Australian singer and Eurovision star Delta Goodrem has been hailed as “one to watch” after delivering a standout performance on her first live episode of Strictly Come Dancing.
The 41-year-old singer impressed both the judges and viewers with a high-energy samba alongside professional partner Kai Widdrington during Saturday night's opening live show. Performing to Baiana by Barbatuques, the pair scored 29 points, finishing second on the leaderboard and firmly establishing themselves as early contenders for the Glitterball Trophy.
Judge Anton Du Beke was particularly enthusiastic, telling Goodrem that her routine was the strongest samba of the evening. "We've had a few sambas tonight and that was the best of the night," he said.
Meanwhile, Craig Revel Horwood declared: "Wow darling. You are one to watch. End of."
Goodrem, who represented Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest earlier this year, joined the BBC dance competition after admitting she had never previously attempted ballroom dancing despite decades spent performing on stages around the world.
Delta Goodrem is the one to watch 💃❤️👀#Strictly @bbcstrictly pic.twitter.com/ABc83qlP2H
— Chris 🌞 (@Chris_Alex) September 26, 2026
Announcing her participation in the series, the singer said she had performed in television, theatre and on global tours but had never stepped onto a ballroom floor before.
The former Neighbours star has long enjoyed a loyal LGBTQ+ fanbase, particularly through her music career and her appearance at Eurovision 2026, where she introduced herself to a new generation of queer fans across Europe.
Fans took to social media to celebrate Goodrem's debut, with many predicting she could become one of the competition's strongest performers after just one dance.
Only social media star John Nellis finished above her on the week one leaderboard, scoring 31 points for his foxtrot. Goodrem's 29-point tally placed her ahead of many of the show's other celebrity contestants and immediately marked her out as one of the series favourites.
Scene was founded in Brighton in 1993, at a time when news stories about Pride protests were considered radical.
Since then, Scene has remained proudly independent, building a platform for queer voices. Every subscription helps us to report on the stories that matter to LGBTQ+ people across the UK and beyond.
Your support funds our journalists and contributes to Pride Community Foundation’s grant-making and policy work.
Member discussion