Here’s How You Can Support Montaigne During Eurovision 2021

With Eurovision Song Contest only a few weeks away, SBS has revealed how to watch and support Australia’s 2021 entry, Montaigne, in real-time.

Last week it was announced that Montaigne, who was originally scheduled to head to Rotterdam for the May event, would instead present her song Technicolour from Australia due to “the challenges of the ongoing pandemic”.

Those wanting to catch Montaigne’s Semi Final 1 performance as it unfolds to show support will need to tune into SBS on Wednesday, May 19, from 5am AEST.

To watch Montaigne perform live in the Grant Final, viewers will need to tune in on Sunday, May 23, from 5am AEST.

“She’s quite amazing to accept this challenge.”

Although not featuring Montaigne (which means Australians also can’t vote), Semi Final 2 will be broadcast live via SBS on Friday, May 21, from 5am AEST.

Viewer votes make up 50% of the final result, with the other 50% decided by a national jury. Australia's jury will be announced soon.

The Australian jury and Australian public can vote for any country except Australia.

“In some ways it’s the biggest challenge we’ve ever had, to try to qualify from a distance without the incredible stage production in Rotterdam,” Eurovision – Australia Decides Creative Director Paul Clarke said.

“But we’re excited with our concept, and Montaigne can really hit the notes of the song, and so we believe we’re incredibly competitive. 

“Exciting! Please get behind her, she’s quite amazing to accept this challenge - come on Montaigne!"

SBS’s Eurovision coverage will once again be headed by Myf Warhurst and Joel Creasey who will “explore all the razzamatazz, kitsch, political voting, showbiz, cultural displays and heart” of the contest.

Montaigne on competing from Australia

When it was announced earlier this month that Montaigne would be competing from Australia, she noted: “Naturally, I’m sad that for two years in a row I have been unable to participate in the live spectacle of Eurovision. 

“My partner and I had been discussing what video games we would bunker down with in a hotel room in Rotterdam between rehearsals for the final event, and we were excited about it.

“Despite that disappointment, it is still an immense privilege to be able to participate and compete in Eurovision, in its fandom and its processes, two years in a row. I have been able to submit two songs that I’m proud of and that have meant significant things to people. 

“I am still absolutely stoked that I can present Technicolour this year, in whatever form my final performance may come in! It’s such a beautiful festivity and not even a pandemic can put it to bed. Eurovision will live forever.”

Eurovision 2020 was cancelled

The singer was originally slated to represent Australia at Eurovision in the Netherlands in 2020 with her song Don't Break Me, but the event was cancelled following the COVID-19 outbreak.

In other singing competition news, Australian artist Alfie Arcuri, winner of The Voice in 2016, has been announced to compete at New Wave in Russia this August.

As TV Tonight reports, the six-day event “isn’t a singing or songwriting contest but a chance for contestants to show their artistry”.

For more details on the 2021 SBS coverage and info on primetime evening broadcasts, click here.