Politics and pageantry meet as Eurovision 2019 kicks off | michaelidato
With a mixed backdrop of politics and pageantry, the "orange carpet" of the 64th annualArtists representing 41 countries were on parade but in a strong nod to pan-European support for Australia's participation in the contest, all eyes were on our entrant, singer Kate Miller-Heidke.The 37-year-old Brisbane-born singer turned heads and sent fans into a frenzy as she arrived in a black Steven Khalil gown that was equal parts Maleficent and magnificent.
Australian singer Kate Miller-Heidke arrives for the opening night of the 64th annual Eurovision Song Contest.Though Australia is not geographically located in Europe, we joined the competition four years ago to much fanfare from competing countries who welcomed the shift in the six decade old status quo."I am getting so many amazing messages from Australians, but also from people around the world," Miller-Heidke said. "I do feel buoyed by it. It's incredible.
The second semi-final, two days later, will see Armenia, Ireland, Moldova, Switzerland, Latvia, Romania, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, Croatia, Malta, Lithuania, Russia, Albania, Norway, Netherlands, North Macedonia and Azerbaijan competing for another ten slots. Though the Eurovision Song Contest frequently finds itself in the midst of the gentle friction of pan-European politics, this year's competition is being staged with a far more complex backdrop, just 70km from the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip.
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