Film & TV

10 Reasons Why Guy Sebastian Did Us Proud At Eurovision

Congratulations to Adelaide’s own Guy Sebastian, who sang his heart out for Australia’s maiden entry into Eurovision. As well as making history, his super-catchy track ‘Tonight Again’ proved genuinely popular with voting audiences across Europe. In no particular order, here are ten reasons why we’re proud of our Guy for slaying it at Eurovision 2015!

guy sebastian

Congratulations to Adelaide’s own Guy Sebastian, who sang his heart out for Australia’s maiden entry into Eurovision. As well as making history, his super-catchy track ‘Tonight Again’ proved genuinely popular with voting audiences across Europe. In no particular order, here are ten reasons why we’re proud of our Guy for slaying it at Eurovision 2015!

1. Hometown pride.

Yes, from Adelaide to the rest of Australia: you’re welcome. Guy grew up in Adelaide – a fact that this city has refused to let anyone forget since the day he and his ‘fro first graced TV screens on Australian Idol. In contrast to most former reality TV stars, Guy has only jumped from musical strength to strength in those 12 years and South Australia could hardly be prouder.

2. Not a cliché in sight.

Eurovision is hardly known for its subtlety, so when Australia’s participation in this year’s Eurovision was first announced, most of us were terrified that it would end with Nikki Webster singing to a dancing jar of Vegemite. Australia’s vaguely embarrassing guest spot in the interval last year did little to soothe those fears. Mercifully, Guy’s act in the 2015 competition was completely cliché-free, without a single lamington, giant thong, or koala on stage.

3. He took us to fifth place.

Australia ultimately finished in fifth place, ranked above a number of entries that went into the competition with positive buzz, including Norway and Spain. The calibre of the Grand Final participants was very high this year, so fifth place (out of 27) is a genuine compliment. It is something to be even prouder of when you remember that Australia was a newbie – not to mention that we aren’t even in Europe and pretty much invited ourselves.

4. We beat Great Britain.

Thanks to Guy, we got to enjoy that gloriously awkward moment when the UK gave us their ten points… after we had failed to give them a single one. Australia’s ultimate result of 196 points – versus Britain’s mere 5 points – means that no matter the outcome of future Ashes series, we will forever have something to rub in the faces of our favourite competitive rivals.

5. Thanks to Guy, Australia has a new BFF.

Sweden gave Australia its twelve points, Australia gave Sweden its twelve points, and it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Let us take a moment to appreciate the fact that this year’s (very worthy) winners gave us their twelve points and bask in the glory of that endorsement. Tack, Sverige!

6. We apparently joined the Nordic bloc.

Speaking of which, we totally broke into the Nordic voting bloc. Australia received 12 points from Sweden, 10 from Norway, and 8 each from Denmark and Iceland; that is a really big deal, folks. The Eurovision prize has a habit of lurching between the Scandinavian countries like a drunken moose for a very good reason – the high quality of their songwriting and performances. Getting such a high score from the Nordic voting bloc is basically like having the kids at the cool table ask you to sit with them.

7. Last year’s winners loved us, too.

All those heaps original Austria/Australia jokes backfired on the rest of Europe when Austria gave us its twelve points. Austria were the hosts of this year’s competition, having won in 2014 with Conchita Wurst’s amazing performance. That means the winners of both 2015 and 2014 liked Australia the best – a result Guy should be thoroughly pleased with.

8. The early mornings proved to be worth it.

Many dedicated Australian Eurovision fans rose like a phoenix at 4.30am for two semi-finals and the Grand Final this week, because why should World Cup fans be the only ones to suffer the trials of international timezones? I felt less jet lagged when I flew to actual Europe last year than I do now after Eurovision this week. However, the wrecked sleeping patterns were vindicated by Guy’s performance in the Grand Final. History was awesomely made – and the early-risers got to enjoy it live.

9. He united Australia.

Trying to unite Australia behind a common cause is often easier said than done, but Guy Sebastian did it. As well as winning hearts in Europe, Guy was triumphant back home and inspired the kind of un-ironic but good-natured patriotism usually reserved for international sporting victories and… well, that’s normally about all. Guy Sebastian for PM!

10. He might have secured another invitation for Australia.

Hint, hint, Eurovision?

Well done to Guy Sebastian, and congratulations to Sweden for winning with Måns Zelmerlöw’s ‘Heroes’. To relive all the 2015 Eurovision glory, tune into the repeat screening tonight at 7.30pm on SBS.

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