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Dami Im to represent Australia at Eurovision

Dami Im represented Australia at this year's Eurovision.

Dami Im represented Australia at this year's Eurovision. Photo: AAP

Former X Factor winner Dami Im will pick up the star-encrust microphone in May to represent Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm.

Former Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst made the much-anticipated announcement at the Sydney Opera House on Thursday night during her concert with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, before Dami took to the stage to perform.

Dami’s appointment was met with cheers and a massive round of applause as she walked on stage to stand alongside Wurst.

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“We love you Dami!” one fan yelled out, as the lights dimmed for her performance of Waterloo by Eurovision icons ABBA.

Dami will be the second Australian to compete in the European song competition, after Guy Sebastian took out fifth place as a wildcard entry last year for his song Tonight Again.

“I just want to say a huge thanks to Conchita for having me at her concert and also Guy for being so supportive and encouraging – he will be a tough act to follow,” Dami said.

“Watch out Sweden, the Aussies are coming.”

Rumours had been swirling this week in the lead-up to the announcement, with big Australian female singers such as ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Tina Arena, Delta Goodrem and Jessica Mauboy tipped to be strong contenders.

While Australia’s inclusion in Eurovision’s 60th anniversary competition was met with some apprehension in an all-European extravaganza, Sebastian’s performance turned out to be a hit with many new and old fans.

SBS, which will broadcast the competition on May 10, 12 and 14, announced in November that Australia would return to Eurovision.

Chief executive Michael Ebeid said at the time Eurovision was “an opportunity to showcase Australian musical talent in a truly international multicultural celebration”.

As Australia gears up for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest, let’s take our minds back to Guy Sebastian’s performance last year.

-ABC

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