It seems like Australia and the rest of the world can't help falling for her...
Australia is returning to the Eurovision Song Contest for the fourth year running and representing the country in Lisbon will be one of the most powerful voices in First Nations history.
Despite being an Aria award winner, or having had five top 10 albums and 158 million steams online - Australia's brand new artist for Eurovision next year is nervous about one thing only.
"Thanks guys I can't wait... But what am I going to wear!"
Jessica Mauboy made history when she was invited to perform as an interval act at the Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen, Denmark, being the first non-European solo artist to do so.
It brings together over 40 diverse countries and cultures under one roof to unite us all in music. It shows how much the power of song can transcend differences.
This time - in one small step for Europe but one giant leap for Australia she’s competing for her country and a shot at Eurovision glory.
“Eurovision is a wonderfully joyous and unique event. It brings together over 40 diverse countries and cultures under one roof to unite us all in music. It shows how much the power of song can transcend differences," she explained.
"I will sing my heart out for Australia, I’m so proud to be officially representing my country and a little bit nervous - mainly about the stress of the dress!”
The songstress from Darwin is one of Australia’s most successful female artists. Her cultural roots have enabled her to become a role model for Indigenous talent, with her mother's KuKu Yalanji tribe and her father from Timor.
Her musical journey began in 2006 with Australian Idol, and since then she’s sold over 3.4 million units globally, achieved five top 10 albums, 15 top twenty singles, four ARIA accredited Platinum selling albums and has won two ARIA Music Awards from 24 nominations. Her songs have been streamed globally 158 million times and her videos have been viewed globally 37 million times. Jessica has been a strong campaigner for the welfare of Indigenous children, and has opened many doors for Indigenous performers.
Since the country made its debut in 2015, the Australians have proved they can perform. Guy Sebastian flew the flag for Australia in 2015 with the song Tonight Again finishing fifth in the Grand Final. Dami Im represented the country in 2016 with Sound Of Silence, finishing second behind Ukraine. Dami won the jury vote, providing Australia with its best ever placing at Eurovision. And In Kyiv earlier this year Isaiah performed Don't Come Easy, which saw Australia reach the top ten once again. With three consecutive top 10 placings there’s no doubt Jessica Mauboy won’t keep the bar high.
The task of representing Australia won't come easy. Just last week Mauboy told NITV’s Living Black program she already had a full plate with the success of her TV show Secret Daughter and the accompanying soundtrack album.
"It is very exciting that we get to have another go at Secret Daughter and, you know, we've spent this year [on it], or the end of last year," she tells Living Black.
"The first season was quite amazing. It blew me away with how it was received and, you know, everyone turning their, you know, televisions on and, and watching the show and really becoming involved with every individual character.
In 2016 Mauboy made ARIA Chart history as the first indigenous woman to achieve three consecutive weeks at number one with the sound track of season one of Secret Daughter.
"I think that really kind of represents people, the way people feel, I think whether it is identity, whether it's just ... you know, just being you, being human, I think that always kind of really gets to me in an emotional way, I think. I think being able to give love and celebration of what you do is really important and empowering.
"I think, you know, a lot of people need that and, if I can do that, if I can stand up there and be acknowledged by that and for that, yeah, that's everything. I think that says it all. Um, that I'm heading in the right direction, that I'm, I'm meant to be doing this, and ... And that I really, genuinely love it and, if that's showing, then I'm all good. I'm a very, very happy person... My life is complete."
Mauboy recalls growing up in the Mauboy family with four sisters.
"The Mauboy house was a crazy house. (laughs) Um ... Mum's mad."
"Dad's mad in his own way. Just really loud. It was a very kind of expressive place and I think that's ... that was ... that's what we really valued, I think.
"It was outspoken. Everyone loved each other, no matter what. Everyone really supported each other and I think for me, that's a great family.
"We had our differences, but it worked and we loved that about each other."
The Eurovision Song Contest is the world’s largest television music competition and in 2017, the Semi Finals and Grand Final attracted 182 million* viewers worldwide and reached more than three million Australians.
