The whole of Australia seems to be backing fellow Aussie Jane Comerford and her band Texas Lightning, as bets reach record levels and the group receives a lot of media attention down under.
Newcastle-born Jane is one of the favourites with Australian bookmakers, who have takenthousands of Australian dollarsof bets on the outcome of the contest. Centrebet betting manager Gerard Daffy said of the act: "It's one of the better rated chances by our punters."
Additionally, the story of Jane and Texas Lightning's participation has grabbed the public's attention in the country which has followed the Eurovision Song Contest from afar for many years. Reports in print and broadcast media have generated a greater interest than ever, and Jane's fellow Australians will becrossing their fingers for hertonight.
Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest
It is not the first time Australia has been represented at the contest. Olivia Newton-John famously sang for the UK in 1974, coming fourth with Long live love in Brighton. The UK opted for an Aussie again in 1996, when Gina G took Ooh aah… Just a little bit to eighth place in Oslo. In the past, there has even been speculation about a possible Australian entry at the Eurovision Song Contest, but so far willing artists have had to look to other countries for their ticket to the show.
Jane and Texas Lightning have their chance to bring a little Australian luck to Germany tonight at the final in Athens.
