Minsk 2018

Junior Eurovision: Australia’s participation in the balance

Ongoing discussions but no confirmation yet

Australia is one of the two countries that participated in 2017 that has yet to make a decision regarding participation in Minsk but discussions are ongoing.

ABC and record labels involved in discussions

In a statement to fellow fan site Eurovoix, Blink TV revealed that the country has yet to make a final decision on their participation in Minsk. However, Paul Clarke, the country’s head of delegation, also added that ABC and record labels are actively involved in discussions. Belarus broadcaster (BTRC) revealed that 15 countries have so far confirmed participation, but whether Australia is included is not known.

From SBS to ABC Me

ABC Me is in charge of Junior Eurovision for Australia since 2017, taking over from SBS. The decision, approved by the EBU, was due to the fact that ABC Me caters to children and family, reaching more than 1.7 million people weekly. Thus, ABC Me is more appropriate for Junior Eurovision than SBS that has a much more limited children’s audience.

Junior Eurovision 2018

Junior Eurovision 2018 will take place next November 25 in Belarus’s capital Minsk. It will be the second time that the contest is held there. So far, 14 countries have confirmed their intent to participate, including France returning after a long break and Wales making its debut. Cyprus and Ukraine will instead withdraw from the competition.

Australia in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest

Australia debuted at Junior Eurovision in 2015 in Sofia, the same year as their Eurovision debut. Bella Paige was the first to fly the Australian flag at the contest with her entry “My Girls“. She finished 8th with 64 points. 2017 entrant Isabella Clarke achieved the country’s best result as so far only top 3 finish, coming 3rd with her song “Speak up“.
Do you hope Australia will participate at Junior Eurovision in Minsk? What is your favorite Australian entry so far?
Let us know in the comments below or on social media @ESCXTRA.

2 Comments

  1. Australia is already a part of JESC – and I want to see them performing in 2018 too ! Different to the adult ESC, Australia needs no invitation by the host to perform there (am I right with that?).
    So Australia, bring it on and bring the cup home to Australia. All my ♥ from Germany to Australia.

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