Casey Donovan and Vanessa Amorosi have been revealed to be the first two artists competing in the Australia's national final.
Casey Donovan, who performed as an opening act for last year's Australia Decides, was made famous by winning Australian Idol back in 2004.
After a debut number one single, Casey drifted away from the limelight but was still a household name in Australia.
A return to screens with 'I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here' in 2017 saw her win back Australian hearts and take out that title.
She has been a consistent performer on the musical stage throughout her career including playing Mama Cass in 'Flowerchildren', Killer Queen in 'We Will Rock You' and now currently playing 'Mama Morton' in Chicago.
She has also made numerous TV appearances including 'The Real Full Monty' this year alongside Australia Decides 2019 alumni Ella Hooper.
She is a much loved performer in Australia and will perform the song 'Proud' at Australia Decides (yet to be released).
"I'm so excited to be a part of Eurovision – Australia Decides after opening the show this year and seeing the amazing talent. When I was asked I thought, what an amazing thing to be a part of! It doesn't matter what happens for me, Proud is such an incredible song written by the talented Justine Eltakchi and I'm proud to sing it. I can't wait to share the stage with some of Australia's most talented singers. And I mean Vanessa Amorosi… She's my idol! I love her!"
Vanessa Amorosi was Australia sweetheart in the very late 90s into the early 2000s.
She release her debut single 'Have a Look' at aged 18, but it as her second single 'Absolutely Everybody' which built her career.
It was a Top 10 hit in Australia, Europe and the United Kingdom and was featured in the Closing Ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
She was such a star that she was chosen to sing and record the actual anthem for the Olympics - 'Heroes Live Forever', which she performed in the Opening Ceremony.
She went on to further success with her single 'Shine' in 2000 as well as other top 10 hits in the decade including 'Perfect', 'This is Who I Am' and 'Mr Mysterious'.
Following the release of her album in 2009 Amorosi relocated to the United States where she lives with her husband and child.
She will be performing a song off her new album, released today.
"I am so incredibly excited to be part of Eurovision – Australia Decides 2020. I am a proud Aussie and to have the opportunity to sing one of my songs on a huge international stage representing Australia would be unforgettable. I look forward to Australia hearing my song and working alongside friends and fellow musicians on this journey. It’s going to be very special. Listen to my new album Back to Love, released today, and see if you can guess which song it is…”
There is a number of songs around the 3:00 minute mark including 'Gimme Your Love' (3:00), 'The Truth Will Set You Free' (3:10), 'Lessons of Love' (3:10) and 'Personal' 3:06.
Creative Director of Australia Decides, Paul Clarke, says more artists will be announced soon,
"Casey and Vanessa are two of the most respected voices in the country, and we welcome Vanessa home from her years in America. We can’t wait to hear her bring that brilliant voice to the Eurovision – Australia Decides stage on the Gold Coast. She’s one of Casey’s vocal heroes! We have more exciting artists and songs to announce soon - it’s shaping up to be an absolutely awesome show!”
Eurovision - Australia Decides will take place at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on the following dates.
Friday 7 February evening - Jury show
Saturday 8 February - Matinee (family show)
Saturday 8 February evening - Live show
The Saturday evening show will be broadcast live on SBS with the winner of the contest represent Australia at Eurovision in Rotterdam, The Netherlands in May.
Tickets are available at Ticketek: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=EUROVISI20
For hotel and flight bookings you can contact Aussievision's own Michael Jones, Flight Centre Travel Consultant, at Mike.Jones@flightcentre.com.au
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