The Australian entry for Eurovision 2019 is gaining ground on the favourites to win the contest.
According to Eurovision World, Australia is now amongst the top 10 most likely countries to win the contest. Kate Miller-Heidke’s second rehearsal in Tel Aviv has continued to impress those placing bets on the contest, as Australia’s odds to win are now as low as 25/1.
Today, Australia had their second rehearsal on stage ahead of the semi-final. The performance features Kate and two backing dancers balancing above a Earth projection on stage. Watch an exclusive clip, here:
The Australian surge follows the positive reaction to the first rehearsal of Zero Gravity on Sunday which saw Australia move into the position of being considered a likely qualifier for the final.
The Netherlands remains the favourite to win the contest with Arcade by Duncan Laurence. The long-time favourite still, according to the bookmakers, has a 25% chance of taking the trophy. The full top 10 currently stands as follows:
- The Netherlands – 25%
- Russia- 12%
- Italy – 9%
- Azerbaijan – 7%
- Sweden – 7%
- Switzerland – 5%
- Malta – 4%
- Iceland – 4%
- Cyprus – 3%
- Australia – 2%
Other countries which have seen positive moves in terms of rankings with the bookmakers since rehearsals began include Azerbaijan, Czech Republic and Hungary whilst Belgium and Slovenia have drifted.
Who is Kate Miller-Heidke?
Kate Miller-Heidke is a 37-year-old singer, songwriter and actress from Brisbane. Her career began in the year 2000, where she played in a band for 3 years before going solo. Since then, she has feature in many performances on stage, releasing numerous albums and receiving awards along the way. At the beginning of 2019, she was selected to represent Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest
Australia debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015 as part of celebrations marking 60 years of the Eurovision Song Contest. The broadcaster SBS has broadcast Eurovision in Australia since 1983. Australia’s best result to date came in 2016 Australia when Dami Im, with the song “Sound of Silence,” finished in 2nd place in the final scoring 511 points, just 23 points away from victory.
