“I’m planning a song that will take Australia to the final”: Courtney Act, RuPaul’s Drag Race star, expresses her ambition to compete at Eurovision and shares how she aims to make a splash in the competition.

From TV Host to Eurovision Hopeful: Courtney Act’s Strategic Vision

What Courtney Act said in the interview – “I’m filling my Eurovision cup” – was not just a metaphor, but evidence of a long-term plan. For two years, she has been studying the format from the inside, first as a field reporter in 2024 and then as a lead commentator alongside Tony Armstrong in 2025. The two led the British TV network SBS’s broadcasts from Basel to critical acclaim, but beneath the surface, a strategy was brewing: a future run as a contestant. In other words, she is accumulating knowledge, wisdom, and screen time – just before her next big leap.

From a broader perspective, this could be one of the most significant developments in Australia’s Eurovision history. Collaboration between prominent queer artists, performers with global experience, and an entire industry that is beginning to rediscover the power of Eurovision – not just as a peak event, but as a worldwide cultural platform.

From Drag Race to Eurovision: Could Courtney Act Make the Grand Final?

Courtney Act, whose real name is Shane Jenek, is known worldwide for her participation in the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and for winning the first season of “Celebrity Big Brother” in the United Kingdom. But her deep connection to Eurovision was forged in 2019, when she took to the stage at “Eurovision – Australia Decides” with the song “Fight for Love”. Her iconic red look, energetic performance, and impressive fourth-place finish that year made her a fixture in the scene.

Beyond being one of the most visually captivating personalities to grace Australia’s national finals, Courtney Act has an exceptional understanding of the contest – not just artistically, but as a television, cultural, and essentially European format. The maturity she displays today, compared to 2019, suggests that if and when she chooses to return, it won’t just be another participation – it will be a statement.

Connecting with Communities – and the Heart of the European Audience

Over the years, Courtney Act has established herself as a central queer figure, blending art, activism, and pop culture. It’s no surprise that she was chosen to star alongside Divina De Campo, Rosé, Priyanka, and Kitty Scott-Claus in “The Diana Mixtape” – a new show dedicated to Princess Diana and LGBTQ+ culture in the United Kingdom. The production, set to run in London and Salford, is expected to attract the same cross-border audience that connects with Eurovision: young people, queer communities, pop lovers, and especially fans of personal stories reflected through song.

Open, humorous, and attuned to what makes a performance truly Eurovision-worthy, Courtney Act is plugged into the cultural pulse of the audience and knows how to spot trends. At EuroMix, we spoke last year with fans from Israel, the United Kingdom, and Australia, who repeatedly predicted the same thing: Courtney Act would be an unforgettable representative, if only chosen at the right moment.

Professional Analysis: Strategic Move or Risky Gamble?

From a professional standpoint, the transition from host to contestant in the same format could raise expectations to unrealistic heights. The audience, familiar with Courtney Act from their screens, will demand a perfect song, an unforgettable performance, and a show that rivals the biggest winners in the competition’s history. On the other hand, she brings insight that most contestants lack – she has seen behind the scenes, witnessed audience reactions, observed shifts in taste, and understood the dynamic between audience and judges. As a contender from a country like Australia, which depends on cooperation with the EBU to continue its participation, Courtney Act could also offer double strategic value: a familiar face with powerful marketing and a positive international image.

Future Outlook: What Will Really Happen?

It’s not unlikely that even if she doesn’t take the stage as early as 2026, Courtney Act will remain one of the most talked-about figures in the Australian Eurovision scene. In many ways, she is already a Eurovision icon – even if she hasn’t yet represented the country in Europe.

Australia at Eurovision 2025

“Milkshake Man” is the name of the song performed by Go-Jo, who represented Australia in the second semi-final of Eurovision 2025. Australia finished 11th with 41 points and did not qualify for the final for the second consecutive year.

Eurovision 2025: This was Australia’s 10th participation in Eurovision. Australia joined the competition in 2015 and got its best result at Eurovision 2016 when singer Dami Im got second place with her song “Sound of Silence”.