5 MINUTES WITH... COURTNEY ACT
We first met Courtney Act, aka Shane Jenek, 16 years ago on season one of Australian Idol. After conquering the international TV circuit, the drag queen is back on home soil to compete in Eurovision – Australia Decides and hopefully make a lifelong dream come true.
What would representing Australia at Eurovision mean to you?
I represent Australia everywhere I go, but to officially represent Australia is such a cool thought! I’d be this glamorous, sparkly, queer ambassador, which is not something I thought was possible when I was growing up in suburban Brisbane in the ’80s. It’s sort of like my Australian Idol redemption!
What are your memories of Australian Idol?
It was magic! At the time we didn’t know how big it was [going to be] and of course there was no social media – it was kind of like the crazy frontier of entertainment. It was so cool to be part of and watch it really just capture the nation.
Are you nervous about competing against amazing performers like Kate Miller-Heidke and Ella Hooper?
It’s that kind of thing, where if someone happens to write a better song and does a better job, I’m going to be so happy for them. Regardless, I’m going to Tel Aviv [Israel] to watch Eurovision!
Why should Aussies vote for you?
I’m gonna be a little cheeky here and say I’ve already got that recognition in Europe! So hopefully if I make it to Eurovision they would love me... It’s a bit of strategy! Saturday, 8:30pm, SBS