While most kids at the age of 18 are still trying to decide what career path they want to take, Isaiah Firebrace has already become a household name.
After winning Australia’s 2016 ‘The X Factor’ competition, the teenager from the Murray River town of Moama, thought life couldn’t get much crazier.
That was until he was asked to represent Australia in this year’s Eurovision competition held in the Ukraine, where he sang live for over 180 million viewers worldwide.
Now back in Australia, after a full on year, Isaiah said he is looking forward to having some down time.
“I thought winning ‘X Factor’ was big for me but when I got the opportunity to do Eurovision, that kind of just made everything go into hyper drive,” he told the Weekender.
“All year it’s been hectic and it’s made the year go so quick, I can’t really believe it’s Christmas already.”
Growing up with 12 brothers and sisters, the singer said Christmas is always an opportunity for them to all hang out and catch-up.
“I love being with my family at Christmas and it’s always a fun time,” Isaiah said.
“When I was growing up, my family wasn’t that financially stable so there wasn’t a lot of presents, but there was always a lot of love, so that was better.”
And while it doesn’t get more Aussie than a camping trip over the festive season, this year Isaiah is just looking forward to a slower pace of life.
“Usually we all go camping and go swim in the river but this year it’s not going to be too big or fancy, I just want to hang out and chill,” Isaiah said.
Playing a small intimate show at The Joan next year will be quite a change from the large audiences he’s played to this year, but Isaiah said he enjoys the different buzzes both small and large gigs bring.
Those attending the one-off show will be treated to a fun and up-beat performance, with the singer giving the audience a taste of his new music.
“I’m really excited and I hope everyone can come get in the groove as there will be a lot of new songs and I’m bringing my band, so it should be cool,” Isaiah said.
Isaiah Firebrace will be performing live at The Joan on Sunday, January 21 at 7.30pm. Tickets start at $60. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.thejoan.com.au or call 4723 7600.
Lauren Suttie is the Weekender’s General & Community News journalist.
