Stepping onto the Eurovision blue carpet in Lisbon, Portugal, Jess Mauboy is a wanted woman.
As both fans and media vie for her attention, her star quality is shining bright. The We Got Love singer is dressed head to toe in a beautiful long-sleeved red gown and appears unfazed by the hot sum beaming down on the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT), where the event is being held.
But in a surprising admission, the 28-year-old admits that the enormity of Eurovision has been “overwhelming”.
“This is epic,” she says about the semi-global contest. “It’s really overwhelming in a beautiful way. I didn’t think it would impact me so much, but it has been really emotional.”
Of course, this isn’t the first time Jess has been involved in a singing competition. Her powerful audition for Australian Idol in 2006 sparked a successful music career. Now, she’s come full circle by competing in Eurovision, She describes it as her “biggest achievement to date”.
The Darwin-born singer has taken to the stage twice for rehearsals, and will begin her campaign on Thursday for the Semi-Final. The broadcast will air live on SBS Friday, 5am, (AEST) in Australia.
“I’m crazy nervous,” she says. “The whole environment and the quality of the competition makes me nervous. I mean, it is a competition.”
Jess, who is considered a strong contender to win Eurovision, says she tries not to listen to the hype or feel the pressure on her shoulders. However, it’s not always easy.
“People have been saying, ‘we want you to win’, or ‘you’re going to be in the top five’, and i try not to take much notice. But sometimes i can’t help it, because i’m in the bubble of it,” she says.
“I’m just trying to pace myself and enjoy it all. We’re having a ball and I’m enjoying the journey.”
