Aussie Acts Help ABC Dominate New Year's Eve Coverage Across TV Screens

ABC's coverage of New Year's Eve, including performances by some of Australia's best and emerging acts, helped the network dominate TV ratings on the night. 

As TV Tonight reports, ABC's coverage of the midnight fireworks was the most-watched on Aussie TV screens, drawing a viewership of 1.24 million, while the 'Countdown To Midnight' and the 'Family Fireworks' event finished in second and third for Monday night (886,000 and 741,000 viewers).

Though it couldn't beat last year's figure of 1.49 million, the 2018 coverage smashed last year's record on ABC iview, which was streamed live 90,000 times.

“We are proud that so many Australians have once again seen in the new year on the ABC, across television, iview and social media," Acting Head of Entertainment and Specialist, Michael Carrington, said.

"New Year’s Eve showcases Sydney at its best and brightest and we are thrilled to have beamed images of the city’s iconic fireworks across the world.

"Thank you to the more than 180 ABC staff and crew who worked through the night to bring New Year’s Eve to life for so many millions of people here and overseas.”

The response to sets from the likes of Tim Minchin, Baker Boy, Isabella Manfredi and Casey Donovan were well received on social media too, while performances by Melbourne's G Flip, including a cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival's iconic Proud Mary, was widely praised. 

Check out the performance above and some of the reactions below.

G Flip is pure quality! Top way to welcome in the new year #ABCNYE #NYE2019

— Couch Nish (@CouchNish) December 31, 2018

Gflip has an amazing stage presence. Killed it with those covers #ABCNYE

— Ben Michael Wilson (@beninbrisbane) December 31, 2018

#GFlip owned the stage at the #ABCNYE last night. This is what talent is all about.

— Dean Mayes (@Hambledown_Road) January 1, 2019

Wow. @gflipmusic. Great choice, bring her back every year. #GFlip

— steve gost (@gosty) January 1, 2019

I just discovered @gflipmusic and now I think I have a girl crush. I didn’t think it was possible but I love Proud Mary even more now❤️🦄🎉 #HappyNewYear2019

The Night is Yours: G Flip - Proud Mary https://t.co/90xvFyFRu9 via @YouTube

— Dr Jos 🇦🇺🇫🇷🇱🇧 (@redruby17) January 1, 2019

Love her work. G Flip was refreshingly amazing.

— Mark Holdsworth (@neophema1) January 1, 2019