Each week we feature an Australian and International Eurovision fan, and this week our Aussie choice is... Liv! You may know her from Twitter as @eurovisionemate
We asked her a few Eurovision questions and she has some really interesting answers, she knows her stuff!
What is your name and where are you from?
Hi! I’m Liv (short for Olivia) and I’m from Victoria, Australia.
What do you do or tell us something interesting about you?
Although my family’s background is farming (our farm is 6 times the size of Monaco if that helps to visualise it) I have decided not to continue the family business. Instead I am currently studying a health sciences degree in Melbourne. When I’m not working/studying/driving I can always be found on a hockey pitch or riding my horse Tony! (Also hence why I am always tweeting random rural photos – sorry!)
When did you first get into Eurovision?
According to Mum I’ve watch it every year since I was born! However the earliest I can distinctly remember is dancing around with my cousin in my Nonno and Nonna’s lounge room in 2003 to Everyway That I Can. I only got properly eurofan hooked from 2011 onwards when a certain Swedish lad graced the stage.
(Great taste from an early age! ~ Aussievision)
Which is your favourite Eurovision year and why?
Yikes so hard to choose! 2013 has to be a sentimental favourite of mine mainly because my family in Denmark was ecstatic at Emmelie’s big win and it genuinely warmed my heart to see them so thrilled. I had the privilege of being able to watch it with them when we were all in the same country for once which was really beautiful. Also, Petra is a massive babe…if I had to be less biased about it probably 2009.
Which Eurovision song: Is the best?
1996 winner Eimear Quinn - The Voice, her voice has such an otherworldly quality about it and I never get sick of listening to it. Really takes me on quite a journey from start to finish every time I listen to it. Plus, I could be biased playing in a Celtic Music group *shrugs*
Is overrated?
Mørland & Debrah Scarlett - A Monster Like Me, honestly it does nothing for me and I find the live performance a bit boring so I am always a bit taken aback to see the slight cult following it has.
(WHAT! This is brilliant!)
Was robbed?
*cough Dami cough* in all seriousness I have always had a soft spot for Anggun - Echo (You And I) and her squad of gymnasts, I certainly didn’t think it deserved 22nd place.
Had the best live performance?
I believe The Voice was both the best live and studio performance of ESC.
Did you last play?
Giorgos Alkaios & Friends - OPA came on shuffle whilst I was going on a run last night
Is your guilty pleasure?
I would be lying if I said I didn’t know every single word to Irelande Douze Pointe
Do you support any other countries other than your own?
Pre-2015 I used to go for Italy and Denmark equally due to my Italian heritage and my close family that now lives in Denmark with a touch of UK on the side to appease my father. Since the introduction of Australia my heart is probably 50% Aussie: 25% Italy: 20% Denmark: 5% UK.
(Love the fact you have got it down to a percentage level - brilliant!)
Why should Australia be in Eurovision?
Think of all the quality memes that came from it. Nah, on a serious note Eurovision is genuinely something that can bridge that vast distance between Europe and families that now live in Australia – a very positive celebration of the diversity our country has and also our love of the slightly weird and wacky!
Are you happy with Jessica Mauboy being our choice for Lisbon?
A b s o l u t e l y. She was who I guessed initially to be our choice before Ricki-Lee went and shook-up our world. She knows the job, is well seasoned, can bop and is a big enough personality in Australia to perhaps encourage first time watchers to join the ESC party!
Sea of Flags, Tonight Again, Sound of Silence or Don’t Come Easy?
Tonight again – Studio Sound of Silence - Live
(Spot on!)
Thank you so much for your time Liv!