Updated March 07, 2017 20:48:14

Photo: Isaiah Firebrace performs in Melbourne after he was announced as Australia's Eurovision entrant. (AAP: Tracey Nearmy)

Isaiah Firebrace has been chosen to represent Australia at this year's Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Kiev, Ukraine, SBS has announced.

Firebrace, 17, from Moama on the border of Victoria and New South Wales, rose to prominence after winning last year's X-Factor competition on Channel 7.

He said he was "so proud" to be chosen for the event.

"Even though it has been a dream of mine, never did I think for one minute it would be a possibility," he said.

"To be able to share this news with my family and friends is unbelievable. I can't wait to go to the Ukraine to perform 'Don't Come Easy'.

"I will make Australia proud."

'No mean feat' following Dami Im

Firebrace will go in with high expectations after Dami Im came second last year in Sweden with her song Sound of Silence.

Take a look at Australia's short but colourful history at the Eurovision song contest

Australian head of delegation for Eurovision Paul Clarke said Firebrace was chosen for his wonderful voice and "ability to cast a spell on the audience".

"Just imagine when we get to the Eurovision stage what we're going to be able to do, it'll be something really beautiful, really exciting and really dramatic we hope," he said.

"It's no mean feat following what Dami did last year and the way she was presented by the great Stockholm team, but we're really excited and we've got some great ideas."

Firebrace said he struggled to keep his nomination a secret after he was told by his manager that he had been selected.

"I'm proud of myself for keeping it a secret for a long while … my dad and my brother found out this morning, they've been staying with me and I can't stop avoiding, my dad was nearly crying they're all so proud," he said.

In 2015, Guy Sebastian became the first to officially represent Australia at the competition, singing Motown-inspired Tonight Again.

Australia was given a wildcard entry to mark Eurovision's 60th anniversary.

In 2014 Jessica Mauboy sang during the half time interval in Denmark, while Olivia Newton-John represented the UK in 1974.

This year's contest will be held in May.

Topics: music, arts-and-entertainment, community-and-society, australia

First posted March 07, 2017 18:08:08