Isaiah Firebrace shot to fame at the tender age of 16.
That year, 2016, he was the winner of X Factor Australia. Just six months later, he went on to represent Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest, finishing in the top ten of the competition.
“I look back and I still pinch myself," the Yorta Yorta and Gunditjmara man told NITV's Living Black.
"I think, 'I can’t believe that has all actually happened for me.'"
It's a far cry from his origins: the now 22-year-old was raised a small country town, with, he says, "not much" in the way of material possessions.
"All I really had was my voice, and that's something that I've always followed," he said.
"And I look back, and I just think it's crazy. It's been my biggest dreams come true.
"I am proud of myself, yeah.”
That pride is not without grounds: Isaiah has come a long way in just six years in the music industry, reaching heights that some can only dream of.
Born in the small town of Portland on the southwest coast of Victoria, Isaiah moved to Echuca Moama in the Riverina region, on the Victorian and New South Wales border, where he was raised by his Dad.
He says his country upbringing is an integral part of who he is.
A star is born. Source: Supplied
“You learn more, better values and sense of community. I enjoyed my time [n the country]," he said.
"It gave me a lot of inspiration to work harder to be a singer. Because there's not much opportunity in small country towns.
"So it inspired me to wanna get out there... and experience the world.”
But Isaiah has never forgotten his origins, or his family. Money was tight growing up, and as soon as he could, he began helping financially.
"When I started doing competitions in my local area... and maybe win $300, $200, I would give it back to my dad and my family, because we honestly needed the help.
"Money... brings the good and the bad with it. But I love my family, and I'll always support them.”
The young singer clearly has great respect for his Dad. Isaiah and his brother were raised by their father after the parents separated.
Tight knit: Isaiah, his father and brother, the early family unit. Source: Supplied
It wasn’t until he was eleven years old that he was reunited with the mother he never knew but had longed to meet.
Their relationship now is unbreakable.
“She was like a missing piece in me," he said, becoming emotional.
"Growing up without a parental figure... that leaves a bit of a void inside of you. And I guess that's how I really did connect to music and to singing. Because for me, music and singing fill that void.
"My mum is one of my best friends [now]. We will have a laugh, have a yarn. She's someone that means a lot to me.”
Though absent from each other's lives for over a decade, Isaiah and his mum are now "best friends". Source: Supplied
Giving back to the community
As a young boy growing up, Isaiah says he always wanted to be a role model for other First Nations youth.
“You’ve gotta be someone that's willing to be positive and be influential in the best way. Especially for our mob, it's super important.”
Isaiah has certainly achieved that goal. Over the years, he has been generous with his time, giving talks and performing workshops with Aboriginal youth across the country.
“That's one of the things that [my Dad] has taught me. Give back. Remain humble. The act of giving back even your time is very special.”
Giving back was instilled in Isaiah by his father, a pillar of the community. Source: Supplied
His advocacy has extended into the political world as well. The teaching of Aboriginal history in primary and secondary schools is a passion of Isaiah's. He presented a petition on the matter to federal parliament last year, containing 300,000 signatures.
“That was honestly one of my proudest moments because it's something that I've always believed in since I was a kid, and it's something that wasn't in my experience... in primary school and secondary school.
"Education is the key for change. If we're learning that from a young age, people grow up with that awareness and that respect, and that's something that I really wanna see.”
Another shot at glory
But for now, Isaiah has another big campaign coming up and that is to make it to Eurovision once again.
He will compete at 'Eurovision - Australia Decides' on the Gold Coast in February for another shot at the world’s longest-running international televised music competition.
“Being 22, a little bit older, I just wanted to just show everyone how much I've grown, and also showcase my artistry a bit more with the song that I have. It’s a song that I wrote."
The song, “When I’m With You”, is a collaboration with newcomer, singer and songwriter Evie Irie.
"It’s a song about being with that special someone that makes you feel awesome. And also it has a bit of elements of this whole COVID experience, and not being able to be close to the ones that you love.”
With collaborator Evie Irie. The pair's will perform their song "When I'm With You" in February for a shot at Eurovision Source: Supplied
Isaiah and Evie will compete against ten other artists for a chance to be voted as Australia’s representatives to Eurovision in Turin in May. But the stiff competition doesn’t faze this level-headed 22-year-old.
“I worry about me, I worry about the task at hand for myself," he said.
"I've done Eurovision. So I'm going into this competition to just enjoy the moment. It's been up and down last few years. To be back on that stage, sharing music with an amazing artist, and putting a song out there that I really love, is all I'm looking forward to.
"And if we make it to Italy, that would be sick!”
The winner of Eurovision – Australia Decides will be revealed during the Live TV Final which will be simulcast on SBS and NITV and on SBS On Demand.
Isaiah Firebrace speaks with Karla Grant in a special conversation on NITV’s Living Black talking about his life and career on Saturday 26th February, 8pm on NITV.
