Melodifestivalen boss Christer Björkman has said that, in the event Australia wins Eurovision 2015, Germany will host the contest next year. He made the statement during the first installment of Inför ESC, the “Before Eurovision Song Contest” show broadcast by SVT. This seems to confirm what our sources in Austria told us back in February, when we first broke the news that Australia would make its debut at the Eurovision Song Contest.
The first episode of Inför ESC, a show in which Swedish commentators analyze all the Eurovision songs as well as give them scores, focused on the songs in the first half of the Semifinal 1, as well as the songs from France and Australia. The Australian entry “Tonight Again” by Guy Sebastian won, getting the maximum score – 10 – from all panelists, which were Christer Björkman, Eric Saade, Kristin Amparo, and Tess Merkel (of Alcazar).
This of course brought up the subject of what would happen if Australia were to win the contest. At the 53:40 mark, Christer Björkman explains to host Sarah Dawn-Finer that Germany has guaranteed that it will host next year in that event, since it would be nearly impossible logistically and financially to move the contest to the remote continent in the Southern hemishpere.
But this option would leave the runner-up – unless it is Germany – out of the game, which could anger some fans in the event that Australia does indeed win. (Can you imagine if let’s say the UK or Russia finished in second place?) On the other hand, Germany, as one of the Big 5 countries, has the financial resources and has recently proven that it can host an amazing contest.
Speaking of, Guy Sebastian was in Germany this morning, promoting his song “Tonight Again” on television. You can watch him deliver a flawless performance of an acoustic version here, at the 3:00 mark.
What do you think? Should Germany be the host country if Guy Sebastian wins or should the honour be granted to the country in second place?
Update: 20:15 GMT on 22 April: Dr. Frank-Dieter Freiling, Chairman of the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group, has described Björkman’s comments as “premature” and “unfortunate”. He says the NDR is one of several broadcasters that could host Eurovision 2016 if Australia were to win, but that such a decision would not be made until after Australia actually did win.
Are the comments unfortunate because they actually premature? Or are they unfortunate because Freiling doesn’t want other broadcasters to know Germany has negotiated some sort of hosting deal? Or are they unfortunate because they suggest Germany is in cahoots with Australia to back their win? So many questions, but no answers, y’all.
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If Australia wins the contest it should host it in 2016. I have watched the Eurovision song contest since I was 5yo and saw Dana win for Ireland in 1970. We have held two Olympic games, one in Melbourne in 1956 and one in Sydney in 2000 which was described as the best ever. If we win we can do this as Australia has the venues, resources and technical ability to stage it. I will be the first in line to buy a ticket if it was held in Sydney
The UK should host the competition next year if Australia wins in Vienna. The UK has a history of picking up the contest when the winner cannot host AND it seems unlikely that the UK will win (as it hasn’t for a long time) so give them a chance to host the competition. BUT I think it should be the Australian broadcaster hosting the competition, but in a European city. They would have to work with the BBC if it were in London but it would still be SBS’s show!
I’m confused, why Germany? Where did that decision come from?
Definitly Germany!!! What if the runner up is a country like Moldova, Macedonia or San Marino… then 2016 s**ks fck*** hard…. and Germany has already proven to be a worthy host country. If Germany can’t host it, then Azerbaijan ;p
If Australia does win (which I think they won’t), Australia should have the host. Not sure which city though…
@George,
I think Malta has a chance to win this year. They’ve come in 2nd with songs far inferior to the one this year.
@ Graph
So is Cyprus and Malta. Lol. None of Cyprus Malta and UK are gonna win for the next ten(???) years.
If, If, If . If Australia wins they should go fuck themselves and let the runner up host the contest.And, by the way, do you think that Australia deserves to win ? It’s redicoulous.Like Italy’s 2nd place in 2011.
Since Australia is a Commonwealth member, I think if they win, the U.K. should have the right to host.
“Or are they unfortunate because Freiling doesn’t want other broadcasters to know Germany has negotiated some sort of hosting deal?” I don’t think Germany has a dire wish to host the contest only a few years after they won. For most countries, it’s a loss-making project and it doesn’t bring Germany any kind of reputation the country doesn’t already have. I can hardly see broadcasters actually fighting to host the contest.
@wut
You don’t understand?
It can’t be assumed the runner up would have won because the people who voted for Australia may have otherwise voted for the song that came third or came fifth. Understand now? If you still don’t get it, I will try and explain I again.
The most who deserve to win is Spain far away from the rest , but ok , is years that the best dont win except of course Euphoria
Why not Portugal or any other country that never had a chance to host ESC?
uk should host because that will certainly light up a fire under their ass to send good songs again and besides, oz and uk share a bond.
IF THE COMPETITION IS FAKE AND WE KNOW ALREADY THE WINNER SO WHAT ARE WE DOING?LET’S GIVE THE AWARD FROM NOW.
I DON’T GET THE SWEDISH CONVERSATION.OK THEY VOTE AS A JURY.THAT’S IT.THEY HAVE DECIDED AUSTRALIA AS A WINNER.DO THEY KNOW THE SWEDISH TELEVOTING OR THE RESULT FROM OTHER COUNTRIES?IT’S A SURREAL CONVERSATION.AND I WANT THE WINNER TO HOST EUROVISION.AND IF THEY CAN’T WE CAN SEE IT THEN.AND HOW DID THEY DECIDE GERMANY AS A HOST COUNTRY.EUROPE IS ONLY GERMANY?
@Eugene: I must agree with your first comment, with a twist: I think this interview may have damaged Australia’s chances of winning. And did I miss something in this write-up? How does a MELODIFESTIVALEN boss decide what the EBU fat cats are going to do in the event of an Aussie win?
Again, if it were up to me, I’d let the Aussies host the semifinals (2 cities would be even better; maybe Sydney for Day 1 and Melbourne for Day 2), and give the Grand Final in Europe to the 2nd-place finisher.
Fuck dat! Let Germany earn it like everyone else! Besides, they hosted the contest in 2011. I’d sooner go to a country that has NEVER hosted the contest, and WANTS to do it!
And there is this sort of business: The second-place finisher obviously deserves it. And what if the second-place finisher loses to the Aussies by ONE POINT?? Are you going to tell them, “Sorry, pal; we’re going to Germany”, even if they finish LAST, or worse, NUL POINTS?!
I don’t want Australia to win, it would mess everything up with Australia participating the next year and the host country ect. Germany though? They only hosted it 4 years ago, I want go somewhere new. It seems more logical for the runner up to host it, therefore it could be acknowledged that the country would of won if it wouldn’t have been for Australia and the singers could be an interval act.
I agree that being a song contest the best SONG should win. Which in this case ‘tonight again’ should come dead last in the final.
I’m Australian and i’ll be mortified if Guy wins the contest.
I can’t even decide what’s more screwed up :1) Australia participating; 2) Germany hosting in case of an australian win; 3) Some swedish pannel announcing this 1st hand.
@Will: I wouldn’t worry much about the Malta hoating thing, we would probably be able to host a decent contest ( ~13000-15000 people ) easily. Considering we hosted a decent JESC of 4,500 people just by using 1/3 of the total shipyard space. I would be more worried about San Marino.
@Eugene ESC UK
agree 100% agree , silly idea to let Australia in anyway . obviously they must ask the runner up to host in the event of them winning in Vienna
Either the runner up. The UK as we and Australia have bid connections but then you could say Greece as well then.
Now I expect 12 to Australia from Germany.
This is wrong in many ways.
Quick question for anyone who has attended the contest, a little off-topic; Do you prefer the contest going to a big city (like Moscow or Athens), or to a more modest place (Malmo, Dusseldorf, Riga). I would imagine there is more atmosphere in the latter (whereas in the former it would get swallowed up/unnoticed). Going off that, if Australia or Germany win, which city/venue would be chosen? Hamburg or Berlin? I remember the bids for ESC 2011 were rather poor, like a big tent for Berlin. Also, where would we go if Georgia/Malta/Albania win? I don’t think they have suitable… Read more »
Australia or Italy winning is my biggest fear in this contest.
Why would the runner up want to host? ESC is expensive guys, having the honour and getting to enjoy Euroclub in your neighbourhood won’t cover the costs. We should be thankful Germany is willing to provide the back up plan.
I think it should be a situation where the contest is in Germany, but carries on as if it were hosted by Australia–Australia flag in the logo, maybe Australian presenters, a theme revolving around Australia…that way the winner is still “hosting” but without everyone having to travel to Australia. I’m sure SBS would also be able to co-host with a German broadcaster or be able to take over as a host broadcaster from Germany.
Why this discussion…it’s already clear that Sweden is going to win…and that’s very sad & overrated in my opinion! ;(
I guess it’s good that Australia won’t win this year (most probably). I’d like to see them return anyway though
from what I understand Germany would host.. BUT australian TV would host and produce everything. so basically Germany would only provide the arena. I think a ESC in Germany would basically not mean anything to Germany as the production would be 100% focused on Australia. Hardly even mentioning the fact that it was held in Germany. ‘
Eurovision 2011 was my favorite contest, the hosts, the stage, the quality of songs and the host city of Dusseldorf BUT the hosting should definitely go to the runner up of the contest, as if there was no Australia, the runner up would be the winner outright. Germany would be great hosts and it would be nice to see Berlin host a ESC but the whole idea of winning the competition is so the winner can host the following year, and showcase their nation to millions of viewers…so if the winner, or even runner up cant host..why compete? I was… Read more »
“It can’t be assumed the runner up would have won.” this is some pretty fucked up logic.
Good luck, Australia! Looks like you’ll deserve the win, if you do. However, its not in my top 10. As for Germany hosting, it seems reasonable given its centralized location, financial wherewithal, etc, etc. Anyway, don’t get your tail in a knot, people! Australia has to win the ESC first! (Personally, I believe it will be Italy, Sweden or Estonia that takes it home!) 😉
I read almost 20 times the comment: ‘ If the runner up can’t afford the contest’ and I’m very pissed off. Big 5 countries go straight to the final exactly for this reason. To financialy help countries that can’t afford the contest right? So if Albania,for example wins, Germany and the other ‘BIG’ countries should help Albania host the contest. That simple. I’m bored of seeing another contest in Scandinavia Germany or northern Europe. Don’t you found weird the fact that the last years only rich countries host the contest? I do. All the countries should be given the chance… Read more »
Ofcourse Australia is gonna win and then they will stay in ESC…. 🙁 I just dont like this. And ESC 2011 was awful. I hate the stage, it feels so empty, it was just a stage with a big screen behind it, you could hardly see the artists. Ughh i totally hate this idea. I pray for a miracle to happen (which wont help anyway, the EBU want them to win)
UK, or a country that hasn’t hosted it before like Slovenia – Switzerland could host it again, as they are the basis of the EBU HQ.
I would just like to add, since it’s not mentioned in the article, that hosting with Germany was one of the conditions (voted and agreed upon) in order for Australia to even compete in the contest to begin with. To quote Björkman on why Germany was chosen, “They (as in Australia and SBS) have to ally with an European broadcaster that can guarantee to host if Australia wins.” Which is a completely valid reason why to choose the Germans since they have the money, logistics and will to do so. It might not be fair, but at least they’re not… Read more »
I’m getting really scared that Australia will win. They don’t deserve at all with that song but they probably will win. Other entries such as Albania, Estonia and Sweden deserve to win way more but the novelty of having Australia there will make them win
Y al final los doce puntos de Alemania, van para…
So Germany will give its 12 points to Australia since they can’t vote for themselves…
Omg please Germany. Imagine how funny it’d be if Ann Sophie wouldn’t win and the songcontest still would be held in Germany. She’d be like: “not again the false winner”
Just as Olivia has already mentioned I also think that it would be a huge mess if Australia won.
I’d love to see Germany host again but it would only be fair to let the runner-up host.
Germany is the best to host Eurovision.I ant never forget Eurovision 2011.I wish Australia or Germany win
one thing i am sure this year , 12 points from Germany goes to …… Australiaaaa
I was wondering this, I was thinking it would have to be a big five country- say if (random) Norway came second, would Australia and Norway automatically make it to the final? That would mean an even longer show! I’d imagine France, Spain and Italy would be uninterested in hosting and My native UK has been used as emergency host in the past (and had both dance contests and the 60th show). Germany have the money, logistics and the know-how to easily host again. But would they use a normal arena instead of a football stadium? It wouldn’t be Düsseldorf… Read more »
I would prefer Runner Up to host or the UK (most in common with Australia). Simply too soon for Germany to host again. It is the same reason I don’t want Sweden to win, I would rather see someone different win.
Australia has a nice song and all, but can we talk about the fact in that jury picture Bjorkman gave Estonia 4 and Finland a 10? What?
I was very excited at first with Australia participating in our Vision.. Now im not really & just disappointed.. I would only justify the fact 4 Australia to considered hot favorite to win the EuroVision if Sebastian Guy had a great or truly winning material song on his hands… With this mediocre weak song i just do not at all.. I really thought that for a country to considered hot favorite to win required mainly to have a song worthy of the victory obviously.. Ok to admit,I was really expecting Australia to do well and even get a high place… Read more »
My vote has been for the runner-up, but I know that no runner-up will host the contest better than Germany.