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It was a nervous but excited Isaiah Firebrace who took his first steps on the Eurovision stage in Kyiv this week as he prepares to sing for Australia at the prestigious song contest.
Pundits got their first glimpse of the Echuca-Moama teen’s performance on Monday, Australian time, one that will see him sing from atop a rotating turntable.
At times, large-scale projections of Isaiah fill Kyiv’s International Exhibition Centre stage. Pyrotechnics will also make up part of the lavish staging.
“It will really tie into the whole extravaganza of Eurovision, we have a lot going on,” Isaiah said during a press conference after his first rehearsal.
But he hoped it would be an intimate performance too, matching the contemplative nature of his entry, Don’t Come Easy.
International media quizzed the 17-year-old on everything from his time on The X Factor to his stint supporting former Eurovision performer Jessica Mauboy.
Pushed on why Australia was taking part in the competition again, Isaiah said it was a popular source of entertainment for his country.
”A lot of Australia’s love watching Eurovision and everyone gets really into it,” he said.
“For Australia, for Europe to come together over music is awesome; everyone loves music.”
An Indigenous Australian, Isaiah said his inclusion tied in with this year’s Eurovision motto, “Celebrate diversity”.
He hoped his selection could inspire other young people to pursue their goals.
Isaiah was quick to endear himself to local journalists by speaking in Ukrainian and saying he would like to visit a Kyiv school.
But he was so focused on the task at hand that he had not yet seen much of the host city’s sights.
“I’ve only walked to McDonalds from my hotel, I haven’t been that far,” he said, laughing.
“But the weather’s been great, so that’s cool.”
Isaiah’s next rehearsal is on Friday, Australian time, and he will vie for public votes during the first semi final on May 9.
Eurovision is broadcast on SBS from May 12 to 14.