2017 Eurovision Song Contest: Dami Im throws support behind Australian bet; Isaiah Firebrace to perform ‘Don’t Come Easy’ [VIDEO]

After being crowned the “X Factor Australia” 2016 winner, Isaiah Firebrace gears up to perform in a bigger arena. Recently, the 17-year-old crooner was named to be Australia’s representative at the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest, which is set to take place in Kyiv, Ukraine in May.

Australia’s entry last year, Dami Im, made the country proud in the singing competition when she placed second with performance of “Sound of Silence.” She fell a few points behind Ukraine’s representative, Jamala, but was considered to be the juries’ favourite.

The 28-year-old singer took to Instagram to offer Isaiah some words of encouragement. “Best of luck to Isaiah who is this year's representative for Australia to @eurovision,” she captioned the selfie she took with her successor. “I'm going to miss being there again but I know he will have the best time. I can tell you that it was the most intense and the most exciting chapter of my life where I watched so many countries come together and celebrate music on the biggest scale imaginable. Cannot wait to watch the fun this year.”

It seems Isaiah wants to follow the footsteps of Dami, who won in the “X Factor Australia” Season 5. Dami’s second place at the grand finals is the highest achievement of Australia since it officially competed in 2015. Last year, Guy Sebastian – the first "Australian Idol" winner and “X Factor Australia” judge – made history when he became the first-ever Australian contestant in Eurovision. After performing “Tonight Again” Sebastian landed on the fifth spot in the grand finals.

Back in December 2016, Isaiah expressed his aspiration to represent Australia at the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest. Following the release of his first official music video, “It’s Gotta Be You,” Isaiah’s dream came true with the announcement of this year’s representative for the singing competition. SBS reported that Isaiah is set to perform “Don’t Come Easy,” a ballad that is ideal for the young singer’s vocal prowess. The track [watch below] is written by DNA Songs duo David Musumeci and Anthony Egizii, who also penned “Sound of Silence.”

“I'm so proud to be representing Australia as our entrant for the Eurovision Song Contest 2017,” Isaiah said in a statement, according to SBS. “I will make Australia proud. Thank you to SBS and my label Sony for believing in me and giving me the opportunity of a lifetime."

Isaiah will deliver his first performance in Semi Final 1, wherein he needs enough votes to earn a spot in the Grand Finals, which will be held on May 14. Watch out for more 2017 Eurovision Song Contest news and updates.

Source: YouTube/Eurovision Song Contest