SBS announces week-long Eurovision alternative after song contest's cancellation

The week-long television event will feature a performance from Australian artist Montaigne as well as performances of all 41 songs that would have been featured at Eurovision 2020.

SBS has announced a week-long Eurovision festival will be going ahead in the homes of Australians next month, following the song contest's unprecedented cancellation due to the coronavirus.

The week-long celebration will kick off on May 10 with screenings of the contest's highlights from recent years followed by two main events. 

On Saturday 16 May, Eurovision 2020: Big Night In! will see fans vote for their three favourite acts from all competing nations in Australia's stay-at-home alternative to the song contest. 

Hosted by music buff Myf Warhurst and comedian Joel Creasey, the night will also feature guest appearances from big names across the globe and an exclusive studio performance from Montaigne, who was selected to represent Australia in Rotterdam before this year's contest was cancelled. 

Hosted by Dutch Eurovision presenters Chantal Janzen, Edsilia Rombley and Jan Smit, the program will honour all 41 songs in a non-competitive format.

SBS Commissioning Editor and Australian Head of Delegation Josh Martin said he hoped the week-long television event would help fill the void many lifelong Eurovision fans would be feeling, following the contest's cancellation.

"Sixty-four years ago, Eurovision was born as an idea to help unite people after a period of turmoil and instability," Mr Martin said.

"Music really is the great unifier and a perfect antidote for a nation in isolation. We’ve already seen this through the thousands of apartment block sing alongs and virtual choirs and, in this spirit, we promise this will be a fun, exciting and inclusive party that everyone is invited to."