Delta Goodrem has been hailed as 'phenomenal' and 'iconic' after finishing fourth at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria. The former Neighbours star performed her power ballad Eclipse in the grand final, which took place early on Sunday morning Australian time.
Despite being considered one of Australia's best chances for victory since Dami Im came second in 2016, Goodrem was unable to beat Bulgaria's Dara, whose party anthem Bangaranga secured the eastern European nation's first win. The result was Australia's second-best performance in the contest's history.
Goodrem thanked her supporters following the results, saying: 'Representing Australia on the Eurovision stage and being part of this incredible community has been unforgettable. I'm so grateful for all the love and support from home and around the world.'
The 41-year-old singer performed eighth out of 25 acts, standing at a sparkling golden piano and ascending a platform as the song reached its crescendo. Fans across Australia braved early morning temperatures to watch the broadcast, with one superfan recreating her costume using diamantes.
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.' The contest was marked by controversy this year, with five countries boycotting over Israel's participation.
