Delta Goodrem has been hailed as 'phenomenal' and 'iconic' after finishing fourth at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria. The 41-year-old singer, best known for her role in Neighbours, performed her power ballad Eclipse, marking Australia's second-best result in the competition since Dami Im's runner-up finish in 2016.
Bulgaria's Dara claimed victory with her party anthem Bangaranga, securing the eastern European nation's first win in the contest's 70th edition. Australia was placed equal second after the jury vote but dropped to fourth following the public vote, with Israel and Romania taking second and third respectively.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Goodrem's efforts, stating, 'Delta Goodrem is someone who can be very, very proud of her efforts. And all Australians are proud of Delta.' Goodrem expressed gratitude for the support, saying, 'Representing Australia on the Eurovision stage and being part of this incredible community has been unforgettable.'
Fans across Australia gathered to watch the performance, with some creating elaborate costumes inspired by Goodrem's sparkly outfit. Leo Chant, who hosted a broadcast party in Sydney, remarked, 'I was expecting that she would come top three, but top four is still exceptional. She still did Australia proud.'
The contest was overshadowed by controversy, with five countries boycotting due to Israel's participation amid the Gaza conflict. Despite this, Goodrem's performance was widely celebrated, with her golden piano and dramatic stage effects captivating the audience.
