Eating my words about Eurovision 2026

As an Australian, it’s pretty hard to care about Eurovision.

With all the dramatics, weird song titles (‘Choke me’… seriously?) and over-the-top costumes (like a jacket covered in sticky notes)...

It’s all just a bit much.

That is… until you put an Aussie in the line up. 

When one of our own takes the stage… we’re there in our green and gold, cheering along – just like in Olympic events with names that make no sense (what even is iQFOiL?).

So after my Eurovision song-bashing the other day… I had to eat my words.

I found out that 2 of my own had skin in the game.

2 of the 4 writers on the Australian Eurovision entry (which came 4th overall) are writers I used to A&R for.

The sugar on top: one of them is a producer I mentored.

I remember his pimply face nodding along as he’d watch me make beats, then return the next day and play me his version – which was almost always better. The little jerk.

When I first started mentoring him… he was super awks.

I’d be workshopping ideas with an artist and he’d be lurking in the corner – watching, listening, scribbling notes.

After each session, he'd show me a list of lessons he'd observed and hit me with questions.

I’d talk about how to avoid seeming like a creeper.

Fast forward… he’s not only had his song hit #4 on the Eurovision stage, but he’s won Dove Awards, had multiple #1s and helped change the trajectory of Christian pop music. The guy is a freak.

And let me tell you… it took a lot more than talent (or lifting his social skills) to get him there.

All of which is woven throughout these courses and methods.

Take a look. See which one fits where you’re at right now.

In the words of Miley Cyrus…

It’s the climb.