For the record I much prefer Russia over Ukraine as well. I’m just saying that the songs that the jury rewarded seemed to be the ones with the big vocals (Australia and Ukraine) so I’m not surprised. Regardless Ukraine ranked equally high on both polls so it was pretty consistent.
Anyway over it as well. Pretty sure Russia won’t participate next year in Ukraine.
[quote=“Chris, post:121, topic:689”]
For the record I much prefer Russia over Ukraine as well. I’m just saying that the songs that the jury rewarded seemed to be the ones with the big vocals (Australia and Ukraine) so I’m not surprised.
[/quote] Agreed. I preferred the Russian over the Ukraine as a typical AND expected Eurovision-style entry, Although I think the Australian song was probably the best pop song in the competition and it was judged best overall.
And if we’re talking about quality of song, then the one from Cyprus deserved to be judged better even though it wasn’t really your typical Eurovision-style entry either.
Don’t forget that Mans & Petra already told us how to win the Eurovision Song Contest. 
It’s kinda sad that I got most of the previous entry references. 
Very random question, but do we know the name of the very masculine man that walked the catwalk and did his… stance before Russia came out? Would like to know his name… 
He can be seen here (8mins45sec if it doesn’t automatically jump for you):
Alexa Curtis, who won The Voice Kids Australia in 2014, will represent Australia at this year’s Junior Eurovision Song Contest. It will be held at Valletta, Malta, on Sunday November 20, and shown live on SBS at 2am AEDT, Monday November 21 with replay at 3.30pm, Saturday November 26. 17 countries will compete this year. For the first time since competition began, the voting procedure will not include a public televote, with the overall results to be determined by combination of professional and young jurors.
Isn’t this the second time we’ve entered a Voice Kids contestant now? Boring. I don’t know why they even bother with Eurovision Junior or why Australia bothers having an entrant, given only 16 European countries are involved.
Yes it is, last year’s Australian entrant Bella Yoseski (aka Bella Paige) came second to Alexa on The Voice Kids in 2014.
Australia will compete in Eurovision Song Contest next year, one of a record high 43 countries participating in the event in Kiev, Ukraine, equalling the total set in 2008 and 2011. The list includes Romania and Portugal who are returning to the competition after a year’s absence. It will be the third year Australia is represented.
43 countries to participate in Eurovision 2017
http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=43_countries_to_participate_in_eurovision_2017
##australia to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest for 3rd consecutive year
SBS has secured Australia’s participation for a third consecutive year, with the 2017 competition to be held in Kyiv, Ukraine in May.
SBS Managing Director Michael Ebeid said. “Dami Im’s magnificent Grand Final performance in Stockholm earlier this year secured Australia the runner up position on the world’s largest stage, a testament not only to her amazing singing prowess but the humbling way the European community has embraced our entry into the competition.
“Australia has celebrated Eurovision for over 30 years on SBS; this joyous event is the perfect example of the SBS charter in action with its celebration of diversity, culture, and inclusion and we are honoured to have been invited to compete once again.”
Australian Head of Delegation, Director of Blink TV, SBS’s Eurovision production partner, Paul Clarke said: “Dami Im’s performance in Stockholm felt like a truly historic moment for Australian music, a moment when Europe really opened its arms to us. We are thrilled to be back, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for us this year."
The 2017 Eurovision Song Contest will broadcast in May on SBS, with more news of Australia’s entry into the competition to follow in the coming months.
SBS announced today Australia’s artist and song for this year’s contest would be revealed in an intimate live performance at a secret location in Melbourne on Tuesday, March 7, hosted by Julia Zemiro. It will be streamed live on SBS’s Facebook page from 5.30pm AEDT.
###Zemiro, Pang bid farewell as SBS Eurovision hosts
SBS has announced that long-time Eurovision Song Contest hosts Julia Zemiro and Sam Pang will not be part of this year’s coverage.
Julia Zemiro and Sam Pang will hand over the hosting reigns to Eurovision after eight straight years at the helm of SBS’s coverage.
SBS made the announcement today ahead of the unveiling of Australia’s entry for the world’s biggest talent contest, to be announced on Tuesday.
“Eight amazing years hosting Eurovision; what a wonderful and hilarious ride,” Zemiro said.
"Growing up in a French household in Bondi Junction, I fell in love with this amazing contest ever since Abba won the competition. The languages, the characters, the songs and the sequins have always held a warm place in my heart.
“Giving SBS audiences a sneak peek into the machinations of this wonderfully unique event over the years has been an absolute joy and a career highlight. It’s hard to say goodbye but thrilled to be handing over to the next team on a high – douze points.”
Pang paid tribute to the quirky nature of the event.
“I’d like to thank SBS for the opportunity to explore the world and share that experience with all those back home but there are only so many sequins, burning pianos, power ballads and singing Russian grannies one man can celebrate in a career, and the time has come for me to pass that privilege on to a new team," he said.
SBS Managing Director Michael Ebeid thanked the pair for their contribution.
“We thank Julia Zemiro and Sam Pang for a wonderful eight years as the faces of such a one-of-a-kind television broadcast that is Eurovision," he said.
"Julia and Sam’s unique relationship with the audience is something special, and SBS has been fortunate to be able to share their love for the song contest with Australians for so many years running.
“An exciting new era of Eurovision on SBS will begin in 2017 and we are looking forward to introducing the new Eurovision hosts for this year’s contest in Ukraine.”
SBS will announce the new hosting and commentary team in coming weeks.
The Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Kiev, Ukraine, and will get underway with the first semi-final on May 9. Australia’s artist will be revealed live on SBS Facebook on Tuesday at 5.30pm.
Oh what’s all that about? Why’ve they been replaced?
Did they ask for a pay rise?
It’s a bit bizarre that they have just been replaced like that. I’m not necessarily a massive fan of either of them but for me they have kind of become the Aussie faces of Eurovision and they seem to get really passionate about it. SBS must want a fresh look for it this year for whatever reason.
Are there any rumours flying around who our act would likely be? I havn’t heard much this year but I did think that The Veronicas would be a good choice and would have plenty of useable tracks with their new album not too far away. We’ve had a male, female so now a duo or group would probably be the next way to go.
Gosh don’t tell me they’re grooming Em Rusiano for the gig??? I don’t dislike Em but she’s no Julia.
Good detective work there. You could be onto something.
Could she take time off her new radio show to travel overseas for a week or so, to cover Eurovision?
I saw him tweet that the other day and wondered what is he hinting at… of course given her radio commitment as you say it may prevent her actually going over.
A couple of years ago SBS2 did a Eurovision quiz… maybe they’re lining Em up for that. Who really knows.
Em will probably host SBS’s Eurovision coverage from Melbourne right? 