In a surprise announcement SBS have revealed they’ve parted ways with long standing Eurovision hosts Julia Semiro and Sam Pang.
The duo have been the face of the Australian broadcast since it was in Russia in 2009 and since 2012 have had a commentary booth a each year’s event.
“Eight amazing years hosting Eurovision; what a wonderful and hilarious ride. 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,” Zemiro said in a statement from the broadcaster.
During their time as the voices of the broadcast Australia’s involvement has grown considerably. Jessica Mauboy performed at the competition in Copenhagen in 2014, and Australia got it’s first official competitor when Guy Sebastian signed up for the Vienna broadcast in 2015.
Last year singer Dami Im almost took out the top spot, coming in second with her song Sound of Silence.
Sam Pang said he was happy to pass the opportunity on to a new commentary team.
“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.”
The duo have provided a witty commentary during the broadcast commenting not only on the performance but those quaint introductory films that play to introduce each participant before they take to the stage.
Who’ll be hosting Eurovision 2017 will be announced next week. SBS will also announce who will be performing for Australia via a live Facebook broadcast at 5:30pm EST on March 7th.
Ever wondered what it’s like to go to Eurovision? OUTinPerth reported on what it was like on the streets and in the auditorium at Eurovision.
OIP Staff
