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Australian music sensation Delta Goodrem is poised to make a significant impact at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, not only as a multi-million-selling artist but also through her remarkable connections to two of the competition’s most iconic figures: Celine Dion and Olivia Newton-John.
With over nine million albums sold and chart-topping success in eight countries, Goodrem arrives in Vienna representing her home nation, Australia, which has been a surprising but welcome participant in the world’s largest live music event since 2015, despite its geographical distance from Europe.
Her ties to Eurovision run deep. In the 1990s, the former Neighbours star penned “Eyes on Me” for Celine Dion, who famously secured victory for Switzerland in 1988. Goodrem also benefited from the mentorship of the late Olivia Newton-John, a global superstar who represented the United Kingdom in the 1974 contest.
Reflecting on these profound influences, Goodrem shared: “Growing up, Olivia Newton-John and Celine Dion were two of my greatest loves in music. I don’t think I would be the musician I am today without my influence from the two of them. And they have both been a part of that stage from different countries.”
Delta Goodrem (Invision/AP)
Goodrem’s network extends to this year’s competition itself, with a playful link to San Marino’s entry. Boy George, who features on SENHIT’s track “Superstar,” previously served as a judge alongside Goodrem on Australia’s popular TV talent show, “The Voice.” “I’ve got my eyes on him. I’m watching him,” Goodrem quipped. “I was so excited and couldn’t stop laughing … it’s so playful that Boy George was like, ‘I’m coming to Eurovision!’”
Competing with her power ballad “Eclipse,” Goodrem expressed a deep sense of national pride. “I feel that as well and I’ve always been very patriotic and very true to the love I have for Australia and it feels like they’re all celebrating, we’re all sort of there together on this journey,” she stated, adding that she is “definitely here to give it my absolute all.”
Goodrem recalled Eurovision being “omnipresent” throughout her life, an “incredible iconic stage” that always found its way to Australian audiences, particularly as the nation became “Team Australia” with its 11 years of participation.
Having experienced the “palpable” energy of Eurovision firsthand during shows in London last year, Goodrem remains open to new paths. Addressing the perennial issue of politics in the contest, she firmly believes in music’s unifying power. “I really am a true believer that throughout my career, coming to my show, I’m about unifying — music for me is a moment where we’re all singing the same song,” she explained. “I sort of focus on the power of music being a unifying space and a place that can wrap around people’s lives and their soundtrack and that’s where it sits for me.”
Delta Goodrem performing live (PA)
The prospect of Eurovision Asia also excites her. “The more music the better. I think that’s so exciting. That means I get to immerse myself in the music in September for Eurovision Asia,” she enthused. For her performance of “Eclipse,” Goodrem hinted at a visually striking staging, involving sand to create “a little beach on stage” as she looks up at the moon.
While the logistics of a potential Australian victory remain uncertain, Goodrem is certainly open to the conversation about hosting. “Look, I don’t know those logistics yet but I’m open to the conversation … If you would like to vote for me then I’m happy to talk about if we could like have it here or if, you know, I’m happy to do a deal,” she concluded, embracing the possibility with characteristic enthusiasm.
