Australia’s Montaigne will no longer fly to Rotterdam to perform at Eurovision – but will still compete

Australia’s Eurovision entry Montaigne will not be competing in person at next month’s Song Contest.

Montaigne, 25, is set to compete for the 2021 crown with her song Technicolour, but she won’t be performing it in Rotterdam, as it has been confirmed that the Australian delegation will not be travelling to The Netherlands due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Instead, Montaigne’s ‘live-on-tape’ performance – which had to be recorded by every entry for situations just like this – will be used.

Josh Martin, SBS Commissioning Editor and Australian Head of Delegation, explained: ‘Australia has embraced the Eurovision spirit for more than 35 years on SBS, and our affection and excitement for the contest has continued to grow since we first competed in Vienna in 2015. In 2021, Australia will once again compete in the world’s biggest song contest but this time our artist, Montaigne, will perform from home and not abroad.

‘After a comprehensive assessment, SBS has decided not to send an Australian delegation and artist to Rotterdam for the Eurovision Song Contest this year. We came to this difficult decision after considering the challenges of the ongoing pandemic, including the many factors involved in travelling to and from the event from Australia.

‘SBS and Montaigne are appreciative of the European Broadcasting Union’s ongoing support for Australia’s involvement in the event, and their commitment to ensuring Eurovision continues amid the challenges COVID-19 presents. Congratulations must also go to the Host Broadcaster for the outstanding work that is being done to create a successful Eurovision Song Contest this year. We are working with them to assist in creating a memorable and successful broadcast.

‘In true Australian spirit, Montaigne will still be fiercely competing in this year’s event with her uplifting and powerful anthem Technicolour, which is set to surprise and delight Europe, and show everyone we’re in it to win it. We are thrilled to be back and look forward to showing Europe our very best!’

Montaigne said: ‘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.’

Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, added: ‘We regret that we are not able to welcome Montaigne to Rotterdam in May. However, we understand the unique challenges presented to the hard working Australian delegation who have until the very end tried their utmost to make their presence in the Netherlands possible. 

‘We are pleased that we are still able to let them compete with the other 38 participants thanks to the “live-on-tape” recording of Montaigne’s song Technicolour. Australia have always brought diversity, excitement and energy to the Eurovision Song Contest and despite their team being far away this year they will be close to all our hearts in Rotterdam.’

This will be the first time that any part of the Eurovision has taken place on Australian soil, after the nation joined the contest in 2015.

While it was meant to be a once off to mark the contest’s 60th anniversary, they became annual competitors, and Australia has had a great track record, finishing in the top 10 four years out of five.

Their best result was in 2016, when Dami Im came second with Sound of Silence.

Montaigne will have to perform in the first semi-final on Tuesday May 18 for a chance to make it to the live final on Saturday, May 22. 

MORE : ‘Heartbroken’ James Corden slams ‘greedy’ Super League bosses in scathing speech

MORE : Oscars attendees ‘won’t have to wear masks on camera’ during ceremony