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BuzzJack Music Forum _ Eurovision Song Contest _ AUSTRALIA CONFIRMED ENTRANTS FOR EUROVISION 2015

Posted by: Qassändra 10th February 2015, 05:07 PM

WTF!

http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=australia_to_participate_in_the_2015_eurovision_song_contest&source=twitter&medium=social&campaign=Twitter

QUOTE
Geneva, Switzerland - Yes, you read that right! After a prominent place in the interval act of last year’s Eurovision Song Contest, Australia will compete in the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest, to take place on 19, 21 and 23rd of May in Vienna, Austria. Just for once, and for many good reasons!
This year, the Eurovision Song Contest celebrates its 60th anniversary. To give the anniversary celebrations an extra dimension and to walk the talk on this year’s theme Building Bridges, the EBU and host broadcaster ORF invited Australia to compete in the Grand Final of the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest. This brings the total amount of represented countries to 40.

In pictures: Australia at Eurovision throughout the years

In pictures: Australia at Eurovision throughout the yearsWorld premiereIn pictures: Australia at Eurovision throughout the yearsSecond Semi-Final: StageSecond Semi-Final: StageSecond Semi-Final: StageSecond Semi-Final: StageSecond Semi-Final: Stage
Check out the Full gallery

The contest’s governing body, the Reference Group, and the EBU’s Television Committee accepted the proposal.



“It’s a daring and at the same time incredibly exciting move. It is our way of saying; let’s celebrate this party together!” says Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the contest on behalf of the EBU.

Michael Ebeid, Managing Director of broadcaster SBS, says: "We are very excited to have secured this historic opportunity for Australia to be represented on the world’s biggest stage at the 60th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest and are honoured that the European Broadcasting Union has supported us to achieve this ambition. SBS has been broadcasting Eurovision for over 30 years and we have seen how Australians’ love of the song contest has grown during those years."

ORF Director General Dr. Alexander Wrabetz says: "The song contest has developed in its history to become the biggest TV entertainment event in the world. With the participation of Australia, together with our partners at the EBU and SBS, we have succeeded to lift it to a new global level and to build another bridge for the 60th anniversary. A bridge that spans the globe, starting from the heart of Europe."

Australia will be allowed to vote in both Semi-Finals, as well as the Grand Final. Along a professional jury, possibilities are currently being explored to allow the public to have a 50 percent stake in the Australian vote via televoting.

Posted by: Toby 10th February 2015, 05:09 PM

Unless my Geography is off, Australia isn't in Europe?

Posted by: AdamAloud 10th February 2015, 05:10 PM

This better be a joke.

Posted by: Qassändra 10th February 2015, 05:11 PM

QUOTE
What does this mean?

Broadcaster SBS, which has a long tradition of airing the Eurovision Song Contest in Australia, will send a contestant to Vienna, where the 2015 contest will take place. Their contestant, who is yet to be chosen, will participate directly in the Grand Final under exactly the same conditions as all other participants.

Can Australia vote? And can we vote for Australia?

Despite the time difference – it’s early Sunday morning in Australia while Europe watches the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday evening – the EBU’s international voting partner Digame is exploring possibilities to allow the Australian public to vote in both Semi-Finals and in the Grand Final. Viewers in all other 39 participating countries also have the possibility to vote for the Australian contestant. As usual, no one can vote for his or her own country.

Why does Australia take part directly in the Grand Final, and not in one of the two Semi-Finals?

To not reduce the chances of the current Semi-Final participants to make it to the Grand Final and because of the one-off nature of Australia’s participation, it was decided to add the country to the Grand Final, bringing the total amount of participants to 27, along with 10 qualifiers from each Semi-Final, host country Austria, and the so-called Big Five (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom).

What if Australia wins? Would the contest take place down under?

No. In case Australia wins, SBS will co-host the Eurovision Song Contest in a European city, together with an EBU Member Broadcaster. Their participation is intended as a one-off, but in case of a victory, Australia will be allowed send a participant to the Eurovision Song Contest next year.

Could Australia or other countries outside of Europe take part in the Eurovision Song Contest in the future?

Australia’s Eurovision Song Contest participation is a one-off initiative. But throughout its 60 years of development, new elements have been introduced to keep the Eurovision Song Contest exciting, surprising and relevant to the spirit of time. Who knows what the future will bring, as excitement about this European tradition spreads to other countries around the world?

How and when will Australia choose its participant?

It is up to broadcaster SBS in Australia to decide how they wish to select their entry for Vienna. They will have to do so – like all other participating broadcasters – before the 16th of March, when all entries have to be submitted to the EBU.

Why Australia, and not other countries?

Australia has a long tradition of broadcasting the Eurovision Song Contest and a loyal fan base watching the event every year. Broadcaster SBS from Australia is also an Associate Member of the EBU.

Posted by: Qassändra 10th February 2015, 05:11 PM

QUOTE(Toby @ Feb 10 2015, 06:09 PM) *
Unless my Geography is off, Australia isn't in Europe?

NO SHIT BABE

Posted by: Qassändra 10th February 2015, 05:12 PM

You know, I think I'm PRO!

Posted by: AdamAloud 10th February 2015, 05:14 PM

I just don't understand the logic and reasoning behind it.

Plus, If I was a Eastern European country who came 11th in the semi final, I'd be pretty pissed at an AUSTRALIAN ENTRY AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFIED, because their country broadcasts the f***ing show.

This is all Christer's fault for allowing them to have a film in the semi final in 2013. LOOK WHERE WE ARE NOW

Posted by: gooddelta 10th February 2015, 05:15 PM

Delta please

Posted by: gooddelta 10th February 2015, 05:16 PM

(or Sheppard)

Posted by: Iz~ 10th February 2015, 05:17 PM

What! I legitimately had to check we hadn't timeskipped to the first of April.

I mean, I'm for this, it's exciting and a fantastic left-field thing to do for contest 60. Let them at it!

Posted by: Tom Moroder Kay 10th February 2015, 05:18 PM

I'm actually really excited about this! Bonzer! kink.gif

Also to be fair Israel isn't in Europe either. And Russia soon won't be the way it's going...

Posted by: AdamAloud 10th February 2015, 05:18 PM

IT'LL ALL END IN TEARS

Posted by: gooddelta 10th February 2015, 05:19 PM

I'm all for it too, mainly because many of my favourite artists are Australian, they'd better use this opportunity to send someone incredible.

Posted by: Qassändra 10th February 2015, 05:19 PM

QUOTE(AdamAloud @ Feb 10 2015, 06:14 PM) *
I just don't understand the logic and reasoning behind it.

Plus, If I was a Eastern European country who came 11th in the semi final, I'd be pretty pissed at an AUSTRALIAN ENTRY AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFIED, because their country broadcasts the f***ing show.

This is all Christer's fault for allowing them to have a film in the semi final in 2013. LOOK WHERE WE ARE NOW

I don't see why not. It's a little one-off curio, and considering the devotion for the contest down there for so long I think it's a nice idea. And an absolute PR coup for the EBU - this is immediately going to get more interest in the year than ever, before we even know who's entering. I'd understand the anger if it was just crowbarring in, say, the USA or China, but Australia have a genuine following that no other country outside the European Broadcasting Area really does.

Posted by: Martyn 10th February 2015, 05:19 PM

Ok then.

Samantha Jade please.

Posted by: Qassändra 10th February 2015, 05:21 PM

QUOTE(Martyn @ Feb 10 2015, 06:19 PM) *
Ok then.

Samantha Jade please.

Fuck THAT! If they're going in once I want them going ALL IN. None of these SECOND RATE REALITY STARS THANK YOU

Posted by: Wall-e 10th February 2015, 05:24 PM

Australia will SLAY this

Posted by: AdamAloud 10th February 2015, 05:24 PM

QUOTE(Qassändra @ Feb 10 2015, 05:19 PM) *
I don't see why not. It's a little one-off curio, and considering the devotion for the contest down there for so long I think it's a nice idea. And an absolute PR coup for the EBU - this is immediately going to get more interest in the year than ever, before we even know who's entering. I'd understand the anger if it was just crowbarring in, say, the USA or China, but Australia have a genuine following that no other country outside the European Broadcasting Area really does.


A PR coup indeed but will it be for the right reasons?? Especially here in the UK, I fear the contest will be seen as more of a joke than it is now. I just told my dad who isn't against the contest and will watch it and he said 'So it's a total joke now then'.

And I think a lot of people will vote for Australia for the LOLZ.

Posted by: J▲hq 10th February 2015, 05:27 PM

QUOTE(Iz~ @ Feb 10 2015, 05:17 PM) *
What! I legitimately had to check we hadn't timeskipped to the first of April.


Ditto!

But OMG I couldn't be more on board and excited about this and everything about it. The idea sounds iconic and I'm already rooting for them to win, just imagine! laugh.gif

My hype for this year's contest has just shot up 100% with this news.

Posted by: Iz~ 10th February 2015, 05:28 PM

The only way it can be seen as more of a joke now is because of the definitions people put in their heads of European boundaries, and equating that with 'Eurovision' which, given other continents do not have successful well-known versions of Eurovision, shouldn't really matter as much as people like to think they do. I don't see why they can't stretch those for one contest, people have learned to live with nations that are not strictly all in Europe (and some not in Europe at all) for years.

Plus it's quite a nice thing to do as a reward for their fandom over the years.

Posted by: Qassändra 10th February 2015, 05:28 PM

To be honest, I'm so bloody past basic straight people in this country thinking the contest's a joke that I couldn't really care less what they think - a lot of them always will, and geographical reasons are pretty light 'what a JOKE!' reasons compared to, I don't know, the late 60s when La La La and 4 winners in the same year happened back to back.

Posted by: LexC 10th February 2015, 05:28 PM

Up until about 5 posts in I thought this was a joke.

Wouldn't it be funny is they win!

Posted by: ► ▲ N 10th February 2015, 05:30 PM

I knew Australia loves eurovision and wants to fit in but I didn't expect this to happen !!!

It will be a bit weird seeing a non european country in the contest but I'd be interested as to what Australia would send.

Posted by: gooddelta 10th February 2015, 05:31 PM

They need to get Delta to write another Believe Again/Mistaken Identity/Hunters and the Wolves and BOOM, Saade's dreams will be left in tatters for another year.

Posted by: LexC 10th February 2015, 05:33 PM

Although if we're taking Europe as a culture then quite frankly Australia makes more sense as an entry than Russia/Armenia/Azerbaijan/Georgia (and the fact that basically the same thing is already in place for Israel & Cyprus, neither of which are geographically in Europe).

Posted by: Qassändra 10th February 2015, 05:33 PM

QUOTE(gooddelta @ Feb 10 2015, 06:31 PM) *
They need to get Delta to write another Believe Again/Mistaken Identity/Hunters and the Wolves and BOOM, Saade's dreams will be left in tatters for another year.

MANS will be taking care of that ANYWAY

Posted by: Mattias 10th February 2015, 05:34 PM

What a fabulous idea, in like a slightly twisted way.

Posted by: Mart!n 10th February 2015, 05:35 PM

Kylie / Danni or Natalie Imbruglia to represent Australia cheer.gif


Posted by: Mateja 10th February 2015, 05:41 PM

Sydney 2016! cheer.gif

We can't pass this opportunity! please.gif

Posted by: LexC 10th February 2015, 05:45 PM

Also, THIS IS THE HOLLY VALANCE COMEBACK WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR! I KNOW IT!

Posted by: Conderella 10th February 2015, 05:51 PM

Sydney (why not Canberra though since it's the capital?) will not be hosting even if they win. Like the article said.

Anyway, AMAZING news. I'm SO disappointed I will not be going this year like I initially planned sad.gif

Posted by: Qassändra 10th February 2015, 05:56 PM

Canberra wouldn't get it even if it were going down there as there isn't really much there outside of a parliament building and Australia's civil service!

Posted by: Qassändra 10th February 2015, 06:00 PM

LIVING 4 Stu Heritage on this *.*

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/feb/10/australia-eurovision-song-contest-europe

QUOTE
The Eurovision song contest is a festival of inclusiveness. Conceived in the messy aftermath of the second world war as a means to reunite a fractured continent, it stands to this day as a reflection of Europe’s progressive liberalism; opening its arms to everyone, be they gay or transsexual or singing binmen who couldn’t win The X Factor a decade ago. So long as you want to join the party, you’re in. Everyone’s welcome.

Within reason, obviously. Because now they’re letting Australia enter Eurovision and I don’t know what to think any more.

Eurovision, it turns out, is wildly popular in Australia. Its annual broadcast on SBS has steadily grown an audience over the past 30 years, with last year’s contest drawing more viewers than ever before. And Australia too, it has to be said, is a lot like Europe; in that there are lots of white people there, and everything is slightly too expensive, and sometimes you can go for months on end without ever seeing a flattering haircut.

However you look at it – economically, politically, cartographically – Australia is simply not a European country. It’s too far away, and too hot, and there are too many poisonous animals that exist purely to murder you.

On that basis alone, Australia should be kept at arm’s length. If they like Eurovision so much, they should start their own song contest with New Zealand, Vanuatu and the assembled population of the Bismarck archipelago. It could be just like Russia’s Intervision Song Contest, but better because it wouldn’t have been assembled as a fiercely conservative kneejerk reaction to Eurovision’s homosexual decadence.

Besides, there’s a very real danger that an Australian presence would open the floodgates and unleash a torrent of other unwelcome interlopers. Because Eurovision isn’t just broadcast in Australia, you know. It’s also broadcast in America. And Egypt. And South Korea. And Hong Kong and Jordan and India. Do we really want to see more people in ironic fancy dress, singing a bad pop song called Bingy Bongy Boo? Do we? Because the Eurovision Song Contest already goes on for about three hours longer than it should. If we start letting everyone join in, there’s a perfectly reasonable chance that the show would never actually end.

Then again, to deny Australia inclusion would be to bow to the grotty, sinister, jobsworth pedantry that already blights so much of modern life. To ban Australia because it isn’t a European country would be to side with all the wet-mouthed pencil-twirlers who pipe up on Mobo day every year to remind us that technically all music is of black origin. It’d be to side with anyone who’s ever asked why there isn’t an International Men’s Day. It’d leave a bad taste in the mouth. It’d be staunchly non-Eurovision. In fact, it’d all be a bit Ukip. And that wouldn’t do at all.

But what if Australia won, you ask? Would everyone in Europe then have to send a representative to the other side of the world next year, to perform their songs in an echoey arena to an unresponsive audience at 8am? To which I reply: where’s your sense of adventure? And also: that’s really unlikely to happen, due to block voting and the fact that the current number one record in Australia sounds like a regional cocktail premix manufacturer’s hold music.

So if you want in, Australia, you’re in. We’ll welcome you with open arms, for that is the Eurovision way. Just, you know, keep your song nice and short because I’ll probably end up having to liveblog it and I don’t want to be up all night.

Posted by: Vülker 10th February 2015, 06:15 PM

So many things wrong with that article.
So many things wrong with all those naysayers.

Beautiful gesture giving SBS this little one-off treat. I hope they go all out with it. Dazzle us with a singing kangaroo. Or Dannii. Or BETTER.

And I hope they win so they can host it in London next year together with the BBC. Ha!

(or like, Lisbon since Portugal has been taking part for a millennia and that beautiful city has yet to grace us with its sunny hosting skills~)

Posted by: Ryan. 10th February 2015, 06:16 PM

QUOTE(Iz~ @ Feb 10 2015, 05:17 PM) *
What! I legitimately had to check we hadn't timeskipped to the first of April.


Well well well, I honestly looked at the date at the bottom of my screen too! Very happy we get another entry although I do wonder what other non-participating countries are going to think - haven't the likes of Kazakhstan broadcast the contest for several years now and actually want to participate themselves?

Very excited to see what they come up with though, and surely if Australia somehow won (that certainly would shut up the political/neighbour voting moaners!) their first choice to host would possibly be the UK considering our ties with them (and our flag is on their flag)?

It's all very exciting though! laugh.gif I hope they come up with a good song that gives them a chance of winning! Definitely a fantastic publicity stunt as well. And 27 countries in the final - that's a record breaker surely! ohmy.gif

Posted by: Qassändra 10th February 2015, 06:31 PM

QUOTE(Vülker @ Feb 10 2015, 07:15 PM) *
So many things wrong with that article.


I could quibble with it but the SPIRIT of it is far nicer than the prissiness of a lot of the fan community in response to this. Who honestly gives a fuck that they don't fall into an arbitrarily chosen geographical box?

Posted by: J▼hnkm 11th February 2015, 11:11 AM

Ugh, no reason I have read has convinced me this is in any way a good idea. It's in the bloody NAME, EUROvision Song Contest, just because they are big into the contest doesn't mean GEOGRAPHY is suddenly null and void.

I'm not even worried about it setting a precedent and I have every confidence it will deliver a good song, but it just seems utterly pointless and stuntish, to grab headlines and/or attention. This, I'm sure, reads like I think of Eurovision as something other than a gaudy, spectacle, but if there was at least SOME justification, geographically, for it I would be fine with it. Like a northern African nation, or something bordering a currently competing nation in Asia (which is why the likes of Israel and stuff don't bother me at all).

Posted by: Suedehead2 11th February 2015, 12:42 PM

Members of the European Broadcasting Union include broadcasters from Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, Libya, Jordan and, of course, Israel.

Posted by: Vülker 11th February 2015, 01:49 PM

QUOTE(J▼hnkm @ Feb 11 2015, 11:11 AM) *
Ugh, no reason I have read has convinced me this is in any way a good idea. It's in the bloody NAME, EUROvision Song Contest, just because they are big into the contest doesn't mean GEOGRAPHY is suddenly null and void.

I'm not even worried about it setting a precedent and I have every confidence it will deliver a good song, but it just seems utterly pointless and stuntish, to grab headlines and/or attention. This, I'm sure, reads like I think of Eurovision as something other than a gaudy, spectacle, but if there was at least SOME justification, geographically, for it I would be fine with it. Like a northern African nation, or something bordering a currently competing nation in Asia (which is why the likes of Israel and stuff don't bother me at all).


It's GAY CHRISTMAS!
Let the Aussies sit at our table and have a piece of that glittery turkey for once!

Posted by: Conderella 11th February 2015, 01:56 PM

let's do our own version of american thanksgiving (with slaughter and stuff)

Posted by: J▼hnkm 11th February 2015, 02:09 PM

They don't have to TAKE PART to be able to enjoy it. They've coped for 59 contests quite alright.

Posted by: Qassändra 11th February 2015, 02:20 PM

It's not about them not being able to enjoy it without, it's just a really nice little token for the 60th anniversary recognising the absolutely huge following it has out there.

I don't really see what we substantively LOSE from it, put it that way...it's not like there's a single other country outside the EBU which has anywhere near as big a following to justify a similar move.

Posted by: AdamAloud 11th February 2015, 02:24 PM

I guess me and John are just OLD and BITTER. But good luck to them, they're surely the favourites to win without even hearing the song, considering the hype they've got.

Posted by: J▼hnkm 11th February 2015, 02:29 PM

We don't lose anything, but we simply gain ONE SONG, which I don't believe is justification or reason enough for such a big change, be it a ''special event'' for the 60th or not.

Posted by: AdamAloud 11th February 2015, 02:32 PM

And I don't mean to keep spilling negativity left right and centre, but what has irked me the most is they get to vote in ALL THREE live shows. No one else is allowed to do that? Why don't they let every participating country vote in all three shows as a 'special one-off' as well?

Posted by: Qassändra 11th February 2015, 02:32 PM

QUOTE(AdamAloud @ Feb 11 2015, 03:24 PM) *
I guess me and John are just OLD and BITTER. But good luck to them, they're surely the favourites to win without even hearing the song, considering the hype they've got.

Second favourites on Betfair, as it stands...

Posted by: Conderella 11th February 2015, 02:32 PM

QUOTE(J▼hnkm @ Feb 11 2015, 05:29 PM) *
We don't lose anything, but we simply gain ONE SONG, which I don't believe is justification or reason enough for such a big change, be it a ''special event'' for the 60th or not.

well UK will have to settle for 24th instead of 23rd place this year sad.gif

Posted by: Qassändra 11th February 2015, 02:33 PM

QUOTE(AdamAloud @ Feb 11 2015, 03:32 PM) *
And I don't mean to keep spilling negativity left right and centre, but what has irked me the most is they get to vote in ALL THREE live shows. No one else is allowed to do that? Why don't they let every participating country vote in all three shows as a 'special one-off' as well?

I think the reason for that is to try and avoid any current entrants in the semis being advantaged or disadvantaged by it, especially given the number of diasporas in Australia.

Posted by: Conderella 11th February 2015, 02:35 PM

QUOTE(AdamAloud @ Feb 11 2015, 05:32 PM) *
And I don't mean to keep spilling negativity left right and centre, but what has irked me the most is they get to vote in ALL THREE live shows. No one else is allowed to do that? Why don't they let every participating country vote in all three shows as a 'special one-off' as well?

Are you suggesting they should've held a special draw event that assigns what Semifinal they should vote in? What are the negatives of them voting in both Semifinals anyway?

Posted by: J▼hnkm 11th February 2015, 02:38 PM

QUOTE(Conderella @ Feb 11 2015, 02:32 PM) *
well UK will have to settle for 24th instead of 23rd place this year sad.gif


HA, that really isn't a concern for me (though I am still a shade bitter about Molly given it was such an amazing song).

I actually think them voting in both semi's is the right thing to do, given the situation. It's the only way for it to be fair. I still think at the very heart of it it is a stupid idea and nothing beyond a stunt for ratings/headlines.

Posted by: AdamAloud 11th February 2015, 02:43 PM

QUOTE(Conderella @ Feb 11 2015, 02:35 PM) *
Are you suggesting they should've held a special draw event that assigns what Semifinal they should vote in? What are the negatives of them voting in both Semifinals anyway?


There isn't any negatives from what I can see, like I said, I'm just bitter.

Posted by: #FrantaFanatic 11th February 2015, 02:51 PM

QUOTE(Toby @ Feb 10 2015, 05:09 PM) *
Unless my Geography is off, Australia isn't in Europe?


Neither is israel and they enter year in year out they have to be part of the EBU that dosnt mean being part of europe it means being part of the European Broadcast Union.

Posted by: Tom Moroder Kay 11th February 2015, 05:19 PM

Look on the bright side, if they win it might be in the UK next year kink.gif

Posted by: J▲hq 11th February 2015, 05:22 PM

QUOTE(AdamAloud @ Feb 11 2015, 02:32 PM) *
And I don't mean to keep spilling negativity left right and centre, but what has irked me the most is they get to vote in ALL THREE live shows. No one else is allowed to do that? Why don't they let every participating country vote in all three shows as a 'special one-off' as well?


This is my only minor niggle tbh so I get this.

Not denying it being a stunt but I don't really see the issue with that. Isn't more publicity for the contest a good thing?

Posted by: Qassändra 11th February 2015, 05:41 PM

I wouldn't even mind if they stayed in to be honest (provided they weren't autoqualifiers). It's not like anybody else outside of the Broadcasting Area would be interested, so I don't see it as a foot in the door, and to be honest the interest levels in Australia are higher than for some countries that TAKE PART ALREADY, and they're a much better cultural fit with the contest's values than the likes of Russia and Azerbaijan are.

And we might get the ODD POINT AS WELL! *.*

Posted by: Conderella 11th February 2015, 08:11 PM

QUOTE(Tom Moroder Kay @ Feb 11 2015, 08:19 PM) *
Look on the bright side, if they win it might be in the UK next year kink.gif

I Heard there are talks about Germany filling in in case Aussies win

Posted by: popchartfreak 11th February 2015, 08:23 PM

QUOTE(Qassändra @ Feb 11 2015, 05:41 PM) *
I wouldn't even mind if they stayed in to be honest (provided they weren't autoqualifiers). It's not like anybody else outside of the Broadcasting Area would be interested, so I don't see it as a foot in the door, and to be honest the interest levels in Australia are higher than for some countries that TAKE PART ALREADY, and they're a much better cultural fit with the contest's values than the likes of Russia and Azerbaijan are.

And we might get the ODD POINT AS WELL! *.*


Yes, yes, yes and yes!

Posted by: Liаm 11th February 2015, 08:56 PM

On their Wikipedia it says that SBS is internally selecting an entry.

I was clinging onto the blind hope we could have a Melodifestivalen style national final with the likes of Ricki-Lee, Jessica Mauboy and a couple of washed up X Factor 9th placers sob.gif

Posted by: Qassändra 13th February 2015, 04:13 PM

Very interesting piece on how SBS have been lobbying to get in for a while...

QUOTE
FOR a television director, walking into the massive Moscow Olympic arena hosting the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest was like a child visiting Disneyland for the first time.

Paul Clarke looked around the massive set, the 25,000 cheering fans and decided Australia had to be part of it beyond the annual SBS broadcast hosted by Julia Zemiro and Sam Pang.

“When we went to Moscow, it was just Julia, Sam, me and a cameraman,” Clarke recalls.
“I had never seen anything like it, this $25 million production. They had half of the world’s LED screens. I thought that day I just had to be a part of it.”

The man behind the Long Way To The Top series finally realised that ridiculous challenge this week when it was confirmed Australia will compete in the 60th Eurovision contest in Vienna in May.

For the past three years, Clarke and SBS managing director Sam Ebeid have lobbied the European Broadcasting Union for Australia to play a greater role in the world’s biggest, brightest and cheesiest singing competition.

They made boardroom presentations with videos which mischievously poked fun at both Australia’s obsession with this epic kitschfest and our own silly national symbols.

Clarke and Ebeid said it was our irreverence, rather than any sycophantic posturing, which kept the Europeans engaged in the idea of welcoming Australia into the Eurovision family.

The SBS boss said he and Clarke used to laugh about the possibility of us competing but he would always caution the director to “be careful what you wish for”.

While Clarke got to know all the producers from the various European broadcasters at each year’s contest, Ebeid started to make representations to the bosses.

“The first trip to seriously start lobbying the EBU was to Brussels about three years ago,” Ebeid says.

“I remember it was the day the Greek public broadcaster collapsed and shut down and the EBU was dealing with that crisis and we go in ‘We’re from Australia and we want to play, we want a bigger role in Eurovision.

“I think initially they regarded us as an amusing distraction — ‘You do realise you are not part of Europe?”

The keepers of the Eurovision flame didn’t get why this small country on the other side of the world had such a disproportionate passion for the contest.

Ebeid gave them an education in our population demographics, explaining the impact of post World War II migration from Europe.

He explained that families and fans would hold their own Eurovision parties each year to support the country of their heritage.

At the same time, the EBU was exploring the idea of creating a more global talent contest, so the SBS folk became resigned to the likelihood Australia would be tapped for that broadcast rather than Eurovision.

But still both men would continue to meet with EBU representatives in Geneva, Amsterdam, anywhere the powers-that-be gathered to lobby for our cause.

When Sweden hosted in 2013, they asked Ebeid and Clarke to produce a video they could play during the finals.

“Julia has the perfect mix of passion and irreverence and I had her dancing with the indigenous dancers from Descendence at Bondi to Waterloo in the video and then everyone in the stadium started to stomp to the music and clap their hands,” Clarke says.

“It was such a satisfying moment to have the Swedes onside.”

But the tipping point for Australia’s Eurovision campaign came when Denmark won the 2013 contest and the right to host last year’s event.

The Danes bailed up Clarke and Ebeid and said they wanted Australia involved and not just perform a song.

Everyone acknowledges the Princess Mary effect may have had some influence on our welcome to the Eurovision stage.

“They said to me ‘We want something that really f ... s s ... up’,” Clarke said, laughing.

So he delivered with a display of such over-the-top kitschness and that inexplicable Aboriginal flag-waving astronaut. And the unbridled talent of Jessica Mauboy.

The Australian pop sweetheart had put in hours and hours of rehearsal in the days leading up to her performance and despite an almost debilitating attack of nerves, did Australia proud with Sea Of Flags.

Mauboy had a lot to do with Australia winning the Eurovision wildcard invite.

“One of the Swiss producers called her a pocket-sized Tina Turner and she really won a lot of hearts there, both on and off stage. What we presented to Eurovision last year tipped the balance,” Clarke says.

He spent last Thursday meeting with the CEOs of the major record labels to canvas the artists and songs who might represent us in Vienna in May.

Other “major, major” artists called him directly to make it known they were interested. Why wouldn’t they be? With hundreds of millions of viewers, Eurovision makes The Voice and X Factor look like ratings minnows.

Both Ebeid and Clarke confirm all the obvious candidates are being considered ahead of the announcement in early March, including Kylie Minogue and Guy Sebastian. Duets are on the table — Tina Arena and Anthony Callea, anyone? And despite their petition popularity, TISM probably isn’t likely.

The next challenge for Ebeid and Clarke, who dared to dream that Australia would compete in Eurovision, is now for us to win it. Seriously.

The bad news is it would not be staged in Australia because of time differences and budget constraints so would be produced as a joint venture between SBS and a European
broadcasting partner. The good news is we have a shot.

“This is like muscling our way into the Superbowl but instead of helmets, we’re sporting feather boas,” Clarke said.

“A bearded lady from Austria won last year, so anything is possible.

“Now we have to find the right artist with the right song to give us a chance of winning it. We want to win this. It’s on.”


http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/it-took-three-years-of-lobbying-some-kitsch-videos-and-jessica-mauboy-to-get-to-eurovision/story-e6frfmq9-1227218786445

Posted by: Silas 13th February 2015, 05:42 PM

That's a great read, especially from a Rupert Murdoch publication!!


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