Eurovision – Australia Decides 2022 kicks off on the Gold Coast tonight with University of Southern Queensland students hard at work volunteering behind the scenes.
Television and Radio student Christopher Howard has been on set and said the opportunity was an excellent way to get hands-on experience in a relevant field.
“I really love music, so this event is a combination of my passions,” Mr Howard said.
“This is a massive opportunity – you see Eurovision every year on the television, so to have been a part of it is very special.”
University of Southern Queensland lecturer Spencer Howson said by working at the event, students had the chance to meet with the best in the business, building their networks and employability.
“Eurovision-Australia Decides is one of the biggest live television events in Queensland and our students have interned with production company Blink TV every year that it's been held,” Mr Howson said.
“This is just one example of the many industry opportunities available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Television and Radio Production at the University of Southern Queensland.
“There are many TV productions now calling Queensland home, which is great news for students wanting a career in the industry.
“I can't thank Blink TV enough for all that they do every year in supporting the next generation to gain industry experience and build their skills and confidence.”
Another person tuning into the competition will be University of Southern Queensland Eurovision expert Dr Jess Carniel, who will be watching the event live from home.
“This year has a pretty exciting line up. We have a couple of returning artists from past Eurovisions and there’s some new artists - one of those being Toowoomba local Jude York,” Dr Carniel said.
“For the first time we also see the addition of a TikTok category, where an unknown artist will be selected based on a one minute singing sample on the platform, which is a really fresh idea.”
Dr Carniel said Eurovision was one of the most important global events of its kind when it came to reach.
“Artists around Australia have had a rough time throughout COVID, so to be able to have a celebration of new Australian music is fantastic,” Dr Carniel said.
“The competition certainly gives our local artists some extra exposure, allowing them to break outside the domestic market.
“And the great thing is we get to pick the artist who we send off for the rest of the world to enjoy.”
Once an artist is selected at the Eurovision – Australia Decides event, they will progress to the Eurovision song contest to be held in Turin, Italy in May.
