[Updated] Dami Im to represent Australia in 2016 Eurovision [VIDEOS]
“X Factor Australia” Season 5 winner Dami Im was named Australia’s official representative at the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals.
On Thursday, Mar.3, the 27-year-old singer and songwriter was revealed to be the country’s entrant at this year’s competition. The announcement was made by 2014 Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst during her concert at the Sydney Opera House. Im and Wurst were joined by Guy Sebastian on stage, who was Australia's representative in 2015, according to SBS.
Last year, Sebastian -- the first "Australian Idol" winner -- made history when he became the first-ever Australian contestant in Eurovision. After singing “Tonight Again” (watch below), Sebastian landed on the fifth spot in the grand finals. “The feedback we got from viewers, fans, press and the broadcasters after Australia's participation in Vienna was overwhelmingly positive,” said Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the contest in the Eurovision site. “We strongly believe the Eurovision Song Contest has the potential to evolve organically into a truly global event. Australia's continued participation is an exciting step in that direction.”
Source: YouTube/Eurovision Song Contest
As a result, the European Broadcasting Union invited back Australia to compete this year in Stockholm, Sweden. The country’s representative will contend with other singers in one of the two semi-final rounds. There is no update yet whether Australia will become a permanent participant in the contest. However, in case Australia wins this year, the 2017 competition will be co-hosted by SBS and another European public broadcaster somewhere in Europe.
Im, who was born in South Korea and raised in Queensland, was considered as the strongest Australian Eurovision contender for 2016, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. She reportedly was pitted against other musicians such as Tina Arena and Delta Goodrem.
When she joined "X Factor" Season 5, Im instanly became the fans' favourite, earning positive feedback on every performance. The Korean-Australian singer, who stood out because of her powerful voice and confident stage presence, was considered to be the competition's frontrunner since the live show rounds. After winning in the fifth season of “X Factor Australia,” Im bagged a recording contract with Sony Music Australia. The singer and songwriter recently released her third studio album titled “Heart Beats,” which includes hits “Super Love” and “Gladiator.”
Source: YouTube/damiimVEVO
The 2016 Eurovision Song Contest, which will be participated in by 41 countries, will take place in May 2016 in Stockholm's Globe Arena.