Gold Coast singer Sheldon Riley has made it through to the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest.
It comes after the 23-year-old dominated his semi-final performance in Turin, Italy this morning.
Sheldon, who shot to fame on the seventh season of The Voice Australia, performed his song “Not the Same” while wearing a mask and accessories.
The tune, which is inspired by Riley’s experience with Asperger’s Syndrome, was obviously a hit with both the judges and viewers who voted him through to the showdown.
“I’m absolutely ecstatic,” Sheldon said following the news he had made it through.
“Tonight I just wanted to deliver my best performance and make Australia proud… It’s a huge thrill that people across Europe have appreciated Not the Same, and I’m so happy I get to be on the stage again this weekend.
“I can’t wait to be part of the Grand Final in front of 200 million people, and see what all the other amazing acts are going to bring to the stage.
“This is honestly a dream come true for me. I am so thankful for all the support from fans over here and everyone back home.”
17 others were vying for the spot from the second semi-final, with only ten including Belgium, Czech Republic, Azerbaijan, Poland, Finland, Estonia, Australia, Sweden, Romania and Serbia making it through to Sunday’s decider.
They’ll now take on the nine other nations including Lithuania, Switzerland, Ukraine, Netherlands, Moldova, Portugal, Iceland, Greece and Norway that qualified from the first semi-final.
That concludes an EPIC semi-final 2 of Eurovision 2022 with Sheldon Riley making it to the GRAND FINAL FOR AUSTRALIA!!! #sbseurovision – see everyone who made it to the Grand Final: https://t.co/krIOcoYGyC
— Aussievision (@aussievisionnet) May 12, 2022
