Australia news live: Delta Goodrem hits the stage in Eurovision semi; Angus Taylor accused of ‘dog whistle’ budget reply
TL;DR
Delta Goodrem performed in the Eurovision semi-final, featuring a dramatic stage setup with a harp and a sparkling dress. The performance included a key change and concluded with her ascending into the rafters.
Key points
- Delta Goodrem performed in Eurovision semi-final
- Performance featured a harp and a sparkling dress
- Included a dramatic key change
- She ascended into the rafters during the performance
- Results from judges will be announced later
Mentioned in this story
There was a harp. There was a sparkly dress. A lot of smoke. A crescent moon.
Yes, there was a mid-song key change, in the best traditions of Eurovision cheese.
And there was Delta, ascending into the rafters on a column that emerged proudly from her grand piano, soaring into space on a last effortless high note.
I’d say she did rather well. We’ll find out later what the judges thought.
Here are some images from Delta Goodrem’s last dress rehearsal before this morning’s semi-final. Looks like quite the production.
Photograph: Hannibal Hanschke/EPA
Photograph: Radek Miča/AFP/Getty Images
Photograph: Hannibal Hanschke/EPA
We’ll have a full report after the event. In the meantime, do take our Eurovision quiz.
Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I’m Martin Farrer with the top overnight stories and then it will be Nick Visser with the main action.
We start with some pop fun: Australia’s Eurovision hopes are being put to the test in Vienna, Austria, where Delta Goodrem is (at the time of writing) just about to hit the stage to perform her song Eclipse.
In more weighty news, migrant advocates have accused Angus Taylor of using his budget reply speech to “chase votes with dog whistles, fear and division” and accusing him of a “blatant lie” by saying migrants were able to access welfare payments when they arrived in Australia. More coming up.
Four Australian citizens who were aboard the MV Hondius, the cruise ship at the centre of the hantavirus outbreak off the coiast of Africa, will land in Perth this afternoon after the government secured a suitable aircraft and crew for the journey. More coming up.
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Q&A
What was Delta Goodrem's performance like in the Eurovision semi-final?
Delta Goodrem's performance featured a harp, a sparkling dress, and a dramatic key change, culminating in her ascending into the rafters.
What elements made Delta Goodrem's Eurovision performance stand out?
The performance included a grand piano, a crescent moon backdrop, and a lot of smoke, contributing to its theatricality.
When will the results of the Eurovision semi-final be announced?
The results from the judges regarding Delta Goodrem's performance will be revealed later after the semi-final.
