Why Hilltop Hoods should represent Australia at Eurovision 2026

Over the past few weeks members of the Aussievision team have been advocating why their chosen Australian artist should fly the flag in Vienna next year.

They have also suggested why their artist is the best person to break Australia's two year Eurovision final non-qualification streak.

This week I nominate the iconic Adelaide rap trio Hilltop Hoods as the ideal act to represent Australia at Eurovision 2026.

Who are Hilltop Hoods?

Hilltop Hoods are a legendary Australian hip-hop group from Blackwood, Adelaide formed in the 1990s by Suffa (Matt Lambert), Pressure (Daniel Smith), and later joined by DJ Debris (Barry Francis).

Known for rapping in authentic strayan accents and blending sharp lyricism with boom-bap beats, they helped bring Aussie hip hop into the mainstream. I can confirm as an Aussie millennial - they were my introduction to our local rap scene and continue to leave a massive impact on our country in 2025.

The lads grew up in the Adelaide Hills, commonly called the "hilltop" by locals - a friend of the group suggested they add the term "hoods" and the "Hilltop Hoods" were born.

Like many of the most iconic groups, they earned success grinding it out at any pub or venue that would take them and entering competitions, earning a cult underground following. From their early years it was clear to see: their sound was hot, the lyricism was quality and they were destined for success.

Back in 2012 they told The Music that their music has one purpose, to bring some ace vibes and stay true to their music despite their global success:

"There's some really raw hip hop on this album [Drinking from the Sun] that underground heads will love, but hopefully everyone else will love as well. And quite frankly, if there's some chick dancing to this record at her local RSL, good - we've done our job properly"

Beloved by Aussies

You bet, if they decided to take a punt on Eurovision, the whole nation would get behind them in a way never seen at Eurovision before!

These legends currently hold the national record for the most #1 albums by an Aussie artist or group based on the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) charts, six of their nine studio albums have clinched the position: The Hard Road (2006), State of the Art (2009), Drinking from the Sun (2012), Walking Under Stars (2014), Drinking from the Sun, Walking Under Stars Restrung (2016) and The Great Expanse (2019).

Perhaps even more impressively (depending on who you ask) they also hold the record for most entries on the Triple J Hottest 100 with a whopping 23 songs making an appearance. At last, a solid display of Aussie democracy.

This years Hottest 100 of Australian Songs saw their prolific hit The Nosebleed Section narrowly miss out on taking top honours to INXS' Never Tear Us Apart.

International leg-up

In an ideal world, having an international presence certainly helps a Eurovision campaign and Hilltop Hoods have that covered! They're the perfect size artist to represent us, not too big internationally, not too small. Just the right amount to give a leg up, but not so much you're asking yourself "who invited Bonnie Tyler to Eurovision?"

Hilltop Hoods have just kicked off their international tour - Never Coming Home, tickets are available here. From August 2025 to March 2026 they'll grace the likes of Cologne, Berlin, Prague, Amsterdam, Manchester, Glasgow, London and most of Australia. Their official website indicates a nice void in April/May 2026 - it appears they could theoretically slot in Eurovision with time to spare!

They've supported for the likes of Eminem, Lil Wayne and collaborated with Sia, Charli 2na and Pharoahe Monch.

Experience and authenticity

Eurovision is an extremely demanding and high pressure couple of months for an artist that requires focus, tenacity and dedication. Already having experience with big stage touring, performing at festivals and just generally being around the industry for decades - Hilltop Hoods have a wealth of stage craft they can tap into to succeed at Eurovision.

The rise and demand of more authentic and unique entries succeeding at the contest plays right into Hilltop Hoods' strengths. Not only in rap and hip hop underrepresented at Eurovision, a market they could easily fill, they have that raw sound, messaging and Aussie accent that would garner respect from the public and juries alike.

Eurovision connection

They've already collaborated with Montaigne (Australia's Eurovision entrant for 2020 & 2021) for hit 1955, which went to #2 in Australia and #8 in New Zealand. Admittedly, this was released in 2016 before Montaigne represented Australia but we love any Eurovision connection here at Aussievision!

Hilltop Hoods haven't publicly mentioned any hints of positive (or negative) feelings towards the contest or addressed fans that have championed for them to hit the Eurovision stage.

They are however passionate advocates for locally emerging hip-hop talent in Australia, regularly raise money for charities, support changing the date of Australia Day, better care and compassion for asylum seekers and support gay marriage.

As beloved Aussie icons, the nation would be proud to have us represented by them.

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If Hilltop Hoods were to represent Australia at Eurovision 2026, they would bring a wealth of live performance experience, a contemporary hip hop sound, and raw authenticity that would wow both the audience and juries.

Their sound and music industry backing gives them the kind of musical credibility that could help Australia break its recent back to back of non-qualifying entries and make a strong comeback to the Eurovision final.

The last time Australia sent a group to Eurovision was Voyager with Promise in 2023 which finished a strong 9th in a competitive year and won their respective semi-final. It isn't hard to envision the lads from Adelaide managing a similar feat!

Beyond the music though, Hilltop Hoods are a iconic and fun group that would bring some real zing to the contest.

Hilltop Hoods are currently embarking on an international tour - Never Coming Home, tickets are available here.

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