Music to our ears: UniSQ researcher live from Eurovision

The University of Southern Queensland’s (UniSQ) Associate Professor Jess Carniel – Australia's leading Eurovision expert – is travelling to the heart of Switzerland for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Basel.

Associate Professor Carniel will soon be rubbing shoulders with fans as part of her CPD Research Fellowship (work) while also experiencing the best of what the longest-running international music competition has to offer (play).

With exclusive access, she’ll be right in the thick of the crowd exploring the significance of Eurovision for Australian and global audiences through her research.

“Getting to see Eurovision live is an amazing experience because you get to see how the cake is made, so to speak. At the end of the day, it’s a television show – so being in the arena is actually like being in the live studio audience where you might see things that don’t make the broadcast,” Associate Professor Carniel said.

“Being a television show, it means the experience of watching Eurovision is mediated. Last year, many fans reported that their actions of protest in relation to the politics of the contest were muted and censored. By being there, I’ll be able to get a sense of how audiences are really reacting and communicating their political sentiments.

“For some reason, this year we have a lot of songs about food and beverages – Croatia’s “Poison Cake”, Estonia’s “Espresso Macchiato”, and, of course, Australia’s Go-Jo with “Milkshake Man”.

“There is a lot of catering options for your Eurovision watch party – except maybe skip the poison in the cake!”

The highly anticipated 69th Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Basel, Switzerland from 13-17 May

Associate Professor Carniel will be available for media interviews before, during and after this year’s contest and can provide unparalleled expert commentary on key talking points, including:

• Reactions to Go-Jo’s performances (Australia’s Eurovision 2025 Artist)
• Audience participation and their responses to performances
• Public sentiment and the voting process
• The benefits of Australia’s involvement from a political, cultural and situational perspective
• How Eurovision has become as much a symbol of peace and unity as it has power ballads, camp costumes and pyrotechnics
• Any other Eurovision commentary as required

Due to time zone differences, the best times for interviews (AEST time) are:

• 5-8 May: 5–8am, 2pm–late
• 12-17 May: 5–8am, 2pm–late
• 18 May: 2–6pm

Media are welcome to contact Associate Professor Carniel directly via email at Jess.Carniel@unisq.edu.au to organise interviews. Where possible, advanced notice for interviews would be appreciated.