Australia loves the comically kitsch Eurovision competition, and this year, the very first Australian, Jessica Mauboy, will take to the stage.
While of course Australia can’t actually compete in the European contest, Jessica Mauboy will be performing during the semi-final interval, which will air on SBS at 7.30am on Friday morning and then again at 8.30pm on Friday night.
Sneak peek images from today’s dress rehearsal have emerged, giving us the chance for an advance look at Jessica Mauboy’s performance, which will feature a flying spaceman yielding an aboriginal flag as well as an aussie barbecue, dancers dressed as surfers, a koala ballerina and Swans footy players. It’s Eurovision, so spectacle and silliness are a given.
Jessica Mauboy will be wearing a dazzling gold Toni Maticevski gown and owning the stage with her larger than life vocals.
Today, Mauboy opened up on her website about the subject matter of the song she will be performing, ‘Sea of Flags’.
‘The song speaks of ancient dreaming but I also wanted to convey a message that whatever country you represent, you have to bring that culture to the next generation,’ said Mauboy.
Jessica Mauboy herself wrote the song, in collaboration with Ilan Kidron, the lead singer of dance band The Potbelleez.
‘Every time I listen to it I get another layer of goosebumps, so introducing it to the world is going to be so powerful.’
UPDATE: The performance, in all its stereotype-filled glory, is now live. Watch below…
