With the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 all wrapped up, we're now looking ahead to the 2022 contest.
Over the next couple of months, we will be looking at Australian artists who we would love to see compete at 'Eurovision - Australia Decides' and get their opportunity to represent Australia at Eurovision. We have previously looked at Yolngu rapper and dancer, Baker Boy, and the Kiwi-born Aussie pop star Ricki-Lee.
This week we look at Sheldon Riley, an Australian-Filipino artist who burst onto Australian screens thanks to The Voice in 2018. We look at his career and then dive deeper into why Sheldon would be the perfect candidate to compete at ‘Eurovision - Australia Decides”!
Who is Sheldon Riley?
Sheldon Riley is an Australian born pop star. He was born on March 14, 1999, with the name Sheldon Hernandez, to an Australian mother and a Filipino father. He first rose to fame when he was a contestant on The Voice in 2018.
Sheldon was a fan favourite due to his unique style and insane vocal talent and was seen as one of the front-runners to win The Voice. Despite not winning, he managed to make it to the show’s grand finale. A year later Sheldon returned to The Voice as an all-star and went all the way to the penultimate episode of the 2019 season.
It was clear Sheldon make waves in the Australian music scene with his unmistakable aesthetic and spine-tingling voice. His blind audition performance of Madonna’s Frozen has garnered a whopping 13 million views and was seen around the world.
Since appearing on The Voice, Sheldon has released 3 singles: ‘Fire’, ‘More Than I’ and ‘Left Broken’. All of which are incredibly haunting and beautiful pop ballads that showcase the artist he wants to be.
In 2020, Sheldon took on the world and competed in season 15 of America’s Got Talent. His incredible performance of Billie Eilish’s ‘idontwanttobeyouanymore’ impressed the judges' panel made up of Howie Mandell, Sofia Vergara and the music industry giant Simon Cowell. The judges all voted yes and sent Sheldon through to the quarter-finals.
Due to Covid-19, Sheldon couldn’t be in the US but that didn’t stop him from competing in America’s Got Talent. For his quarter-final performance, Sheldon performed a beautiful rendition of Kylie Minogue’s ‘Can’t Get You Out of My Head’ from Luna Park Sydney. Unfortunately, Sheldon did not get enough votes to advance in the show but did receive praise from Kylie herself. Kylie Minogue took to Twitter to express her love for Sheldon and his version of her song.
During Sheldon’s first run on the Voice, music industry legend, Boy George took him under his wing as his coach on the show. After the programme aired, Boy continually supports and mentors Sheldon’s career. The two instantly understood each other and their similar experiences in the music industry has led Sheldon to grow even more in his identity as a musician.
Sheldon is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ Community and has been open about his struggles growing up with the notion of masculinity and what it meant to be a man in Australian culture. His life has shaped him into the incredible artists he is today not afraid of showing a more androgynous front to his persona.
Why Sheldon Riley would be good for 'Eurovision - Australia Decides'
Sheldon is a standout and original performer who understands that music is something that should be not only seen but felt as well. It's clear that Sheldon can sing the house down and truly shine on the Eurovision stage, his vocal ability is impressive and with a song just right for Eurovision, he could be a contender to win Australia Decides and even the Eurovision Song Contest.
Sheldon's aesthetics and character is made for the Eurovision stage. His distinct avant-garde, high fashion looks can hook the audience making his performance one not to forget.
During his final mentoring session with his coach, Delta Goodrem on his second season on The Voice, Sheldon made it clear that his career goal is to represent Australia on the Eurovision stage. On his Instagram, he has declared his love of the contest and would love to have a crack at competing.
Combine Sheldon's impressive vocal talents with his the striking looks, he is known for then you've got an artist who can dominate both the professional juries as well as the voting public.
I am confident that Sheldon Riley can go all the way in 'Eurovision - Australia Decides'. With the right song, he can give Australia one of its best results ever. Just take a look at this performance below and see what Sheldon could deliver on the Eurovision stage.
Sheldon Riley for Australia Decides 2022!