On 25 March 2014, it was announced that Mauboy was chosen by SBS to represent Australia at the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest, by performing as the interval act in the second semi-final.

"[3] The decision to allow Australia to perform at Eurovision came about when its host broadcaster DR decided to reward the country's dedicated love and ongoing support of the annual event.

[3][4] Her appearance would mark the first time Australia has been represented at Eurovision and she would become the first solo artist from a non-European Broadcasting Union country to perform as a guest.

[3] However, Mauboy is not the first Australian to perform in the contest as Olivia Newton-John, The New Seekers and Gina G have previously taken part as competing acts representing the United Kingdom.

[11] Andrew Le of Renowned for Sound added that the lyrics includes lines "of a united world with colours connecting, dancing and hope.

"[15] Andrew Le from Renowned for Sound gave "Sea of Flags" three out of five stars and noted that its "lyrics are hardly poetic, but carry a nice sentiment in lifting the spirits of listeners.

"[10] Le concluded that "'Sea of Flags' is harmless radio-friendly fluff that will certainly not extend the boundaries of pop music", but admitted that he believed it was "still a better song than some of the Eurovision entries this year.

[5][24] The video then showed the entire Australian continent being lifted up in the air by helicopters and dropped on top of Europe, in an attempt to make Australia eligible for the competition.

"[25] At the end of Mauboy's performance, a man dressed as an astronaut, waving a double-sided Australian and Aboriginal flag, floated down onto the stage and uttered the words: "It's one small step for Europe, one giant leap for Australia.

"[14][19] Helen Davidson of The Guardian noted that Mauboy's vocals were "a little shaky at first" but commented that she was "clearly enjoying herself in front of the thousands of pop music lovers in the audience.

[9] Nastassia Baroni of Music Feeds commented that "after dusting off some initial flat notes, [Mauboy] rollicked into a high-energy performance, palpably relishing her moment as a dance diva in the global spotlight.

"[12][28] News.com.au called it "stunning" and "strong" and wrote that "the much-loved pop princess may have been unknown before arriving in Copenhagen but the audience quickly embraced her as her powerful voice rang out in the massive stadium.

"[29] Mike Wass of Idolator called the musical number "a hot mess" but noted that Mauboy "looked (and sounded) great" as "she saved face (and national pride) by delivering a soaring rendition" of "Sea of Flags".