Delta Goodrem has emerged as a frontrunner to take out top honours in Sunday's Eurovision finale. The Australian singer, 41, wowed audiences with her epic ballad Eclipse during the semi-finals on Friday morning, which propelled Australia to the grand final for the first time in three years.
Prior to the stunning performance, Eurovision World, which aggregates betting odds from a raft of sites around the world, had placed Delta as the fourth most likely to win, with an eight percent chance of glory. However, following the semi-final, Delta's chances have improved significantly, with the singer now ranked second most likely to win, with a 19 per cent chance.
Aussie bookmaker Sportsbet has also placed Delta as the second-favourite to win behind Finland. She still has a fair bit of work to do, however, as Finland's Linda Lampenius & Pete Parkkonen remain the clear favourites with a 42 per cent chance of winning Eurovision.
Former Australian Idol judge Mark Holden, credited with helping to launch Delta's career, told the Daily Mail he believed she has what it takes to bring Australia glory. 'Delta works at her career every single day,' he said. 'She has created a live gig universe for herself in Europe and I have so much respect for her work ethic and her ability to commit to it every day. That's what it takes.'
Australia joins second-round winners Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania, Norway, Cyprus, Malta, Albania, Denmark and Czechia in the finals. They will compete against first-round winners: Finland, Sweden, Greece, Moldova, Israel, Belgium, Serbia, Lithuania, Croatia and Poland.
Following Friday's performance, Delta received widespread praise from Eurovision fans online. 'So errr.. Delta Goodrem really just came out here and said "Eurovision winner? That would be me." A vocal masterclass. Her stage presence is UNMATCHED!! Australia, 12 points!!!!' one user enthused. 'No doubt who gave the best performance in the two Semi Finals of the ESC - tonight Delta Goodrem knocked it out of the ball park for Australia. Repeat that on Saturday night & she has a great chance of first Aussie win,' another agreed. 'Delta just SMASHED the stage of #eurovision. That's what an artist means,' another user commented.
However, some fans have taken to social media to question Australia's involvement in the famed song contest. 'Need to change it to WorldVision. I'm Aussie, but come on Oz is not Europe,' complained one X user. 'I still don't get why Australia is doing EUROvision,' added one international fan on the same thread. 'Eurovision is just adding anyone. Australia's in it too,' commented a third person who then moaned, 'Why the f*** are we there?'
Australia's participation in what was once traditionally a European event is thanks to its broadcaster Down Under - SBS. Since the multicultural network is a member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organisation allows Australia to compete as a 'guest'. 'SBS has broadcast Eurovision since 1983, fostering a uniquely strong connection between Australian audiences and the event for over 45 years,' an SBS spokesperson explained to news.com.au. They continued, 'Australia participates in the Eurovision Song Contest through SBS's status as an Associate Member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organisation behind the contest. In 2015, the EBU invited Australia to compete as a special guest for Eurovision's 60th anniversary, recognising the country's longstanding passion for and engagement with the competition. Australia has remained part of Eurovision ever since through ongoing agreements between SBS and the EBU.'
Delta will compete in the Eurovision grand final, airing from 5am on Sunday, 17 May on SBS and SBS On Demand.
