The 65th Eurovision Song Contest kicks off in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, broadcast live and in primetime exclusively on SBS and SBS On Demand from 19 to 23 May.
Award-winning singer-songwriter Montaigne is set to perform for Australia in front of an estimated 200 million people in Semi Final 1 with her uplifting and powerful anthem , which she’ll sing from this year. “I’m very excited to reveal Technicolour on the “Eurovision stage”! It’s colourful and shiny and I’m very proud of it,” said Montaigne.
Performers from 15 countries will take to the stage in Semi Final 1, including 19-year-old from Sweden, who will make history as Israel’s first Ethiopian representative, and fan favourite Maltese singer .
Broadcast times and how to vote
For immediate results and voting along with Europe, tune into the early morning LIVE broadcasts of Semi Final 1, Semi Final 2 and the Grand Final. Check out the primetime broadcasts for fabulous Euro-themed parties around the country. There are plenty of opportunities to get behind Montaigne and join in the fun of picking favourites from the 39 competing nations, each bringing a taste of their own musical culture to the contest.
As per official Eurovision rules, viewers can vote in the Semi Final in which their country is participating, as well as the Grand Final. Viewers’ votes make up 50% of the final result. The other 50% is decided by a National Jury in each participating country. Australia’s jury will be announced soon. The jury and Australian public can vote for any country except Australia.
For Australian viewers who want to vote, you will need to tune into the LIVE broadcast of Semi Final 1 on Wednesday 19 May at 5am (AEST) and the Grand Final on Sunday 23 May at 5am (AEST), and text the numbers that appear on screen during the live broadcasts.
We echo the words of Paul Clarke, Creative Director of Eurovision – Australia Decides and Director of Blink TV: “In some ways it’s the biggest challenge we’ve ever had, to try to qualify from a distance without the incredible stage production in Rotterdam. But we’re excited with our concept, and Montaigne can really hit the notes of the song, and so we believe we’re incredibly competitive. Exciting! Please get behind her, she’s quite amazing to accept this challenge - come on Montaigne!"
LIVE early morning broadcasts: TO VOTE, tune in on Wed 19 and Sun 23 May!
Semi Final 1 – Wednesday 19 May, 5am (AEST) SBS **FEATURING MONTAIGNE
Semi Final 2 – Friday 21 May, 5am (AEST) SBS
Grand Final – Sunday 23 May, 5am (AEST) SBS
Primetime evening broadcasts
Semi Final 1 – Friday 21 May, 8.30pm (AEST), SBS **FEATURING MONTAIGNE
Semi Final 2 – Saturday 22 May, 8.30pm (AEST), SBS
Grand Final – Sunday 23 May, 7.30pm (AEST), SBS
So glad to be back!
Music buff Myf Warhurst and comedian Joel Creasey will commentate from Australia, once again at the helm of SBS’s Eurovision coverage to bring Australians every angle of the contest. They will explore all the razzamatazz, kitsch, political voting, showbiz, cultural displays and heart of Eurovision.
Myf and Joel have also put together a playlist of their favourite SBS TV series to celebrate this year’s live event. The Myf and Joel Guest Curate collection will stream on from 14 May.
As Josh Martin, SBS Commissioning Editor and Australian Head of Delegation, said, “After last year’s cancellation, SBS is thrilled to again be bringing all the technicolour glory of Eurovision to Australian audiences. This year’s broadcast is shaping up to be one for the history books. 39 different countries are competing and the diversity of music, art, staging and language is nothing short of extraordinary. The production quality and technical wizardry of Eurovision will also be taken to the next level and we know all of Australia will be cheering on Montaigne as she represents our country to an audience of nearly 200 million people.”
ON TV
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
Friday 14 May, 8.30pm on SBS (Free-To-Air Premiere)
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga follows the story of small-town musicians Lars Erickssong (Will Ferrell) and Sigrit Ericksdottir (Rachel McAdams), who form the Icelandic duo, Fire Saga. The pair are given the opportunity of a lifetime to represent their country in the world's biggest song contest, and have a chance to prove that any dream is worth fighting for.
Music Week on SBS World Movies
From May 17, celebrate all things Eurovision on SBS World Movies with favourite musical movies from around the globe, including: The Band’s Visit (2007), Devdas (2002), Bugsy Malone (1976), La Vie En Rose (2007), Born To Dance (2015), Florence Foster Jenkins (2016), Walking On Sunshine (2014), Billy Elliot (2000), Hearts Beat Loud (2018), and The Blues Brothers (1980).
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