Glittering Delta Goodrem has given one of the biggest performances of her career at Eurovision to advance Australia to the grand final in Vienna, Austria.

Bath in gold, the 41-year-old pop icon sang her epic entry Eclipse in the semi-final on Friday morning (AEST), marking a bold attempt to win over a global audience.

Bookmakers rate Goodrem as a contender and she has been tipped to make the top five or top three. The other favourites are Finland and Greece.

Goodrem gave a powerful vocal performance that hit all the right notes and showcased her talents on a golden grand piano.

She wore a glittering gold gown that sparkled under brilliant pyrotechnic lighting representing a glorious sun.

In a pivotal moment, the audience gasped as Goodrem was lifted from the stage on a rising podium that gave the appearance of her being a golden statue.

Delta Goodrem rises above the stage like a golden angle. Photo: SBS screenshot

BBC culture reporter William Lee Adams said Goodrem was “bathed in gold and going for gold”.

Adams told the ABC the singer’s soaring performance sparked a “tsunami” of awe in the audience.

Ten countries in the semi were voted to progress to this weekend’s finale showdown: Australia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Denmark, Norway, Romania, Malta, Cyprus, Albania and Czechia.

The first semi-final was held on Wednesday, sending Greece, Finland, Belgium, Sweden, Moldova, Israel, Serbia, Croatia, Lithuania and Poland to the final.

Delta Goodrem performed against a celestial backdrop. Photo: SBS screenshot

The song competition, traditionally a good-natured celebration of pop music and high camp, has been marred by controversy as several countries boycotted over Israel’s participation.

The public broadcasters of five countries — Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia — oppose Israel’s involvement because of the country’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023.

According to Eurovision betting markets, Goodrem is the fifth‑favourite to win the contest, but remains at long odds compared with runaway favourite Finland.

Goodrem is one of Australia’s best‑known pop performers, breaking through in the early 2000s with her chart‑topping debut album Innocent Eyes and a string of hit singles.

She has since built a dual career as a singer‑songwriter and television personality, including a long stint as a coach on The Voice Australia.

Celebrations as Australia progresses to the grand final. Photo: SBS screenshot

Goodrem has also been open about her health battles, including treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma at the height of her early fame.

“Performing on the Eurovision stage is something I feel so deeply in my heart, carrying Australia with me in every note and every moment,” Goodrem said before the competition.

“I wanted the staging to move like the universe itself, embracing light and shade, softness and strength.

“It was also incredibly important to me to wear the vision of Australian designers, while weaving in the beauty and elegance of our host city, Vienna.”

Goodrem’s performance is built around the theme of an eclipse, relying on lighting and costume rather than large props or heavy choreography.

Goodrem wears a custom gown by Australian label Velani by Nicky that took more than 500 hours to make and is hand‑embellished with some 7000 Swarovski crystals.

House of Emmanuele has produced a central decorative piece — a Swarovski crystal “eclipse” at Goodrem’s chest — described by the creative team as both ornament and symbolic shield.

SBS will screen the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final live from 5am AEST time on Sunday.

-with AAP