Guy Sebastian declined to speak to Australian media after coming fifth in the Eurovision Song Contest, instead granting a single interview to an SBS television crew.
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"We're pumped," he said of his performance of the song Tonight Again.
"We were hoping to not finish last because that would have been a bit embarrassing. Top 10 we thought was going to be amazing. To go top five, we're pumped."
Sweden's song Heroes, sung by Mans Zelmerlow, topped the Eurovision leaderboard.
Sebastian noted Australia had no "neighbouring nations" to vote for us, an historic trend in Eurovision voting, where many countries vote in blocs.
"We have no neighbouring nations that were giving us [votes], but we got so much support over here," he said.
"The reaction to the song and the performance was mind-blowing. I was blown away."
Sebastian described the moment of standing on the stage as "nerve wracking".
"As a singer, you are in unfamiliar territory, on an unfamiliar stage, in a very unfamiliar competition that we're outsiders to," he said. "I didn't know what to expect."
Sebastian said the second rehearsal for the final, which is the performance assessed by each country's professional jury, was the first time he cut loose and enjoyed the performance.
"I think it was the first time I really had a ball with the performance," he said.
"Up until then ... I felt like I was thinking about it too much, carrying the weight of Australia, people wearing Team Guy T-shirts and holding paddles.
"Last night I just decided to breathe it all out, let it out and have fun," he added. "It's a song about embracing the moment and not worrying about tomorrow."
Sebastian said one of the highlights for him was walking in the parade of countries in the final when several burst into song, singing Australia's competing song, Tonight Again.
"It's something I will never forget. It's been amazing," he said.
For the Australian television viewing audience, Sebastian paid tribute to their endurance, waking up for the 5am broadcast.
"I would like to say thank you," he said. "I hope I have done you proud, and I thank you so much for waking up, for supporting me, I felt everyone's wind in their sails.
"I have had a ball over here, the reaction has been great," he said. "I can't wait to get home and see my little bubbas."
