ANALYSIS: For the past week, thousands of Eurovision fans have decorated the cobblestone streets of Austria’s capital.
Sequins, glitter and eccentric outfits have been on full display, along with flags from countries all over Europe.
But there is another nation from a continent far away that’s captured hearts here.
Watch the video above.
As I walk through crowds at Eurovision Village, holding the Australian flag high, people stop me at every turn.
They love Australia. They love Delta Goodrem. They love her song Eclipse.
For a contest that has ‘Euro’ in the name, it does seem strange Australia is allowed to compete.
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Our artists perform on the Eurovision stage thanks to a technicality: SBS is an associate member of the European Broadcasting Union.
Over the past 11 years, some of our country’s biggest talents have travelled to this side of the world to compete against Europe’s best.
First it was Guy Sebastian, then Dami Im almost won, and now Delta Goodrem has secured our best result in a decade, finishing in fourth place.
In the lead-up to the Grand Final, many people I spoke to believed Delta should win based on her powerful performance.
I asked European fans how they would feel if the iconic glass microphone trophy was taken Down Under and they not only welcomed it, they hoped it would happen.
They all want a reason to fork out for a trip to our sunburnt country.
Unfortunately, even if Delta won, we wouldn’t be allowed to host the contest in Australia due to logistics, the time zone difference, and because we’re not a full member of the EBU.
But the fact these fans would be willing not just to accept an Australian win, but to champion one, says everything you need to know about this community.
It is full of joy, love and acceptance. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much.
Eurovision was created 70 years ago to unite a war-torn continent through the power of music.
Now, in a world again facing uncertain times, people from all walks of life have come together to celebrate extraordinary talent.
Delta Goodrem has made us proud in Vienna, but there would be no Eurovision without the dedicated fans, who this year again embraced exceptional Aussie talent.
Hannah Sinclair is Nine Network’s Europe Correspondent and was on the ground in Vienna for Eurovision 2026.
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