With Covid-19 restrictions still very much in place in Australia, broadcaster SBS issued a statement regarding Junior Eurovision 2021. Earlier this week, fellow broadcaster ABC confirmed that they will not be participating in Junior Eurovision 2021. Now SBS, who oversaw the country’s participation between 2015 and 2016, have confirmed that Australia will not return to Junior Eurovision in 2021.
Although SBS have overseen Australia’s Eurovision participation since their 2015 debut, ABC have overseen the country’s Junior Eurovision participation since 2017. Earlier this week, ABC ruled out their Junior Eurovision participation for 2021.
Although SBS issued a statement two weeks ago that gave a glimmer of hope for fans hoping to see Australia back at the Junior contest, they have now confirmed that they will not be participating in Junior Eurovision 2021.
They issued the following statement via Aussievision:
Due to the current travel restrictions, Australia will not be competing in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2021.
SBS on Junior Eurovision
This news comes as the EBU detailed the scenarios they’re currently planning for in the process of organising the Junior contest, which would permit Australia to compete with a live-on-tape as they did in Rotterdam.
Junior Eurovision 2021 so far
Only days after Valentina’s win, the EBU were quick to confirm that we will be travelling to France for the 18th edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. The contest will take place on December 19th at La Seine Musicale. The slogan of the contest will be Imagine, and the logo was unveiled in August.
At this point, fifteen countries have confirmed to participate in the JESC edition of 2021.
- Albania
- Azerbaijan
- Ireland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Malta
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Poland
- Portugal
- Russia
- Serbia
- Spain
- Ukraine
It’s still early, so we expect more countries to participate. Stay tuned for more updates!
Will you miss Australia at Junior Eurovision this year? 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 follow us on Spotify and YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to the 2022 national final season!
