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Sheldon Riley
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Key Information
Sheldon Riley Hernandez (born 14 March 1999) is an Australian singer. He represented Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 with his song "Not the Same".[1] He first appeared as a contestant on the eighth season of The X Factor Australia. Riley later competed on the seventh season of The Voice Australia, and in 2020, he appeared on America's Got Talent for its fifteenth season, and was brought back by the judges in 2024 as one of the top 40 all-time Got Talent performers to compete in the America's Got Talent: Fantasy League during which he was advanced by fan voting to the semi-finals.
Early life
[edit]Riley was born in Sydney, to an Australian mother and a Filipino father.[2] He moved to the Gold Coast[3] at a young age where he grew up and attended Palm Beach Currumbin State High School throughout his upbringing.[4]
Career
[edit]2016–2020: The X Factor, The Voice, and America's Got Talent
[edit]In 2016, Riley, who then performed under his full name Sheldon Hernandez, auditioned for the eighth season of The X Factor Australia with the songs "Circle of Life" by Elton John and "Ordinary People" by John Legend.[5] He originally participated in the 14–21s category, which was mentored by Adam Lambert, and was eliminated as a solo artist at the bootcamp stage of the competition. Riley returned to The X Factor after the mentor of the groups category, Iggy Azalea, selected him to be a part of a new boy band of eliminated solo artists.[3] The band was called "Time and Place" and its members, in addition to Sheldon, included Sami Afuni, Matthew McNaught, and Leon Kroeber. The group was selected as one of Iggy Azalea's three acts, moving on to the live shows following the three-chair challenge. They were eliminated in the first week of the live shows.[citation needed]
| The X Factor performances and results (2016) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode | Song | Original Artist | Result |
| Audition | "Circle of Life" / "Ordinary People" | Elton John / John Legend | Through to bootcamp |
| Bootcamp | — | Eliminated | |
| Bootcamp | "You Don't Know Love" (as part of Time and Place) | Olly Murs | Through to live show |
| Live show 1 | "Ride" (as part of Time and Place) | Twenty One Pilots | Eliminated |
In 2018, Riley appeared in the seventh season of The Voice Australia. He auditioned with the song "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" by Culture Club.[6] All of the four judges turned their chairs and Riley chose Boy George to be his coach. Riley made it to the final of the show and finished in third place.[citation needed]
| The Voice performances and results (2018) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode | Song | Original Artist | Result |
| Audition | "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" | Culture Club | Through to The Knockouts |
| The Knockouts | "Believe" | Cher | Through to Battle Rounds |
| Battle Rounds | "Diamonds" | Rihanna | Through to live shows |
| Live show 1 | "Creep" | Radiohead | Saved by public |
| Live show 2 | "Scars to Your Beautiful" | Alessia Cara | Saved by public |
| Live show 3 | "Born This Way" | Lady Gaga | Saved by public |
| Semi-final | "Rise" | Katy Perry | Saved by public |
| Final | "Young and Beautiful" | Lana Del Rey | 3rd place |
| "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" (with Boy George) | Eurythmics | ||
Immediately following the final, Sheldon released "Fire" via Universal Music Australia.[7][8]
In 2019, Riley returned to The Voice to compete in its eighth season as an all-star contestant.[9] Riley auditioned with "Frozen" by Madonna and received chair turns from both eligible coaches. He chose Delta Goodrem as his coach. He was eliminated in the semi-final of the show.[citation needed]
| The Voice performances and results (2019) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode | Song | Original Artist | Result |
| Audition | "Frozen" | Madonna | Through to The Knockouts |
| The Knockouts | "Call Out My Name" | The Weeknd | Through to Battle Rounds |
| Battle Rounds | "Praying" | Kesha | Through to live shows |
| Live show 1 | "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" | Tears for Fears | Saved by Coach |
| Live show 2 | "7 Rings" | Ariana Grande | Saved by Public |
| Semi-final | "The Show Must Go On" | Queen | Eliminated |
In 2020, Riley competed in the fifteenth season of America's Got Talent. He auditioned with the song "Idontwannabeyouanymore" by Billie Eilish.[10] He was eliminated in the third quarter-final of the season.[11]
2021–present: Eurovision Song Contest, The Masked Singer
[edit]On 26 November 2021, he was announced as one of the participants in the Eurovision – Australia Decides.[12] Later, it was announced that his song for the contest was called "Not the Same", which released on 15 February 2022. He won the show with 100 points and therefore had the chance to represent Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in Turin.[13][1][14] Riley was one of the 10 qualifiers that advanced to the final of the competition on 14 May, where he reached 15th place with 125 points. Of the points he received, 123 were from national juries, and 2 points were from televoting.[15][16]
In 2022, Riley placed runner-up in the fourth season of The Masked Singer as "Snapdragon" where he finished as runner-up.[17][18][19] Riley later released a cover of "Never Enough", the song that he sang on the grand final.[20][21]
In 2024, Riley appeared on America's Got Talent: Fantasy League on Mel B's team. He progressed to the semi-finals after the studio audience advanced him after the first round, but was eliminated during his semi-final episode.[22]
Personal life
[edit]Riley is openly gay.[2] He was diagnosed with autism at age six.[23] He currently lives in Melbourne.[3]
Discography
[edit]Singles
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUS Ind. [24] |
LIT [25] |
SWE Heat. [26] | |||
| "Fire"[7][non-primary source needed] | 2018 | — | — | — | Non-album singles |
| "More Than I"[23] | 2020 | — | — | — | |
| "Left Broken"[23] | 2021 | — | — | — | |
| "Again" | — | — | — | ||
| "Not the Same"[23] | 2022 | 3 | 47 | 19 | |
| "Never Enough"[21] | — | — | — | ||
| "Insane"[27] | 2023 | — | — | — | |
References
[edit]- ^ a b Farren, Neil (26 February 2022). "Australia: Sheldon Riley to Eurovision 2022". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
- ^ a b Alfonso-Gregorio, Nikki (11 January 2022). "Sheldon Riley of The Voice Australia: 'I get to be the person I've always wanted to be'". Special Broadcasting Service. Archived from the original on 22 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
- ^ a b c Olsen, Cooper (26 November 2021). "Australia Decides 2022: Getting to know Sheldon Riley". aussievision. Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
- ^ "Inside Eurovision star's amazing school past". Gold Coast Bulletin. 13 May 2022. Archived from the original on 19 January 2024. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
- ^ "What AGT didn't tell you about Sheldon Riley | America's Got Talent". EPIC Top Trending. 2 August 2020. Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
- ^ "The Voice Australia: Season 7, Blind Auditions 2". Reality Recaps. 16 April 2018. Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
- ^ a b "Get behind the beautiful Sheldon Riley from The Voice Australia and download his song 'Fire'". 18 June 2018. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022 – via Facebook.
- ^ "Fire - Single by Sheldon Riley". Apple Music. 18 June 2018. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
- ^ "The Voice Australia 2019: The All-Star artists returning in Season 8". celebrity.nine.com.au. 18 May 2019. Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
- ^ Keegan, Kayla (19 July 2020). "Twitter Recognized 'AGT' Contestant Sheldon Riley From His Past on 'The Voice' Immediately". Good Housekeeping. Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
- ^ Grebey, James (8 January 2024). "See the Inspiring Moment Sheldon Riley Unmasked Himself on AGT: Fantasy League". NBC. Archived from the original on 15 June 2024. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ Granger, Anthony (26 November 2021). "Australia: Three More Artists for Eurovision Australia Decides 2022 Revealed". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 27 November 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
- ^ Tang, Isabella (26 February 2022). "Sheldon Riley wins Australia Decides 2022 with 'Not the Same'". ESCXTRA.com. Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
- ^ Tamer, Rayane (13 May 2022). "'Dream come true': Australia's Sheldon Riley through to Eurovision grand final". SBS News. Retrieved 13 May 2022.
- ^ "Eurovision 2022: The Second Semi-Final Qualifiers". Eurovision Song Contest. 12 May 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
- ^ Gbogbo, Mawunyo (15 May 2022). "Australia's Sheldon Riley garners support from national juries at Eurovision". ABC News. Archived from the original on 16 May 2022. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
- ^ Smith, Laura (28 August 2022). "The Masked Singer's 'Snapdragon' revealed to be Aussie Eurovision star". aussievision. Archived from the original on 28 August 2022. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
- ^ "Sheldon Riley ended as the runner up of The Masked Singer Australia!". ESCBubble. 28 August 2022. Archived from the original on 19 October 2022. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
- ^ "Sheldon Riley Removes a New Kind of Mask, Teases Upcoming Projects". escYOUnited. 31 August 2022. Archived from the original on 19 October 2022. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
- ^ Tsinivits, Kyriakos (5 October 2022). "Sheldon Riley releases rendition of 'Never Enough' from The Masked Singer". aussievision. Archived from the original on 19 October 2022. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
- ^ a b Caeluris (13 October 2022). "For any fans of Sheldon Riley, he recently released his own cover for Never Enough. I'm in love with it". r/eurovision. Archived from the original on 19 October 2022. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
- ^ "Here Are the 40 Acts Returning to Compete in the AGT: Fantasy League Spinoff". NBC Insider Official Site. 15 November 2023. Archived from the original on 28 December 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
- ^ a b c d "Sheldon Riley heads to Eurovision with 'Not the Same'". OutInPerth. 26 February 2022. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
- ^ "Singles Chart (Independent Labels) 7 March 2022". Australian Independent Record Labels Association. 7 March 2022. Archived from the original on 7 March 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
- ^ "2022 20-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. 20 May 2022. Archived from the original on 20 May 2022. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
- ^ "Veckolista Heatseeker, vecka 20". Sverigetopplistan. Archived from the original on 20 May 2022. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
- ^ "Sheldon Riley celebrates Eurovision one year later with release of broody track, INSANE". DNA. 2 May 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
Sheldon Riley
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
Childhood and family
Sheldon Riley Hernandez was born on 14 March 1999 in Sydney, Australia, to an Australian mother and a Filipino father, giving him a multiethnic heritage.[1][6] His family relocated to the Gold Coast at a young age, where he was raised in public housing and experienced frequent moves between homes, which contributed to a sense of instability in his early years.[2][7] At age six, Riley was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (specifically Asperger's syndrome at the time), a diagnosis that was reaffirmed at ages nine and twelve due to initial challenges in recognition; this condition profoundly shaped his childhood, as he was told he would never be loved or achieve his dreams, leading to periods of isolation and limited verbal communication within a very religious family environment.[8][9][10] As a nonverbal child, Riley discovered music as a primary means of expression and connection, finding solace in singing from an early age to communicate emotions he struggled to articulate otherwise, though specific family influences on this interest remain undocumented in his pre-teen years.[11]Schooling
Sheldon Riley attended Palm Beach Currumbin State High School on the Gold Coast, where he graduated in 2016.[12] During his high school years, Riley faced significant bullying due to his autism diagnosis from age six and his identity as an openly gay teenager, which left him feeling isolated and depressed.[8][13] He was forced to change schools 14 times because of relentless harassment, including verbal abuse from peers who targeted his mannerisms and sexual orientation.[14] One notable incident involved a high school bully who later contacted Riley to apologize and reveal their own coming out as gay, an encounter that highlighted the complex dynamics of Riley's experiences and contributed to his growing resilience.[15] These challenges, compounded by early predictions that his autism would prevent him from achieving his dreams, ultimately strengthened his determination to express himself through art.[9] Riley's passion for singing was ignited through participation in the school's Creative Arts program, where he engaged in music and visual arts activities that allowed him to explore his creativity.[12] He often stayed late after classes to craft elaborate costumes, blending his interests in performance and design, which his visual arts teacher Paula Hall described as a reflection of his innovative spirit.[12] These school-based opportunities provided a supportive outlet amid personal adversities, fostering the artistic foundation that shaped his early interests. Following his graduation, Riley did not pursue formal post-secondary education, instead transitioning directly into talent competitions to channel his musical talents.[12]Professional career
Talent competitions (2016–2020)
Riley began his competitive music career in 2016 by auditioning for the eighth season of The X Factor Australia under the name Sheldon Hernandez.[1] He advanced to bootcamp, where judges placed him in the boy group Time and Place in the Groups category, but the group was eliminated early in the competition.[1] This appearance marked his television debut and introduced his distinctive vocal style and flamboyant persona to Australian audiences.[4] In 2018, Riley competed in the seventh season of The Voice Australia, joining Team Boy George after performing "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" during his blind audition.[16] He progressed through the battle and knockout rounds, delivering standout performances of songs like "Rise" by Katy Perry and "Young and Beautiful" by Lana Del Rey.[17] Riley reached the grand final, finishing in third place overall behind winner Sam Perry from Team Kelly.[18] During the live shows, he debuted his original single "Fire," released on June 18, 2018, which showcased his pop sensibilities and emotional range.[19] Riley returned for the eighth season of The Voice Australia in 2019 as part of the "All Stars" format, auditioning with "Frozen" from the Disney soundtrack and joining Team Delta Goodrem.[20] His performances, including "The Show Must Go On" by Queen and "7 Rings" by Ariana Grande, highlighted his theatrical flair and garnered significant attention.[17] He advanced to the semi-finals but was eliminated alongside Jack Vidgen due to public voting results.[21] Seeking international exposure, Riley auditioned for season 15 of America's Got Talent in 2020, captivating judges with a haunting rendition of Billie Eilish's "i don't wanna be you anymore" that earned four yeses.[4] He advanced through the preliminaries and performed in the third quarter-final, singing Kylie Minogue's "Can't Get You Out of My Head," but was eliminated without advancing further.[4] These talent show experiences, often influenced by his autism and personal identity, built his fanbase and honed his performance artistry.[4]Eurovision and television appearances (2021–2022)
In early 2022, Sheldon Riley competed in the second edition of Eurovision – Australia Decides, the national selection process for Australia's entry to the Eurovision Song Contest, held on 26 February at The Star Gold Coast.[22] The event featured ten acts, with points awarded based on a combination of an international jury vote and a public televote. Riley performed his original song "Not the Same," co-written with Cam Nacson and Timi Hansen, placing second in both the jury and televote categories, which was sufficient to secure the overall victory ahead of Voyager and Jaguar Jonze.[22] His winning performance included dramatic staging with a mirrored mask that he removed during the climax, symbolizing themes of personal transformation and neurodiversity.[23] Riley represented Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2022, hosted in Turin, Italy, from 10 to 14 May.[2] He advanced from the second semi-final on 12 May, performing eighth, and competed in the grand final on 14 May in the second half of the running order.[24] Delivering "Not the Same" in a 40-kilogram custom costume designed by Alin Le'Kal and House of Emmanuele—featuring a chain-link mask and flowing black ensemble—Riley earned 125 points: 123 from national juries and 2 from the global televote, placing 15th overall out of 25 finalists.[25][24] The performance highlighted his falsetto vocals and emotional delivery, drawing international attention to his artistry.[23] Following the contest, "Not the Same" was released as a single on 7 March 2022 via Riley's label, Infinity Music, and achieved commercial success in Australia, including a debut at number one on the AIR Independent Singles Chart.[26] Later that year, Riley returned to television as the masked contestant "Snapdragon" on the fourth season of The Masked Singer Australia, which aired from July to August on Network 10.[27] His performances, including renditions that showcased his vocal range, led him to the grand finale on 28 August, where he was unmasked as runner-up behind winner Melody Thornton as "Mirrorball."[27] The elaborate Snapdragon costume, with its floral and armored design, restricted his vision during performances, adding to the challenge.[28]Later career developments (2023–present)
In 2023, Sheldon Riley released his single "Insane" on May 2, which was originally intended as Australia's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest that year but ultimately not selected.[29] The track explores themes of unrequited love and emotional intensity, with Riley describing it as a follow-up to his 2022 Eurovision entry that captures personal vulnerability.[30] That year, he also performed at the Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert, collaborating with singer Robyn Kennedy and the Out & Loud Gay and Lesbian Choir on a rendition of Katy Perry's "Rise," highlighting his commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy through live music.[31] Riley's international visibility grew in 2024 through his appearance on America's Got Talent: Fantasy League, where he joined Mel B's Dream Team and performed a cover of Loreen's "Tattoo."[4] During the audition, he dramatically unmasked himself onstage, revealing his face for the first time in a major U.S. television performance since his masked persona at Eurovision, which earned praise for its emotional depth and vocal power.[32] He advanced to the semi-finals based on audience votes, marking a significant step in sustaining his post-Eurovision momentum.[33] Additionally, Riley performed at festivals including the Sunbury '24 event in Melbourne and the Out, Loud and Proud Drag Pride Fiesta in June, focusing on original material and covers that engaged diverse audiences.[34] No major solo tours were announced during this period, but his festival appearances underscored a shift toward live events as a core part of his career trajectory. By 2025, Riley continued building his profile through social media, where he maintains an active presence on Instagram with over 332,000 followers, regularly sharing covers and behind-the-scenes content to foster fan interaction.[35] In May, he reacted publicly to Australia's Eurovision 2025 entry "Milkshake Man" by Go-Jo, praising its bold, quintessential Eurovision energy during an SBS broadcast.[36] Later that June, he released an orchestral cover of Chappell Roan's "Good Luck, Babe!" reimagined with piano and strings, emphasizing heartbreak in a style true to his emotive delivery, which garnered significant online engagement.[37] Through these activities, Riley has sustained his advocacy for mental health and neurodiversity via music, integrating personal themes into his ongoing output.[8]Personal life and advocacy
Identity and relationships
Sheldon Riley came out as gay at a young age while growing up on the Gold Coast, where he faced significant bullying due to his sexual orientation, leading him to change schools 14 times.[14] He has publicly discussed the challenges of this period, noting that limited exposure to the LGBTI community made him feel isolated and misunderstood, as he stated, "No-one got me, I didn’t fit in anywhere."[14] In later reflections, Riley emphasized that his journey of self-acceptance extended beyond his sexuality, describing coming out "as me"—embracing his style and identity—as a more profound milestone than simply coming out as gay.[38] Riley has been vocal about the importance of queer representation in media and music, viewing it as essential for supporting those grappling with their identities. He has cited performers like Conchita Wurst and Adam Lambert as inspirations who helped normalize LGBTQ+ visibility, and he advocates for more diverse voices to encourage authenticity, particularly for young people afraid to express themselves.[39] As an openly gay artist, he positions himself as a role model, urging LGBTI youth to embrace self-love and seek community support, while refusing to "stay in the dark" about his experiences.[14] Since around 2021, Riley has resided in an apartment just outside Melbourne's central business district, a relocation from Sydney driven by professional commitments that has allowed him to settle into a more stable lifestyle.[40] In Melbourne, he shares his home with his partner and enjoys a routine centered on his dogs, Grey and Willow, whom he considers central to his world.[40] Riley has been in a committed relationship with Zachery Tomlinson since late 2018, whom he met at the end of his time on The Voice Australia. Tomlinson, who also serves as Riley's manager, has been a key source of support, with Riley describing their bond as his first serious relationship and expressing deep love for Tomlinson's inner and outer qualities.[39] Riley's personal identity as a gay man is deeply intertwined with his professional image, particularly in his performances, where he prioritizes authenticity over conforming to expectations. His signature use of crystal veils and avant-garde aesthetics symbolizes vulnerability and self-expression, allowing him to channel themes of queer acceptance into cinematic, emotionally raw presentations that reflect his unapologetic self.[39]Health and activism
Sheldon Riley was diagnosed with autism at the age of six, a diagnosis that profoundly shaped his early life and led to predictions from medical professionals that he would never achieve his dreams or form meaningful relationships.[8] This neurodivergence has influenced his daily routines, requiring him to navigate sensory sensitivities and social interactions in unique ways, while on stage, it manifests in heightened focus during performances but also in the exhaustion from adapting to neurotypical expectations.[9] Riley has openly discussed his practice of "masking"—suppressing autistic traits to appear more conventional—which he began as a child to cope with societal pressures but later recognized as detrimental to his well-being.[41] Throughout his youth, Riley endured severe bullying at school, which exacerbated his mental health challenges, including depression and isolation stemming from his identity and neurodivergence.[13] As his fame grew, he has shared experiences of anxiety intensified by public scrutiny, describing the pressure of maintaining a polished image amid ongoing internal struggles.[42] These disclosures highlight how the demands of celebrity life have amplified his preexisting mental health concerns, prompting him to prioritize therapy and self-care. Riley has become a vocal advocate for neurodiversity and autism awareness, using interviews and public platforms to challenge stereotypes and encourage others to embrace their authentic selves. In discussions around his Eurovision entry, he emphasized "removing the autistic mask" as a liberating act, inspiring autistic individuals to reject masking for mental health reasons.[10] His advocacy extends to broader autism support, including participation in awareness campaigns that redefine diagnoses as opportunities rather than limitations.[43] In 2024, Riley continued advocating for neurodiversity, emphasizing the need for role models for neurodiverse youth in media.[44] Through his music, such as the track "Not the Same," Riley weaves personal themes of neurodivergence and resilience, fostering conversations about mental health without delving into exhaustive analysis.[8]Artistry
Musical style and vocals
Sheldon Riley's vocal style is characterized by a heavy reliance on falsetto, delivering high, soft notes that contribute to an emotive and vulnerable quality in his performances.[45] His delivery often evokes ethereal and haunting tones, as noted in reviews of his covers and originals, where raw emotion peaks in stripped-back sections that highlight fragility alongside power.[11][46][23] Integrating visual and performative elements, Riley's appearances emphasize theatricality through gender-fluid aesthetics, including elaborate makeup, glittery costumes adorned with crystals and feathers, and dramatic staging such as crystal masks and spotlighted staircases.[23][11] These avant-garde choices, like a 40kg ensemble with 180,000 crystals, amplify the haunting vocal impact and create immersive, cinematic experiences.[23] His production approach centers on piano-driven ballads that build intimacy, often incorporating orchestral strings and violin-led bridges for dramatic swells without overpowering the vocals.[46][45] Following his Eurovision participation, Riley's sound has shifted toward more experimental avant-garde territory, evident in releases like "Insane," which maintain haunting vocals while embracing bolder, entrancing production and visuals.[47][23]Influences and themes
Sheldon Riley's musical influences draw from a diverse array of artists who emphasize emotional depth and bold self-expression. He has cited Amy Winehouse as the first artist to demonstrate music's transformative power, Lady Gaga for instilling confidence in one's identity, Adele for validating the exploration of pain and heartbreak in songwriting, and Adam Lambert for proving that flamboyant male performers can succeed in the industry.[48] Additionally, Riley incorporates classical and orchestral elements, aspiring to create cinematic compositions that stand alone instrumentally, evoking a sense of grandeur and emotional intensity.[49] Personal experiences, particularly his autism diagnosis and journey toward self-acceptance, profoundly shape Riley's creative output. Diagnosed at age six and repeatedly told he could not achieve his dreams due to perceived limitations, he channels these challenges into his work, transforming feelings of difference and societal rejection into sources of artistic strength.[8][10] His identity as an autistic individual informs lyrics that highlight resilience, as seen in lines like "The light shines bright through those who are broke inside," reflecting a defiance of external judgments.[8] Recurring themes in Riley's music revolve around mental health struggles, self-sabotage, unrequited love, and the pursuit of inner strength, often framed as a path to empowerment without overt didacticism. In "Not the Same," he addresses bullying and the pressure to conform, urging compassion for individual uniqueness, while "Insane" delves into the torment of loving someone who cannot reciprocate, underscoring emotional vulnerability.[10][50] His songwriting process emphasizes raw, diaristic honesty—pairing "painful lyrics" with "heavenly sounds" to contrast turmoil with ethereal beauty, allowing listeners to connect through shared human fragility.[51][38] These motifs echo his broader advocacy for neurodiversity and mental well-being by normalizing personal pain as a catalyst for growth and authenticity.[10]Discography
Singles
Sheldon Riley's original singles reflect his evolution from talent show contestant to Eurovision representative, often featuring introspective lyrics and dramatic production. His debut single emerged during his stint on The Voice Australia, while later releases tied to major career events like Eurovision – Australia Decides. These tracks, primarily self-released or through independent labels after his initial Universal deal, showcase his pop style with electronic elements and emotional depth. No certifications have been awarded to his singles as of 2025.| Title | Release Date | Label | Peak Chart Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire | 17 June 2018 | Universal Music Australia | - |
| More Than I | 6 November 2020 | Yoyo Music | - |
| Left Broken | 4 June 2021 | Independent | - |
| Again | 22 October 2021 | Independent | - |
| Not the Same | 15 February 2022 | SBS / Independent | #3 (AIR Independent Singles) |
| Insane | 2 May 2023 | Independent | - |
| Not the Same (karaoke) | 10 December 2024 | Independent | - |
