Vienna, Austria – The 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest concluded early Sunday morning Australian time, with Bulgaria emerging as the shock winner. Australia, represented by Delta Goodrem, secured a respectable fourth place in the grand final, narrowly missing out on a historic first-ever win.
The contest, held in Vienna, saw Goodrem's performance of her song 'Eclipse' capture significant attention and admiration from both audiences and critics alike. Despite being a strong favourite among fans and bookmakers, Goodrem's points tally ultimately placed her behind the victorious Bulgarian entry, 'Bangaranga' by Dara.
Fan and Official Reaction Mixed
The outcome has left a segment of the Australian fanbase feeling aggrieved. Online discourse, particularly on platforms like X, expressed sentiments of disappointment and a belief that Australia was "robbed."
"Australia was robbed," one viewer lamented online, with others echoing similar sentiments.
However, alongside the heartbreak for some, there was widespread praise for Goodrem's performance. Many lauded her as "phenomenal" and "iconic," acknowledging the effort and artistry she brought to the Eurovision stage. Goodrem herself, speaking after the results, expressed gratitude for the support throughout her Eurovision journey.
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Goodrem stated, "I'm absolutely thrilled" with her fourth-place finish, thanking those who supported her.
Performance Highlights and Points Tally
Goodrem's performance was described as "explosive" and "jaw-dropping." Early indicators in the competition suggested a strong showing, with Australia ranking second in points behind Bulgaria before the public vote. Ultimately, Goodrem amassed 287 points. While specific jury and public vote breakdowns were not fully detailed across all reports, the final standings placed Bulgaria first, followed by other unnamed nations before Australia's fourth position. Israel, Armenia, and Romania were among the 35 competing nations that awarded Australia their highest possible vote of 12 points.
Background to Australia's Eurovision Journey
This year marked a significant return for Australia to the Eurovision Grand Final, having broken a two-year streak of not qualifying. Goodrem's entry into the final was preceded by strong showings in the semi-finals, where she surged in both fan polls and betting odds. Her performance in the final was a visual spectacle, featuring a golden piano, a moon structure, and a climactic appearance of a large sun, creating an "eclipse" effect. The event, a four-hour telecast, was preceded by a week of Eurovision celebrations in Vienna. SBS is scheduled to replay the grand final.
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