Irish funny man, chat show host and UK Eurovision presenter Graham Norton has weighed in on Australia’s inclusion in the European contest – represented by our very own Guy Sebastian- and the outspoken star isn’t too impressed with Down Under’s involvement.
“It’s a nonsense,” Graham told reporters at this week’s BAFTA Television Awards. “The one thing the contest doesn’t need is another song.”
The eponymous 52-year-old presenter of The Graham Norton Showwas referring to the news that Australia has been given a one-off wildcard entry into this year’s Eurovision song contest despite not being actually part of Europe.
Former Australian Idol winner Guy Sebastian was announced as the Aussie rep, revealing that he will perform the song ‘Tonight Again’ – a new R&B track written and produced over the period of a week in Sydney especially for Eurovision.
“It’s amazing. I’m stoked to be involved,” Guy said after he was confirmed as Australia’s ambassador at an unveiling ceremony at the Sydney Opera House in March.
The Independent reports that Graham, who often commentates the annual contest for UK audiences, also said he doesn’t understand why Australia has been included this year.
As the name would suggest, the contest is normally reserved for European countries but with over 3 million viewers regularly tuning in to watch the annual event on SBS, and a long European migrant history, Australia has one of the highest per capita viewerships in the world.
With the theme of this year’s event titled “Building Bridges” for the 60th anniversary of the contest, the European Broadcasting Union, who organises the event, this year decided to extend that bridge of friendship down under.
Graham Norton has never been shy about vocalising his opinions, but his views on our inclusion in the infamous song contest could rub up some Aussie fans the wrong way!
With a strong viewership of his own show on Channel Ten in Oz, perhaps Mr Norton should be more careful about alienating Aussie viewers?
The 60th Eurovision Song Contest 2015 will be held from May 19-May 23 in Vienna, Austria
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