More broadcasters have announced their alternative programming, to fill up schedules, which was reserved for the contest. The latest country to announce their programming is Australia.
Australian broadcaster has announced that it will be airing a range of Eurovision content for fans between the 10th-17th May, with a mixture of original programming and reruns of the recent Eurovision contests.
A mixture of Eurovision reruns and Original programming
Part of the original programming SBS will air is Eurovision 2020: Big Night In, which will be hosted by Australia’s commentators, and Eurovision: Australia Decides hosts Myf Warhurst and Joel Creasey. The program will have performances from big names, as well as an exclusive performance of what Montaigne’s performance would have been in Rotterdam.
In addition to the special programming, SBS is also inviting the Australian Eurovision fans to cast their votes for their Top 3 acts, you are able to find out more information about the vote right here.
As well as Eurovision 2020: Big Night In, SBS Viceland will also air a documentary titled ‘Road to Eurovision 2020’, which looks at the event with performers performing their biggest hits. In addition to this, SBS will also air reruns of the Grand Finals of Eurovision 2015 – 2019.
The full schedule for Australia’s Eurovision alternative programming is as follows, you are able to watch the programs on SBS and SBS Viceland
| Date | Time | Show |
| Sunday 10 May | 8.30pm-10.30pm | Road to Eurovision 2020 on SBS VICELAND |
| Monday 11 May | 1.30pm – 5.30pm | Eurovision Song Contest 2015 Grand Final on SBS |
| Tuesday 12 May | 1.30pm – 5.30pm | Eurovision Song Contest 2016 Grand Final on SBS |
| Wednesday 13 May | 1.30pm – 5.30pm | Eurovision Song Contest 2017 Grand Final on SBS |
| Thursday 14 May | 1.30pm – 5.30pm | Eurovision Song Contest 2018 Grand Final on SBS |
| Friday 15 May | 1.15pm – 5.30pm | Eurovision Song Contest 2019 Grand Final on SBS |
| Saturday 16 May | 7.30pm – 10.30pm | Eurovision 2020: Big Night In! |
| Saturday 16 May | 10.30pm – 12.30am | Eurovision Top 40 Controversies on SBS |
| Saturday 16 May | 12.30am – 1.30am | Secrets of Eurovision on SBS |
| Sunday 17 May | 8.30pm – 1030pm | Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light |
Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest
Although many Australians have performed on the Eurovision stage, it wasn’t until 2015 the nation took part ‘as a guest’. Guy Sebastian flew the flag with the uptempo ‘Tonight Again’, coming 5th. Due to the resounding success and positive response, Australia have competed in the contest since. Around this time last year, the EBU guaranteed Australia’s ability to participate until 2023. To date, Dami Im currently holds the crown for ‘best Australian result’ – almost winning the contest with ‘Sound of Silence’.
In 2020, Australia selected Montaigne to represent them in Rotterdam with her song ‘Don’t Break Me’. Since the cancellation of Eurovision 2020, it’s been confirmed that Montaigne will represent Australia in Eurovision 2021.
Will you be watching Australia’s alternative Eurovision programming? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to see our reactions to the updates we receive over the coming months.
