SBS dumps plans for Eurovision Asia singing contest after five years

SBS announced plans to create an Asia-Pacific Eurovision spin-off in 2016.

But on Wednesday, the Australian public broadcaster confirmed it had abandoned its plans for the singing contest after five years of development with producers Blink TV.

SBS Commissioning Editor and Australian Head of Delegation Josh Martin told TV Tonight: ‘I think it’s fair to say we’ve rescinded our rights.’

‘We tried to figure it out’: SBS has dropped plans to create a Eurovision Asia singing contest after five years of development. Pictured: Australia’s 2021 Eurovision entrant Montaigne

‘We spent a number of years trying to figure out how to do it and then the global pandemic came along,’ Mr Martin added.

‘We tried so hard but that was one that we just could never quite pin down.’

The proposed Asia-Pacific Eurovision was initially going to be held in 2017 with Australia and 20 other countries taking part.

The European Broadcasting Union previously licensed an Asia-Pacific Contest in Macau in 2009 and Mumbai the following year, but neither event occurred.

No plans: SBS Commissioning Editor and Australian Head of Delegation Josh Martin told TV Tonight, ‘I think it’s fair to say we’ve rescinded our rights.’ Pictured Dami Im on stage in 2016

The 65th annual Eurovision Song Contest kicked off in the Netherlands last week.

Måneskin from Italy took out the grand final on Saturday night, by scoring 524 points with their song Zitti E Buoni.

The win marked Italy’s first victory since 1990 when Toto Cutugno took the top prize.

Making a return: The 65th annual Eurovision Song Contest kicked off in the Netherlands last week. Pictured: Isaiah representing Australia in 2017

The Australian judging panel included Executive Producer of Sounds Australia Millie Millgate, singer Kamahl, Channel Nine reporter Brooke Boney, radio host Ash London and Australia’s Got Talent winner Jack Vidgen.

The Eurovision singing competition returned after last year was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It was held in Rotterdam, Netherlands in front of smaller live audiences than usual.

Winners! Måneskin (pictured) from Italy took out the grand final, by scoring 524 points with their song Ziitti E Buoni