AS Eurovision fever sweeps across the globe ahead of Saturday’s grand finale, local academic Associate Professor Jess Carniel is experiencing the 69th edition of the Song Contest from the host city of Basel, Switzerland.
As Australia’s leading Eurovision expert, the University of Southern Queensland academic is attending as part of her CPD Research Fellowship.
Speaking from the vibrant host city, Ms Carniel said her research explored how audiences engage with Eurovision – not just as a glitzy TV spectacle, but as a platform for identity, expression and protest.
“Seeing Eurovision live is an incredible opportunity – you really get to see how the cake is made,” she said.
Beyond the glitter and gimmicks, she insists that Eurovision is a potent cultural and political phenomenon.
“The competition is incredibly political,” Ms Carniel said.
“The reality of it is that everything we do as people is political, and art itself is an incredibly political event, so you can’t have music without politics.
“When Australia first joined back in 2015, that was supposed to be a one-off – a fun way of celebrating 60 years of Eurovision by inviting a representative from one of its biggest external fan bases.”
For Ms Carniel, Australia’s ongoing participation is about much more than music.
“It speaks to our ties with Europe, our multicultural identity, and the ways we use soft power and cultural exchange to stay globally connected.”
As for Australia’s chances this year, the spotlight is on GO-JO – a TikTok sensation turned wildcard Eurovision entrant with his infectious track Milkshake Man.
“He was popular on TikTok but he’s a completely unknown artist to anybody who does not use TikTok – and that can actually be a real strength, because they’re playing upon his viral fame,” Ms Carniel said.
“It is going to be an amazingly intense experience for him to go from busking to the stage of Eurovision.
“The song Milkshake Man is a catchy tune. It’s very fun and he is going to be able to perform it really well with that sing-back from the audience.”
Despite the upbeat energy of Australia’s entry, Ms Carniel is tipping another country to take the crown.
“I think GO-JO is going to qualify for the grand final this year, but I don’t think he’s going to win,” she said.
“Current favourite Sweden is the one to watch.”
