After Måneskin took out the title this year, Italy will be hosting next year’s Eurovision Song Contest – and the Gold Coast will once again play host to Eurovision – Australia Decides in February next year.
The annual song competition, which decides who will represent Australia on the international stage, has been held in Queensland since 2019.
Well, except for this year, after Montaigne’s semi-final performance last year was cancelled due to travel restrictions.
Prior to 2019, Australia’s Eurovision representatives – Guy Sebastian, Dami Im, Isaiah Firebrace and Jessica Mauboy – were chosen by a committee, not a public vote.
The Queensland Government has supported the return of Eurovision – Australia Decides through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy and Tourism and Events Queensland.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the state’s investment in such a high-profile event, to be held over two days, will benefit the local screen and tourism sectors.
“The Gold Coast has hosted Eurovision – Australia Decides since the very beginning in 2019, attracting thousands of enthusiastic Eurovision fans from across the country and providing a platform to showcase the region to a huge national TV audience, all tuning in to vote for their favourite song,” she said.
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“Preparations for the broadcast will take place over four weeks, creating approximately 200 jobs for our highly skilled local TV crew, plus training opportunities giving emerging screen practitioners the on-the-job work experience they need.”
Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich said being involved in a world-class event was a massive coup for local arts practitioners.
“Eurovision is one of the biggest television events in the world and to be part of this live, nation-wide production under the prestigious Eurovision banner is an immense career-building opportunity for local screen practitioners,” she said.
“Eurovision is a celebration of international unity raising the volume of diverse voices – a true exhibition of the power of screen to create a positive global impact and a much-needed sense of global community.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate told host network SBS: “If there is one event that shouts ‘Gold Coast’ it is Eurovision – Australia Decides. Like Eurovision, we are bold, unapologetic and famous for fun. I am delighted that [it’s] back.”
Returning to oversee proceedings on the Gold Coast Exhibition and Convention Centre stage is comedian Joel Creasy and music journalist Myf Warhurt.
Friday 25th February 2022 will be the opening night show, with the live televised event to be held on Saturday, 26th February. There will also be a family-friendly matinee at 1.00pm on Saturday.
Watch Montaigne’s first semi-final Eurovision 2021 performance of ‘Technicolour’
