Eurovision: Delta Goodrem may be forced to mime piano playing during Eclipse performance in Austria

Australia’s Delta Goodrem is just hours away from performing her powerhouse new song Eclipse at the Eurovision Song Contest, but a long-standing rule may force her to mime one part.

Goodrem has Aussie Eurovision fans buzzing ahead of her performance in semi-final two in Vienna, Austria, with many holding high hopes that the Born to Try singer could be the first to win the competition for Australia.

However, one part of her performance, luckily not the singing component, is likely going to be mimed.

Eurovision is celebrating it’s 70th birthday in 2026, with the annual music competition having a colourful history of rule changes.

At one point in the song contest’s history, performers were accompanied by a live orchestra, something that was phased out as music styles changed.

But over the years, as the competition got bigger, or like this year, following boycotts, slightly smaller, more rules have been put in place to ensure that Eurovision remains a tightly run ship.

Back in 1999, a rule that would forever change the competition was put in place: A live instrument ban. Contests were forced to have instruments recorded on backing tracks instead of playing them live.

It may sound slightly counterproductive for a song competition, but in reality, there is some theory behind it.

The broadcast of the semi-finals usually lasts three hours, with the grand final event taking the cake with a whopping four-hour run time.

So, to keep the event running smoothly, contestants generally have 45 seconds between performances, hardly enough time to plug in instruments, tune them, or check the mic.

Which gets us to Goodrem’s performance.

The song Eclipse, which is an absolute banger, features a pretty incredible and hectic piano solo.

Official photos from Goodrem’s dress rehearsal, and also some leaked video, have confirmed that Goodrem will sit at a piano during the solo.

And due to that pesky Eurovision live instrument ban, sadly, Goodrem will likely just be miming playing the piano.

The Australian songstress is no stranger to a piano, often showing off her impressive skills at performances or on social media. If the rule is upheld, which it appears it will be, the world will miss out on hearing Goodrem’s live piano playing ability.

It will likely be a technicality eclipsed by Goodrem’s astonishing talent and performance, with leaked videos showing Aussie fans are in for a treat and that the world is set to see the singer in her element.

Another performer at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest has been granted a rare exemption from the rule for Finland’s Linda Lampenius, who was given the green light to play her violin live.

Unlike her competitors, her live playing is heard this year, something she showed off in semi-final on on Tuesday night local time.

The UK this year have sent performer Look Mum No Computer, real name Sam Battle, who performs with a synthesiser.

He revealed ahead of his performance he was actually quite fond of the no live instruments rule.

“I’m usually most nervous about when synthesisers break down,” he told The Sun.

“But the synthesisers, because of the rules, are on the backing track. So maybe the nerves aren’t gonna be coming.”

SBS did not immediately respond to The Nightly when approached to confirm if Goodrem was granted a live music exemption, however, given that (SPOILER ALERT) leaked video also shows her piano turning into a platform raiser, the “instrument” is likely a prop on this occasion.

Delta Goodrem will perform Eclipse at the Eurovision Song Contest semi final two on Friday, broadcast on SBS from 5am AEST.