tribute to this, the 2014 contest semi-finals included an interval act featuring Australian singer Jessica Mauboy.[1] Australian singers have also participated at Eurovision as representatives of other countries, including Olivia Newton John (1974, United Kingdom), two-time winner Johnny Logan (1981 and 1988, Ireland), Gina G (1996, United Kingdom), and Jane Comerford as lead singer of Texas Lightning (2006, Germany).[2]

Tying in with the goal of Eurovision—to showcase "the importance of bringing countries together to celebrate diversity, music and culture", the 2015 theme of "Building Bridges", and arguing that they could not hold "the world's biggest party" to celebrate the 60th edition of Eurovision without inviting Australia, the EBU announced on 10 February 2015 that the country would compete at that year's edition as a special guest participant.[2] Along with the "Big 5" (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom), and the host country of Austria, Australia was given automatic entry into the final to "not reduce the chances" of the semi-final participants.[3] Australia's entry, "Tonight Again" performed by Guy Sebastian, came in fifth place with 196 points, and was awarded the maximum 'douze points' by Austria and Sweden.[4]

Before Eurovision

Invitation to participate

On 17 November 2015, the EBU announced that the Australian Associate Member broadcaster SBS had accepted the invitation for Australia to return and compete in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016.[5] The EBU's Reference Group voted unanimously in favour of Australia's participation.[5] In 2015, Australia was granted direct entry into the final of the Eurovision Song Contest as well as the right to vote in both semi-finals and the final; however, the conditions of Australia's return in 2016 required the nation to compete for qualification to the final in one of the two semi-finals and only vote in the semi-final that Australia was allocated to compete in.[5] In addition, should Australia win the contest in 2016, the 2017 contest would be organised by SBS in collaboration with another EBU broadcaster and would take place somewhere in Europe.[5]

In regards to Australia's participation in 2016, the contest's Executive Supervisor, Jon Ola Sand, stated: "The feedback we got from viewers, fans, press and the broadcasters after Australia's participation in Vienna was overwhelmingly positive. 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."[5] SBS CEO and managing director Michael Ebeid stated: "SBS is thrilled to have secured this opportunity for Australia to compete at Stockholm in 2016 and thank the European Broadcasting Union for their invitation. The Eurovision Song Contest is a wonderful example of cultural diversity and social inclusion and our continued participation offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase Australian musical talent in a truly international multicultural celebration. Production partner Blink TV have been integral in supporting our ambition to build Australia's presence on the world's biggest stage and together we look forward to again bringing the Eurovision experience to our screens."[5]

Internal selection

Dami Im was announced as the artist that would represent Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 on 3 March 2016.[6] The announcement was made by Austria's Eurovision Song Contest 2014 winner Conchita Wurst during her concert with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Conchita: From Vienna with Love, which took place at the Sydney Opera House.[7] SBS streamed the announcement online through Facebook Live.[8] In regards to her selection as the Australian representative, Im stated: "I am so thrilled and honoured to be representing Australia at Eurovision this year in Stockholm. I am really excited to be following in the footsteps of Guy Sebastian and Jessica Mauboy who have both graced the Eurovision stage before me. I truly believe that the Australian public and Eurovision fans around the world are going to love the song I will be performing in Sweden. I cannot wait to showcase it to the world and represent Australia to the best of my ability!"[6] Dami Im also represented Australia at the ABU TV Song Festival 2014 with the song "Living Dangerously".[9]

Dami Im's Eurovision song, "Sound of Silence", was previewed on 10 March 2016 during the SBS 2 programme The Feed.[10] The official video and digital download release of the full song occurred on 11 March 2016.[11] The song was written by the songwriting and production team DNA Songs, which consists of Anthony Egizii and David Musumeci.[11]

“ The first time I heard "Sound of Silence" I knew it was the perfect song for me to perform at the Eurovision Song Contest. There are many ways to interpret the meaning around a song, but one theme that I relate to in "Sound of Silence" is that of disconnection and being away from the people in my life that I love. We live in a world where it is easy to be connected every minute of the day but along with this connection you can feel alone and isolated. I can't wait to perform it live in Stockholm and connect with a whole new audience. ”
— Dami Im about "Sound of Silence"[12]

Lyric controversy

Controversy arose following the release of the Australian entry due to complaints that the lyrics of "Sound of Silence" violated the rules of the Eurovision Song Contest, which prohibit lyrics that contain "messages promoting any political cause, company, brand, products or services". The lyric in question, "Trying to feel your love through face time", was alleged to be mentioning the Apple Inc. videotelephony product FaceTime. On 5 April 2016, the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group released a statement that cleared the song for the competition: "The lyrics of the Australian song are presented as two separate words, 'face time' and not FaceTime which is an Apple trademark".[13][14]

Promotion

Prior to the Eurovision Song Contest, Dami Im made several appearances across Australia to promote "Sound of Silence" as the Australian Eurovision entry while also promoting her album Classic Carpenters, which was released on 22 April 2016.[15] On 10 April, Im performed "Sound of Silence" live for the first time during the Streat Vibes Music Festival at the Watergardens Town Centre in Melbourne.[16] On 12 April, Im performed the song during the Salesforce World Tour in Melbourne.[17] On 23 April, Dami Im performed "Sound of Silence" at the Hyperdome Home Centre in Loganholme and at the Warner Bros. Movie World in Gold Coast. On 28 April, Im performed the song at the Westfield Parramatta in Sydney.[18]

At Eurovision

Dami Im during a press meet and greet

According to Eurovision rules, all nations with the exceptions of the host country and the "Big 5" (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom) are required to qualify from one of two semi-finals in order to compete for the final; the top ten countries from each semi-final progress to the final. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) split up the competing countries into six different pots based on voting patterns from previous contests, with countries with favourable voting histories put into the same pot.[19] On 25 January 2016, a special allocation draw was held which placed each country into one of the two semi-finals, as well as which half of the show they would perform in. Australia was placed into the second semi-final, to be held on 12 May 2016, and was scheduled to perform in the first half of the show.[20]

Once all the competing songs for the 2016 contest had been released, the running order for the semi-finals was decided by the shows' producers rather than through another draw, so that similar songs were not placed next to each other. Australia was set to perform in position 10, following the entry from Lithuania and before the entry from Slovenia.[21]

In Australia, both semi-finals and the final will be broadcast live on SBS at 5am AEST, allowing Australia to participate in the official voting period for the second semi-final and the final. In addition to live broadcasts early on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings, all three shows will be replayed in primetime on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights as part of SBS's Eurovision Weekend.[6] The commentators for all three shows will be Julia Zemiro and Sam Pang.[6] SBS Radio will also launch SBS Eurovision Radio on 1 May, which will broadcast via SBS Radio 4 and the SBS Radio App; the radio broadcasts will feature backstage coverage of the contest, interviews with the contestants by reporter Alistair Birch and live simulcasts of the contest as it airs on SBS.[22] The Australian spokesperson, who will announce the top 12-point score awarded by the Australian jury during the final, will be Lee Lin Chin.[23]

Semi-final

Dami Im will take part in technical rehearsals on 4 and 7 May, followed by dress rehearsals on 11 and 12 May.[24] This includes the jury show on 11 May where the professional juries of each country will watch and vote on the competing entries.

The Australian performance features Dami Im performing in a white dress with crystals on the top half, designed by Australian designer Steven Khalil.[25][26][27] Dami Im begins her performance on top of a large blue box surrounded by transparent hologram screens which display a nighttime city skyline, robotic imagery and pictures of faces. Im interacts with the screens by making hand motions that manipulate the items being displayed. Dami Im finishes the performance standing on the stage with a wind machine and the stage displaying blue light effects.

Voting

Voting during the three shows will be conducted under a new system that will involve each country now awarding two sets of points from 1–8, 10 and 12: one from their professional jury and the other from televoting. Each nation's jury will consist of five music industry professionals who are citizens of the country they represent, with their names published before the contest to ensure transparency. This jury will judge each entry based on: vocal capacity; the stage performance; the song's composition and originality; and the overall impression by the act.[28] In addition, no member of a national jury was permitted to be related in any way to any of the competing acts in such a way that they cannot vote impartially and independently. The individual rankings of each jury member as well as the nation's televoting results will be released shortly after the grand final.[29]

Split voting results

The following five members will comprise the Australian jury:[28]

References

  1. ↑ Vincent, Peter (9 May 2014). "Jessica Mauboy performs at Eurovision Song Contest". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
  2. 1 2 Kemp, Stuart; Plunkett, John (10 February 2015). "Eurovision Song Contest invites Australia to join 'world's biggest party'". theguardian.com. The Guardian. Retrieved 3 March 2016.
  3. ↑ Siim, Jarmo (10 February 2015). "Australia to compete in the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest". eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
  4. ↑ "Eurovision Song Contest 2015 Grand Final". eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Australia to make Eurovision Song Contest return in 2016". ebu.ch. European Broadcasting Union. 17 November 2015. Retrieved 3 March 2016.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "Dami Im named as Australia's 2016 Eurovision Artist". sbs.com.au. SBS. 3 March 2016. Retrieved 3 March 2016.
  7. ↑ Knox, David (25 February 2016). "2016 Australian Eurovision entry to be announced next week". TV Tonight. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  8. ↑ Dwyer, Genevieve (2 March 2016). "Watch the LIVE announcement of the 2016 Australian Eurovision artist". sbs.com.au. SBS. Retrieved 3 March 2016.
  9. ↑ "Line-up announced for 3rd ABU TV Song Festival". abu.org.my. ABU. 19 September 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  10. ↑ Dwyer, Genevieve (10 March 2016). "Australian song sneak peek: Dami Im set to reveal her entry for Eurovision 2016!". sbs.com.au. SBS. Retrieved 10 March 2016.
  11. 1 2 Vincent, Peter (10 March 2016). "Eurovision 2016: Dami Im to tackle song contest with Sia-like power ballad Sound of Silence". smh.com.au. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 10 March 2016.
  12. ↑ Escudero, Victor M. (10 March 2016). "Watch Australia's Sound of Silence by Dami Im!". eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union. Retrieved 10 March 2016.
  13. ↑ Savage, Mark (5 April 2016). "Eurovision: Australian entry 'does not break rules'". bbc.com. BBC News. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
  14. ↑ Vincent, Peter (6 April 2016). "Dami Im's Sound of Silence narrowly avoids Eurovision penalty over 'face time' lyric". smh.com.au. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
  15. ↑ Outerson, Michael (6 March 2016). "Dami Im to release Classic Carpenters album". eurovisionary.com. Eurovisionary. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
  16. ↑ Dwyer, Genevieve (11 April 2016). "First look: Dami Im debuts her Eurovision song live in concert in Melbourne!". sbs.com.au. SBS. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
  17. ↑ Filippis, John (16 April 2016). "Quorum rocks the Salesforce World Tour in Melbourne". quorumsystems.com.au. Quorum Systems. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
  18. ↑ "See Dami Im perform her Eurovision song live in concert". sbs.com.au. SBS. 11 April 2016. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
  19. ↑ Jordan, Paul (21 January 2016). "Semi-final Allocation Draw on Monday, pots revealed". eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
  20. ↑ Jordan, Paul (25 January 2016). "Allocation Draw: The results!". eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
  21. ↑ Jordan, Paul (8 April 2016). "Running order of the Semi-finals revealed". eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union. Retrieved 8 April 2016.
  22. ↑ "SBS Eurovision Radio Launches on 1 May". sbs.com.au. SBS. 26 April 2016. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
  23. ↑ "Australia's Eurovision 2016 jury and spokesperson is revealed!". sbs.com.au. SBS. 29 April 2016. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  24. ↑ "Media Activities" (PDF). eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  25. ↑ Norton, Sarah; Dwyer, Genevieve (4 May 2016). "Your first look at Dami Im's incredible Eurovision dress". sbs.com.au. SBS. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  26. ↑ Roxburgh, Gordon (4 May 2016). "Third day of rehearsals". eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union. Retrieved 4 May 2016.
  27. ↑ Salmon, Josh (4 May 2016). "Australia: Dami Im visually slays "Sound of Silence" first rehearsal". wiwibloggs.com. Wiwibloggs. Retrieved 4 May 2016.
  28. 1 2 "Here are the judges for Eurovision 2016!". eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union. 29 April 2016. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  29. ↑ Jordan, Paul (18 February 2016). "Biggest change to Eurovision Song Contest voting since 1975". eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union. Retrieved 18 February 2016.

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