We're counting down the days until the 65th Eurovision Song Contest begins in the Netherlands!
The theme for this year is 'Open Up' - "a theme that reflects the spirit of our times. With the slogan we warmly invite people to open up to others, to different opinions, each other’s stories and of course to each other’s music," says the event's executive producer, Sieste Bakker.
Award-winning singer-songwriter Montaigne will compete for Australia in Semi Final 1 with her uplifting and powerful anthem Technicolour, which she’ll perform from home this year. Montaigne is set to compete against 15 counties in Semi Final 1 including 19-year-old Tusse from Sweden, Eden Alene who will make history as Israel's first Ethiopian representative, and fan favourite Maltese singer Destiny. (See the list of countries in Semi Final 1 here and those in Semi Final 2 here.) Six countries automatically qualify for the Grand Final - France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, plus each year's host country, so in 2021, that's the Netherlands.)
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Meet the artists of Eurovision 2021
With early morning LIVE broadcasts of Semi Final 1, Semi Final 2 and the Grand Final, and 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.
Music buff Myf Warhurst and comedian Joel Creasey will once again be at the helm of SBS’s Eurovision coverage to bring Australians every angle of the contest, commentating from Australia, as they explore the razzmatazz, kitsch, political voting, showbiz, cultural displays and heart of Eurovision.
Here are all the details you need on how to watch and vote:
WATCH ON SBS AND SBS ON DEMAND
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
LIVE early morning broadcasts
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
VOTING
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 May 19 at 5am (AEST) and the Grand Final on Sunday 23 May at 5am (AEST), and vote by texting the numbers that appear on screen during the live broadcasts.
ONLINE
The SBS Eurovision website is the hub for all the latest news from Rotterdam, and articles delving into Eurovision culture, contest gossip and the artists.
AND DON'T MISS...
SBS has everything you need to get in the mood.
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). Check the TV Guide for screening times.
plus ALL THE IDEAS YOU NEED FOR VIEWING PARTY NIBBLES
Join the conversation #SBSEurovision #ESC2021
