Eurovision 2024: The First Impression: Australia

First Thoughts:

I have to admit that when I first listened to 'One Mikali' I did have the impression that this could be a Melfest entry that would finish 5th-7th to its Heat.

It took a few more listens and a very favorable draw at #16 to move this one to my qualifiers list.

A decent song with some retro/80s' elements blended with some traditional aboriginal sounds and Zaachariaha's unique voice and staging presence could be prove more than enough for the qualification.

The fact that we have not seen the song live so far might be the factor that Australia is still going under the radar in terms of qualification, baring in mind that there are a few friends and allies in the Semi - Final.

Australia does traditionally struggle with the Public Vote but that second half is so weak that they just need to overcome one of Slovenia and Portugal to qualify, considering that Azerbaijan, Moldova and Iceland are no hopers.

The staging is the key and Australia has proven time after time that they do know how to lift their entries and create some hype almost out of nothing. 

This is the main reason behind the producer's choice to place them that late in the Semi - Final.

Advancing to the Final is the focus for them, but after they get there, I do feel that they will get lost in the crowd and they are most probably heading for their worst result in a Grand Final so far.

Bottom-5 is where I currently have them,

Televoting Potential: 6/10

Jury Potential: 8/10

Staging Potential: 8/10

Momentum: 6/10

My Opinion: 7/10

Total: 35/50

What the fair winning chance % would be?

0.01%- 0.1%

Best case scenario:

Avoiding Bottom-5 in Final

Worst case scenario:

NQ is Semi - Final

Pre-Contest estimated points:

SF: 45-75

Final: Js: 10-50 - TV: 10-25- Total: 20-75

What do I see in my crystal ball?

Will the producers be kind to them twice and give them a good running order to boost their chances for a good result?

I reckon no and Australia will fall somewhere between 18th and 24th unless they have something very special to present us in a few weeks.

You can hear my thoughts about Australia in the Eurovision podcast 'Talk About Things'  co-hosted with the Eurovision experts @mat_rickard and  @Panos_Zannettos at

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