There’s breaking news from Australia tonight… or today if you are reading from Austrlia! After hosting SBS’ coverage of the Eurovision Song Contest for eight years, Julia Zemiro and Sam Pang have stepped down ahead of the 2017 contest in Kyiv. This news will come as a surprise to many. Zemiro and Pang’s enthusiasm for the contest loved by Eurofans all over the world.
An extraordinary journey for Australia
They’ve witnessed an extraordinary journey for Australia over the past few years. Firstly, Australian sensation Jessica Mauboy was the centrepiece of an interval act in the 2014 contest dedicated to Australia’s love for the contest. Then, in 2015 Australia were invited to compete in the contest as a special guest for Eurovision’s 60th anniversary in Vienna. Such was the success of their invite, Australia returned again in 2016. Indeed, Dami Im came within just a few points of claiming a historic victory with Sound of Silence.
Julia: “A wonderful and hilarious ride”
In a statement on SBS’ press release regarding the news, Julia had the following to say about her Eurovision experience over the past eight years:
“Eight amazing years hosting Eurovision; what a wonderful and hilarious ride. Growing up in a French household in Bondi Junction, I fell in love with this amazing contest ever since Abba won the competition. The languages, the characters, the songs and the sequins have always held a warm place in my heart.”
“Giving SBS audiences a sneak peek into the machinations of this wonderfully unique event over the years has been an absolute joy and a career highlight. It’s hard to say goodbye but thrilled to be handing over to the next team on a high – douze points.”
Sam: “An opportunity to explore the world”
Following on from Julia’s statements, her co-host Sam expressed the following feelings:
“I’d like to thank SBS for the opportunity to explore the world and share that experience with all those back home but there are only so many sequins, burning pianos, power ballads and singing Russian grannies one man can celebrate in a career, and the time has come for me to pass that privilege on to a new team.”
SBS: “Their unique relationship with the audience was something special”
Michael Ebeid, managing director of SBS, had nothing but warm words for the departing duo:
“We thank Julia Zemiro and Sam Pang for a wonderful eight years as the faces of such a one-of-a-kind television broadcast that is Eurovision. Julia and Sam’s unique relationship with the audience is something special, and SBS has been fortunate to be able to share their love for the song contest with Australians for so many years running.”
“An exciting new era of Eurovision on SBS will begin in 2017 and we are looking forward to introducing the new Eurovision hosts for this year’s contest in Ukraine.”
It’s nearly time for their 2017 artist reveal
It won’t be just new Eurovision hosts SBS will be getting ready to announce. On March 7th, SBS will reveal Australia’s third ever representative at the Eurovision Song Contest. Rumours have been endless. In just five days time, we will finally know the lucky act heading to Kyiv – and their song too!
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