Aussie Eurovision legend Dami Im reveals what we need to do to win

Australia’s been competing in Eurovision for a decade now, with ups and downs, but nobody’s been able to top this artist’s incredible entry.

It’s been a whole decade now since Australia started to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest – a reward for our longstanding fervour for the competition, which until then was only open to countries in Europe and surrounds.

Guy Sebastian sailed to a top five placing in our first year, but it was in 2016 that Australia scored a Eurovision high that, so far, we haven’t been able to top: Dami Im placing second with the stirring power ballad Sound of Silence.

Im’s entry had everything: Soaring vocals, a genuinely great pop song, and the sort of expertly employed lasers-and-props stagecraft Eurovision viewers love so much.

Dami Im at Eurovision 2016: Top two baby! Picture: AFP

Eight years later, the honeymoon’s officially worn off for Australia at Eurovision – this year’s entry failed to get past the semi-finals. But our passion for the competition is as strong as ever, and next week Im joins a huge international line-up of Eurovision alumni for “Eurovision On Tour”, a live celebration of a musical event that’s been running for 68 years.

We spoke to Im ahead of the concerts in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane about her Eurovision memories, what Australia should do to get back up the leaderboard and what fans can expect from this taste of the Song Contest down under.

It’s been eight years since you competed in Eurovision. What are your favourite memories from the experience?

My time at Eurovision was filled with so many unforgettable moments. Stepping onto that stage in Stockholm with so much excitement and knowing that I was representing Australia was surreal. I remember feeling the energy from the crowd as I performed Sound of Silence — there’s truly nothing like it. Another favourite memory was connecting with artists from around the world. Eurovision really unites people through music, and to be a part of that was incredibly special.

Dami came second at Eurovision in 2016 with the stirring power ballad Sound of Silence. Picture: AFP

Eight years on, Sound of Silence is still Australia’s most successful Eurovision entry. What are the elements you need to be so successful in the competition?

I think it comes down to being genuine and having a song that resonates on an emotional level. Sound of Silence had this universal theme of longing and connection, which I think struck a chord with people. Beyond that, Eurovision loves a powerful performance, so capturing that blend of a meaningful song, strong vocals, and a memorable staging really makes an impact. It’s all about being true to the song and the story you want to tell.

What do you think it would take for Australia to actually win Eurovision?

Australia has shown it can bring some incredible talent to Eurovision, but winning probably comes down to finding that perfect mix of song, performance, and timing. We’d need a song that’s universally relatable yet stands out, and a performance that’s fresh, exciting, and memorable. It’s also about connecting with audiences across Europe on an emotional level and having a bit of luck on our side!

Australia’s had a bumpier ride at Eurovision in recent years – the wonderful Electric Fields didn’t make it into the grand final this year. Should Australia worry we might get the boot from the competition altogether?

Electric Fields is an incredibly talented act, and it was disappointing to see them miss out on the grand final. Eurovision can be unpredictable, and I think the most important thing for Australia is to keep sending artists who bring authenticity and creativity. Eurovision appreciates diversity and unique voices, so we shouldn’t be afraid to push boundaries and stay true to what makes us unique musically. As for getting the boot, I think Australia has shown its commitment to the competition, so hopefully, we’re here to stay!

Eurovision On Tour has already visited cities in Europe.

Im will perform Sound of Silence along with some other Eurovision classics.

Tell me what fans can expect from Eurovision On Tour.

It’s going to be a celebration of everything Eurovision, with all the glitz, glamour, and epic songs fans love. I’ll be performing Sound of Silence along with a few other Eurovision classics, and I’m even putting my own twist on some of the other entries from over the years. It’s going to be an energetic show that brings fans right back to those incredible Eurovision moments. Expect lots of fun, big vocals, and maybe even a few surprises!

Eurovision On Tour dates

November 13 – The Tivoli, Brisbane

November 15 – The Palais, Melbourne

November 17 – The Enmore, Sydney

Originally published as Aussie Eurovision legend Dami Im reveals what we need to do to win