Life after Helsinki 2007 Eurovision

As we know Australians are crazy for Eurovision. Some Aussies have even song in Eurovision for other countries, from Gina G to Johnny Logan and Olivia Newton-John . In mid 1990's the Australian TV apparently even offered to host the show in Sydney opera house if only they could take part in it. Or then maybe they didn't but the rumor was there. It's an intriguing idea, isn't it? Anyways, Australian SBS has broadcasted the Eurovision nearly 40 years now and it every year gathers a few million Aussies to watch it downunder. After a long wait finally in 2014 Australia will be present in the Eurovision stage officially. They will provide us the interval act in the second semifinal on May 8, 2014. The lucky chosen one is Jessica Mauboy who will sing her hit Never be the same and another brand new, especially for Eurovision written song.  She is "super excited" and declared a fan of the contest since she was 11 years old.

Valentina Monetta will be joining the cast of Stockholm Pride that includes already likes of Gina G, Krista Siegfrids, Roberto Bellarossa, Margaret Berger, Sean Banan, Lys Assia, Ryan Dolan, Janet Leon, Anton Ewald and reigning Eurovision Queen Emmelie De Forest . Valentina will perform there on August 1, 2013. What a better way to return to Sweden and shower in the adoration of fans before doing it for the third time next May in Denmark? Besides, her album Crisalide - la storia di Valentina Monetta is now also available in physical CD form. Pre-listen and order here .

Tooji was born in Shiraz in Iran in 1988. He had his first birthday whilst fleeing to Norway.  The family’s Persian traditions and roots have given Tooji strong references, both musically and personally. A good life with a close-knit family in a new country has influenced his upbringing and life choices since.  With a strong wish to express impressions and feelings Tooji has gone his own creative ways, and after art school and theatre school, it was finally music that became closest to Tooji’s heart. In addition to devoting himself to his passions, the experience of working in kindergartens and with after-school-activities, young people and asylum seekers, has given Tooji an even more important mission in life: To give a voice to those who would otherwise not have been heard.  Some choices have been more important than others, and working with refugees in asylum  centers  has made its mark on him.  "It's a hard work but gives a lot" says Tooji....

Gina G, the bubbly Aussie that made us all go ooh aah back in 1996 is making a comeback in homeground with Next 2 U .

The Australian broadcaster SBS will show the Eurovision 2010 semifinals and the final but not only: On may 14 and 21 they will have special Countdown to Eurovision shows as a warm up continued on May 22 with another special A-Z of Eurovision . And before the real thing they will also show the Junior Eurovision 2009 on May 25. The three main shows will run on May 28, 29 and 30. They will also send their own commentators Julia Zemiro and Sam Peng to Oslo 2010. The latest Aussie to sing in Eurovision was Jane Camerford of Texas Lightning , the German represant in 2006 but also UK have borrowed Aussies like Gina G and Olivia Newton-John .