Eurovision: Isaiah Firebrace hoping to inspire young Indigenous Australians

As Australia gears up for Eurovision 2017 in Ukraine next month, Australia's entry wants to use his time on the world stage as a platform to inspire Indigenous youngsters.

Isaiah Firebrace

Isaiah Firebrace is announced as the Australian Eurovision entrant in Melbourne, Tuesday, Mar. 7, 2017. Source: AAP

Isaiah Firebrace is representing Australia next month at Eurovision 2017 in Ukraine with his song Don't Come Easy.

But the 17-year-old has also just appeared on a smaller but just as important stage: a school in Melbourne's North East.

Along with entertaining school kids, he hopes his new public profile will help improve the lives of young people - especially young Indigenous people.

"It's definitely something I want to do is to inspire young Indigenous teenagers, and not only Indigenous, non-Indigenous kids as well," he said.

"Just to never give up on your dreams no matter how young you are. I think age is just a number."

From a large Aboriginal family in the town of Moama, last year's X-factor winner is already experiencing global success.



His first hit Gotta Be You went Platinum in Sweden, and charted in over 15 other countries.

He hopes sharing his story will help inspire others, whatever their background, to try their best.

"You kind of have to do what you have to do when you have a passion and you're doing something you love."     

Those working with Isaiah say it's his warmth that makes him a natural on the stage.

The Australian Head of Delegation Paul Clarke said Isaiah is a great role model for young Australians.

"I think he will do Australia proud - and I think he is a great ambassador for all young Australians, but particularly Indigenous Australians looking for a role model - I think he's a brilliant role model."

The Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcast over SBS's Eurovision weekend - Friday 12 May, Saturday 13 May, and Grand Final Sunday 14 May at 7.30pm on SBS with LIVE early morning broadcasts begin Wednesday 10 May at 5am on SBS.




Share
Published 21 April 2017 7:51pm
By Peggy Giakoumelos


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world