Eurovision pays musical homage to Austria-Australia confusion

Moldova's Viva, Moldova! is one of the 10 songs to make it through the first semifinal to be performed at the upcoming grand final. (Reuters: Lisa Leutner) The first semifinal of The Eurovision Song Contest has finished, sending 10 countries through to the grand final on Saturday. Several countries have boycotted this year's event, taking a stance against Israel's participation. The evening included a comedic musical interlude about the differences between Austria and Australia, as Delta Goodrem is set to perform in the second semifinal later this week. Link copiedShareShare articleWith blasts of dry ice and jets of flame, the Eurovision party kicked off inside the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, where more than 11,000 revved-up fans watched 15 countries battle for their place in the upcoming grand final on Saturday. The contest, traditionally a celebration of pop music and high camp, has been mired in controversy over Israel's participation. Despite significant boycotts, the broadcast went ahead on Tuesday night, local time, where 10 countries made it through to the next round. Bzikebi from Georgia performs during the first semifinal of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest. (AP: Martin Meissner) The results were determined through a mix of jury and public voting, from audiences all over the world, with a 50 per cent weighting given to each. But behind the colour and campness, this year's Eurovision Song Contest is shaping up to be among the most politically charged in history. It was the end of the road for Portugal, Georgia, Montenegro, Estonia and San Marino. The performances ranged from upbeat Estonian guitar pop to soaring Polish high notes, and the brooding mystery of Lithuania's silver-painted Lion Ceccah. Moldova opened the show with rapper Satoshi pumping up the energy, before Serbian progressive metal band Lavina closed the evening with throat-shredding growl. A member of Lavina, representing Serbia, performs Kraj Mene in Vienna, Austria. (Reuters: Lisa Leutner) Fifteen more countries, including Australia, will compete in Thursday's second semifinal, with another 10 going through to Saturday's final in Vienna. Britain, France, Germany and Italy have already guaranteed spots in the 25-country final, alongside hosts Austria. Lion Ceccah, representing Lithuania, performs Solo Quiero Mas. (Reuters: Lisa Leutner) Australian singer Go-Jo, whose song Milkshake Man was the 2025 Eurovision entry, made a guest appearance at the event. Joining Austrian hosts Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski, Go-Jo explained: "I was actually supposed to go home to Australia, but instead I landed in Austria because some idiot confused Australia with Austria," he said. Go-Jo, who represented Australia at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, performed with Austria's Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski. (Reuters: Lisa Leutner) Swarovski declared "Let's clear this once and for all. What's Austrian and what's Australian" before the trio broke into song. Quips between the two nations were shared, declaring they are "opposites". "Spiders, snakes and shark attacks, Australia would kill me." 'Your desserts, they cause heart attacks, and winter sports don't thrill me." The trio performed the light-hearted interlude while they waited for the voting results. (AP: Martin Meissner) The song and dance, accompanied by a kangaroo, culminated in a call and response from the crowd. Australia's participation in the competition will kick off on Thursday in the second semifinal with Delta Goodrem's Eclipse. This year marks the 70th edition of Eurovision, which, despite its razzle dazzle, rarely escapes the geo-politics in the background. National broadcasters in Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia and Iceland are boycotting the event, taking a stand over the war in Gaza, making this year the smallest Eurovision event since 2003, with just 35 entries. Demonstrators set white paper boxes to look like children's coffins to protest against Israel ahead of the first semifinal in Vienna. (AP Photo: Martin Meissner) The move will most likely reduce viewership from last year's estimated 166 million. Tension in the city was palpable as protesters placed coffins in central Vienna, while inside the concert hall Israel's Noam Bettan performed pop song Michelle. Noam Bettan from Israel reacts to the vote totals being announced. (AP: Martin Meissner) Israel was among the 10 entries that received enough points from national juries and a public vote on Tuesday to qualify for the final on Saturday. Copy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)PromotionTop StoriesProperty investors targeted in 'ambitious' budgetTopic:Government and Politics

Eurovision pays musical homage to Austria-Australia confusion

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