There's not long to go until the 64th Eurovision Song Contest gets underway in Tel Aviv, when Kate Miller-Heidke takes to the stage with her 'pop-eratic' hit, Zero Gravity.
Kate, who was selected by the Australian public and jury of industry experts at the first national selection show Eurovision – Australia Decides, is set to compete against 16 counties in Semi Final 1, including Sandstorm star Darude, Polish traditional folk group Tulia, Icelandic bondage-synth-punk trio Hatari and bookies favourite Greek-Canadian singer Katerine Duska.
Hosting duo Myf Warhurst and Joel Creasey return to Eurovision as hosts and commentators. They'll be at the helm of SBS’s Eurovision coverage, on the ground, 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 early morning LIVE streaming and broadcasts of Semi Final 1, Semi Final 2 and the Grand Final for immediate results and voting along with Europe, and same day primetime broadcasts and streaming for fabulous Euro-themed parties around the country, there are plenty of opportunities to get behind Kate and join in the fun of picking favourites from all of the competing nations, each bringing a taste of their own musical culture to the contest.
ON SBS AND SBS ON DEMAND
Prime time evening broadcasts
Semi Final 1 – Thursday 16 May, 8.30pm on SBS, with live streaming at SBS On Demand
**FEATURING KATE MILLER-HEIDKE
Semi Final 2 – Friday 17 May, 8.30pm on SBS, with live streaming at SBS On Demand
Grand Final – Sunday 19 May, 8.30pm on SBS, with live streaming at SBS On Demand
The prime-time broadcasts will also be available to stream afterwards at SBS On Demand.
LIVE early morning broadcasts
Semi Final 1 – Wednesday 15 May, 5am (AEST) on SBS, with live streaming at SBS On Demand
**FEATURING KATE MILLER-HEIDKE**
Semi Final 2 – Friday 17 May, 5am (AEST) on SBS, with live streaming at SBS On Demand
Grand Final – Sunday 19 May, 5am (AEST) on SBS, with live streaming at SBS On Demand
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 be able to vote again this year during the early morning broadcasts and then join in the conversation using the hashtag #Eurovision 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 broadcast of Semi Final 1 on Wednesday 15 May at 5am (AEST) and the Grand Final Sunday 19 May, 5am (AEST) and text or call the numbers that appear on screen during these live broadcasts.
ONLINE
sbs.com.au/Eurovision
The SBS Eurovision website is the hub for all the latest news from Tel Aviv, and articles delving into Eurovision culture, politics and the artists.
Check in with Myf Warhurst and Joel Creasey; catch up on all of Kate’s preparations for the big event, and get all the latest gossip, exclusive videos, pictures and behind-the-scenes video interviews with artists.
The Eurovision website is the number one destination for the complete interactive experience for Australians.
Join the conversation #Eurovision
ON RADIO
SBS Radio celebrates the Eurovision Song Contest in more than 20 languages, bringing audiences exclusive news and Eurovision artist interviews in English and in language.
Download the free SBS Radio App available now at the iTunes App Store and Google Play
