As someone who has been to the actual song contest, Eurovision On Tour was a great representation of being at the real event, enhanced by the authentic lighting and sound effects.
The show began with a version of a flag parade (no national flags included) introducing the performers and their respected countries. Unsurprisingly, Australians Dami Im and Silia Kapsis (who represented Cyprus this year) received the loudest applause. Destiny (Malta 2015 & 2021), Senhit (San Marino 2011, 2020 & 2021), Sunstroke Project (Moldova 2010 & 2017), The Roop (Lithuania 2020 & 2021) and Nicki French (United Kingdom 2000) also proved crowd favourites.
Other artists were Efendi (Azerbaijan 2020 & 2021), Emmelie de Forest (Denmark 2013), Esther Hart (Netherlands 2003), Jalisse (Italy 1997), Linda Martin (Ireland 1984 & 1992), Suzy (Portugal 2014), Ovi & Ilinca Bacila (Romania 2010, 2014 & 2017) and Soraya (Spain 2009).
Previously announced contestants Theo Evan (Cyprus 2025), Carola (Sweden 1983, 1991 & 2006) and Rosa López (Spain 2002) did not appear on the night.
The night was hosted by Soraya and Senhit, with each artist performing their respected Eurovision song/s and covers of iconic Eurovision songs (both solo and in groups) including Conchita Wurst’s Rise like a Phoenix (2014), Loreen’s Euphoria (2012), Duncan Laurence’s Arcade (2019), Domenico Modugno’s Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare) (1958), Helena Paparizou’s My Number One (2005), ABBA’s Waterloo (1974) and Marco Mengoni’s Due Vite (2023).
Some artists were joined by a group of talented back up dancers, sometimes so scantily clad it would make the EBU blush. They were also backed by a large projection screen which featured colours and patterns relating to the song. Before taking the stage, a classic introduction clip package was played featuring their home country, photos and social media footage.
Although every act brought something special to their performance, with each having their own enthusiastic fan groups, Destiny won me over with her powerhouse vocals (so much so that I would she her in concert if she were to ever tour Australia) and Sunstroke Project had me quickly up on my feet, especially the saxophone solos. The Roop’s unique dance moves didn’t disappoint, and hearing Ovi & Ilinca Bacila yodelling was also fun.
Other highlights included Senhit chatting with people in the audience (she was most curious by the food we call “schnitties”) and challenging trivia played during the 10 minute interval.
Notably, Soraya wore the same dress she wore during the grand final in 2009, while Dami Im received a prolonged standing ovation. When someone pointed out that she should have taken the crown in 2016, she joked, “I’ve never heard that one before.”
The night ended with Silia Kapsis’ high energy performance, before all artists returned onstage to sing another Eurovision song together. I wasn’t familiar with it, but many sung along.
For many artists, it was their first time in Australia. Surprisingly there wasn’t much banter between songs or at least smaller than I had expected. This may have come down to many of the artists not feeling overly confident speaking English. The UK’s Nicki French was quick to point out how happy she was to be in a country where she could understand the language.
Considering the Eurovision Song Contest will never be held in Australia for logistical reasons (whether we win or not), Eurovision On Tour will be the closest most fans will get to the real thing. Having been to Eurovision before, I confirm that his concert perfectly captured the spirit of being there. There’s a buzz that one cannot experience watching through a television set but it was present live in the theatre. Hearing different accents and languages as well as seeing the colourful and glitzy costumes, the energy feeding off the crowd was electric.
For one night, we truly were United By Music.
Perhaps the biggest oversight was having it held at the Palais Theatre. Being a seated theatre, there was almost a trepidation as people didn’t know whether it was okay to get up and dance or not. There’s a different feeling to being in the mosh pit at Eurovision (or EuroClub and Eurovision Village) compared to having seats as you’re more mindful of those around you – and here was the same. The vibe would have been different at a standing venue like the Forum.
I also heard that Suzy got the crowd involved in a conga line and artists mingled with fans in the bar and smoking room at the all standing show at the Tivoli in Brisbane on November 13, which isn’t possible at the Palais Theatre. But ignorance is bliss and it was wonderful being able to share the love for the international song competition with a bunch of enthusiastic others.
Following concerts in London, Paris and Madrid, Australia is the only country in the world to receive multiple Eurovision On Tour stops, despite only joining the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015, proving just how huge the Eurovision fan base is here.
“The idea was first presented in 2019. After a worldwide pandemic plus two years of negotiation, Eurodrama Entertainment, SL could secure the exclusivity and name using right from the EBU to organise the first world tour of the Eurovision Song Contest,” said Senhit.
Eurovision On Tour hits Sydney on November 17. Tickets available via eurovisionontour.tv
TINSEL and TAP SHOES 