Eurovision 2026: Delta Goodrem progresses Australia to grand final with Eclipse in Vienna
Australia is through to the Eurovision grand final after Delta Goodrem delivered a show-stopping performance in Vienna.
With a powerhouse performance that saw the songstress lifted high above the audience, Delta Goodrem has catapulted Australia into the Eurovision final with a sparkling vocal performance, breaking a two-year non-qualification streak.
The singer and former Neighbours star, who is arguably the best known act in the song contest for 2026, was accompanied by a harpist for her song Eclipse.
As her performance climaxed, Goodrem was elevated into the air from the top of her piano.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The Australian joins Bulgaria, Ukraine, Norway, Romania, Malta Cyprus, Albania, Denmark and Czechia as other second semi-final qualifiers.
Entries from the UK and host Austria, who have both already qualified for the final, also performed on Thursday evening (Friday morning AEST).
Those second-round winners will compete against first-round winners: Greece, Finland, Belgium, Sweden, Moldova, Israel, Serbia, Croatia, Lithuania, and Poland in the final which is scheduled for Sunday morning AEST.
The song competition, traditionally a good-natured celebration of pop music and high camp, has been marred by controversy as several countries boycotted over Israel’s participation.
The public broadcasters of five countries — Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia — oppose Israel’s involvement because of the country’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023.
Singers from the so-called “big four” — the UK, Germany, Italy and France — automatically qualify for the final, with their broadcasters contributing the most to Eurovision financially.
Australian fans Naomi and Justine, from Tasmania, arrived at the Wiener Stadthalle venue in Vienna on Thursday with high expectations.
“She’s known all over so she’s got a good shot, we reckon we’re through to the final and hopefully on the left side of the board,” Justine said.
Goodrem released the single Eclipse in March and it has reached No 1 on the Australian AIR Independent Singles Chart.
The winning country traditionally hosts the competition the following year, but there is speculation that a ‘co-host’ situation would be considered if Goodrum was to take the top prize.
For her part, Goodrum has previously joked that if she does win, Europeans would have to rise at 4am to watch just like Australians do every year.
Australia was initially invited as a ‘one-off’ in 2015 during Eurovision’s 60th anniversary in Vienna, but Guy Sebastian’s performance proved so popular among viewers in Europe and Australia that the country was asked to return permanently the following year.
Goodrum is now in with a chance to finish off what Sebastian started.
