Eurovision fans packed out The Tivoli in Fortitude Valley for an unforgettable night of glitz, glamour, and high-energy performances during Eurovision on Tour. I had no clue what to expect, but I knew I was in for a night of epic show-stoppers and couldn’t wait to see Aussie royalty, Dami Im.
This wasn’t just any concert – it was an all-out extravaganza. The Tivoli was buzzing, packed with Eurovision fans who seemed to have jetted in from every corner of the globe. Fans came dressed to impress in true Eurovision style, and the crowd’s energy was so intense that even the performers were like, “Whoa, Brisbane, calm down.” We got an amazing visual introduction to each act, including a virtual map that showed the artists’ represented countries, paired with TikTok and Instagram snippets about themselves and their cultures. The night was hosted by the charismatic Soraya from Spain (Eurovision 2009) and the fabulous Senhit from San Marino (Eurovision 2011, 2020, 2021). These two were a comedic duo, charming everyone with their antics and even mastering some Aussie slang like "schnitty" and the classic cheer "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi" – much to the crowd’s delight.
Dami Im (Australia, 2016) strutted onto the stage and blew the roof off, earning thunderous applause that lasted well beyond her performance. Her powerhouse vocals were a crowd favourite, and Brisbane certainly showed her the love she deserved. Destiny (Malta, 2020, 2021) also made a lasting impression, her soul-stirring voice bringing the house down with effortless power. Efendi (Azerbaijan, 2020, 2021) ignited the night with bold beats and hypnotic choreography to 'Mata Hari' and 'Cleopatra'; an immersive experience that transported viewers into a world of rhythm and elegance. Adding to the excitement, the Sunstroke Project (Moldova, 2010, 2017) had the crowd screaming, featuring the viral sensation known as "Epic Sax Guy". The Roop (Lithuania, 2020, 2021) whipped the audience into a frenzy with their quirky dance moves and slick, contemporary beats.
While each act shone, special love was shown to Brissy’s own Dami Im and young Aussie artist Silia Kapsis (Cyprus, 2024). At just 17 years old, Silia showcased an impressive stage presence that belied her youth, captivating the audience with her undeniable talent and charisma. Her performance not only highlighted her vocal and dance abilities but also her potential as a rising star in the music industry.
The evening wasn’t just about individual performances. The backup dancers were INCREDIBLE, effortlessly switching between different dance styles. They were a visual treat and added a new layer of energy to each act. A surprise collaboration saw Linda Martin, Esther Hart, and Nicki French come together for a spirited rendition of 'Waterloo' – a crowd favourite and one of the few songs I could confidently sing along to!
Senhit, often dubbed the "Freaky Queen," was an undeniable standout of the night for me. She delivered multiple hits, including 'Freaky!' (2020) and 'Adrenalina' (2021), with an effortless mix of power and playfulness. Her costumes were bold and dazzling, perfectly complementing her theatrical performance style.
One of the most fun moments of the night was the yodelling/rap performance by Ilinca and Ovi (Romania, 2017), a truly unique act that made the crowd cheer with laughter and admiration. Then there was 'Volare', performed by the delightful duo Jalisse (Italy, 1997), which had the audience singing along to the familiar tune. I imagine this is Italy's equivalent of 'Hey Baby,' a song that everyone knows and will sing spontaneously. But the surprises didn’t stop there. Suzy from Portugal got everyone on their feet and moving, starting an impromptu conga line. Special mention to Soraya from Spain, who rocked the same outfit she wore when she performed in 2009 – a fantastic nod to Eurovision history.
Speaking of outfits, the night was basically a costume party on steroids, and oh boy, did they deliver! Each performer had an outfit more dazzling and outrageous than the last, and it felt like a veritable parade of the most flamboyant and unique fashion choices Europe has to offer. From the shimmering disco ball dresses to the avant-garde creations, the costumes truly encapsulated the spirit of Eurovision.
The grand finale brought all the artists back on stage for a multilingual performance. It was a perfect end to a night that celebrated diversity, music, and community. Despite a gruelling 28-hour journey from Poland to Brisbane, the performers put on an electrifying show, sharing their love for Eurovision and their excitement to connect with Aussie fans. If this tour proves anything, it’s that Eurovision has the power to bring people together through music, no matter where in the world you are.
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