Australia among the first finalists at Eurovision 2019

Australia will take part in the final of the Eurovision Song Contest for the fifth year in row after making it through this year’s first semi-final.

Singer Kate Miller-Heidke qualified with Zero Gravity, a pop-opera combo she performed in Tel Aviv while suspended in mid-air on a bendy pole.

But there was no happy ending for Finland’s DJ Darude.

The Sandstorm hit-maker was sent packing along with entrants from six other nations.

Other nations to be eliminated on Tuesday included Hungary, who failed to qualify for the first time this decade.

A further 18 countries, including Malta, will take part in the second semi-final on Thursday.

Michela Pace, 18, from Victoria in Gozo, will perform Chameleon live on stage in Tel Aviv.

The following ten countries have qualified for the final:

Greece – Katerine Duska with Better Love

Belarus – ZENA with Like It

Serbia – Nevena Božović with Kruna

Cyprus – Tamta with Replay

Estonia – Victor Crone with Storm

Czech Republic – Lake Malawi with Friend Of A Friend

Australia – Kate Miller-Heidke with Zero Gravity

Iceland – Hatari with Hatrið mun sigra

San Marino – Serhat with Say Na Na Na

Slovenia – Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl with Sebi