The Road to Eurovision 2022: Sheldon Riley (Australia)

Sheldon Riley’s “Not the Same” is representing Australia in this year’s Eurovision. The track tackles the issues of discrimination and exclusion, something that Sheldon Riley has experienced firsthand. He wrote the lyrics in 2015 and based them on his experience of being diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, living in public housing, and questioning his sexuality. This is what the artist had to say further on the content:

The thing that really strikes listeners is the vulnerability behind Sheldon Riley’s vocals. Listeners can hear it, especially at the very end as he climaxes with such emotion. But throughout the song, Sheldon Riley’s vocals are powerful with rich tones that tug at the listener’s heartstrings with how the artist commands them, first quiet and then explosive. The instrumentation is simple as the vocals that set the song’s motions forward.

I think Australia took a page from Switzerland‘s playbook from last year’s Eurovision as “Not The Same” features minimal instrumental but powerful vocal performance. But, it works for the artists and the country as it will move people while being a solid track. Because of this, “Not The Same” will go to the finals!

My Eurovision 2021 Predictions

Here are my predictions for this year’s contest. These are my own opinions and I am not getting paid or endorsed for them.

First Round

(Note: I changed my prediction for Intelligent Music Project after a week of thinking about the song. I think they will be going to the finals as the song grew on me.)

Second Round