The Eurovision Song Contest is about to begin in Kyiv, Ukraine, as Isaiah takes the stage representing Australia for our shot at Eurovision glory.
After Dami Im’s runner-up finish last year planting Australia firmly on the not-so-geographically accurate Eurovision map, this year’s Eurovision is set to be the most exciting yet for Australian audiences full of anticipation on what we will bring to the world’s biggest song contest.
Brand new hosting duo Myf Warhurst and Joel Creasey are at the helm of SBS’s Eurovision coverage, on the ground from the International Exhibition Centre in Kyiv, Ukraine, to bring Australians every angle of the contest as they explore the razzmatazz, kitsch, political voting, showbiz, cultural displays and heart of Eurovision – the artists and songs.
With both early morning LIVE broadcasts for immediate results and voting along with Europe, and a primetime Eurovision weekend made for fabulous Euro-themed parties around the country, there are plenty of opportunities to get behind Isaiah and join in the fun of picking favourites from the other 41 competing nations, each bringing a taste of their own musical culture to the contest. Some of this year’s standout acts include bookies pick Italy featuring a dancing gorilla, an attractive Swede with slick choreography, a second Aussie to cheer on with Anja Nissen performing for Denmark, and the return of yodelling courtesy of Romania.
As well as full coverage of the song contest across television, radio and online, SBS introduces a brand new show, Eurovision Top 40 Songs, which kicks off Eurovision week on Wednesday 10th May. This will be hosts Myf and Joel’s introduction to the Eurovision world, complete with backup dancers, exclusive in-studio performances and a huge countdown to Australia’s favourite Eurovision track of all time!
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Eurovision Top 40 Songs – Wednesday 10 May, 8.30pm on SBS
It’s the world’s ultimate, crazy song competition and Australia has been watching for over 30 years. There are so many highlights in the contest’s history, now it’s time to decide our top 40 favourite songs. Myf Warhurst and Joel Creasey present the Top 40 songs from Eurovision’s 60 year history as voted by Australia’s Eurovision fans via the SBS Eurovision website. What will #1 be?
The countdown features interviews from six past Eurovision winners including Mans Zelmerlow (2015) and Loreen (2012) from Sweden, Conchita Wurst (2014), Katrina and The Waves (1997), Bucks Fizz (1981), and Brotherhood of Man (1976).
Funny and pithy moments in Eurovision Top 40 Songs come from Irish comedian Jason Byrne, UK comic Stuart Goldsmith, Australian funnyman Dave O’Neil, songwriter Casey Bennetto, music theatre star Lucy Durack, Please Like Me writer Becky Lucas, Here Come The Habibs star Tahir, comic Tessa Waters, Eurovision Professor Alison Lewis, and Australia’s own esteemed Eurovision former judge Richard Wilkins. With performances by Dami Im, Paul Capsis and Bjorn Again.
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The Eurovision Song Contest
Primetime evening broadcasts
Semi Final 1 – Friday 12 May, 7.30pm SBS ** FEATURING ISAIAH
Semi Final 2 – Saturday 13 May, 7.30pm, SBS
Grand Final – Sunday 14 May, 7.30pm, SBS
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LIVE early morning broadcasts
Semi Final 1 – Wednesday 10 May, 5am (AEST) SBS ** FEATURING ISAIAH
Semi Final 2 – Friday 12 May, 5am, (AEST) SBS
Grand Final – Sunday 14 May, 5am, (AEST) SBS
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Myf Warhurst and Joel Creasey will be in the commentary booth to guide viewers through all the acts in the Eurovision Semi Finals and Grand Final, and will also report backstage with exclusive interviews and gossip with contestants and a behind the scenes look at the contest.
Australians will have to be ready as Isaiah performs in Semi Final 1 this year and must be voted through to then compete in the Grand Final.
Australians will be able to vote again this year during the early morning broadcasts and then join in the conversation using the hashtag #sbseurovision during the interactive evening primetime broadcasts, with tweets and party pictures on screen.
As per the official Eurovision rules, viewers can vote in the Semi Final in which their country is participating, as well as the Grand Final. The viewers’ votes make up 50% of the final result. The other 50% of the vote 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, this means they will need to tune into the LIVE broadcasts of Semi Final 1 Wednesday 10 May, 5am (AEST) and the Grand Final Sunday 14 May, 5am (AEST) and text or call the numbers that appear on screen during these live broadcasts.
For the first time, this year chef and Eurovision mega-fan Adam Liaw serves up Adam’s Euro Bites; Euro-themed recipes and snacks perfect to impress guests at lounge room Eurovision parties around Australia. In the ad breaks, Adam will be cooking up tasty traditional treats from around the globe, including such culinary delights as ‘Bitterballen’ from Netherlands, Sausages with beer mustard from Germany, ‘Smorgastarta’ from Sweden and even Kyiv Nuggets from Ukraine.
