The Voice singer Sheldon Riley set to represent Australia at Eurovision

Sheldon Riley will represent Australia at Eurovision 2022. 

The former star of The Voice beat out ten other acts at the live Eurovision Australia Decides 2022 finals show on Saturday. 

The 22-year-old gave a searing performance of his song, Not the Same, bringing in the win at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. 

He was voted through by a panel of judges as well as SMS votes from viewers watching at home. 

Sheldon wowed the crowd in a show-stopping outfit that included a mesh metal face mask and a flowing black gown.

Speaking after his win, Sheldon, who is known for his unique and flamboyant fashion sense, said he was thrilled. 

‘I’m speechless, this is everything I have worked for and dreamed of since I can remember. I am so incredibly honoured to represent Australia on the biggest stage in the world,’ he said.  

Sheldon added: ‘I’m always unapologetically myself but to be in this space where everyone’s celebrating my difference, it’s incredible.’ 

He went on to reveal that the message of his song is, ‘Stand for what you believe in because we’re not the same and that’s okay.’  

Sheldon rose to fame on The Voice Australia in 2018, and ultimately came third in the competition. 

He told Eurovision World of his emotional single: ‘I wrote the song myself. It’s a storytelling song. I haven’t looked into what sort of success people have had writing their own song, but I didn’t want anyone else writing it for me. 

‘It’s dark, it’s orchestral, it has this big moment. I’ve been telling people to just be prepared. It builds and then visually there’s this massive thing that happens, that gives an answer. And helps people understand me.’