SBS has secured Australia’s participation as a competitor at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest and will host a national contest, Eurovision – Australia Decides, to select the artist and song to represent the country on the world’s biggest stage.

SBS Acting Managing Director James Taylor, the Premier of Queensland Annastacia Palaszczuk, Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate and Australia’s Head of Delegation Paul Clarke today announced that Eurovision – Australia Decides will be hosted on the Gold Coast from 8 to 9 February and the Live Show will be broadcast exclusively on SBS on Saturday 9 February when voting opens to the public.

At a launch event on the Gold Coast, SBS called on songwriters across Australia to submit an original composition as part of the selection process, with portals now open until 4 November. There are no restrictions on the number of songs composers and songwriters, both published and unpublished, can submit. Entries will be shortlisted later in the year and paired with some of Australia’s most recognised artists. Then it’s up to the Australian public and a Jury to decide Australia’s act to take the stage at the 64th Eurovision Song Contest.

Hosted by radio host and music buff Myf Warhurst, and comedian Joel Creasey, Eurovision – Australia Decides will showcase the best of Australian music and bring the nation closer to the Eurovision action. Myf said, “Eurovision – Australia Decides is a great opportunity for songwriters, both published and unpublished, to show us what they’ve got and for a suite of Australian artists to bring these songs to life on stage in February.”

SBS Acting Managing Director James Taylor added, “SBS has been the Australian home of the Eurovision Song Contest for 35 years and 2019 will mark Australia’s fifth year of competing in the event. As our country’s passion for Eurovision continues to grow, we are inundated by fans wanting to have their say in choosing who represents Australia on the world’s biggest stage.”

Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate also showed his support for the competition, saying, “We are a city that dares to dream. Hosting this Eurovision event is right up there with the best. Our city’s exposure to this global audience is priceless. Lights. Camera. Action. Bring it on.”

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