Montaigne and Australia will not be travelling to Rotterdam for Eurovision 2021

SBS announced today that Montaigne would not be travelling to Rotterdam to compete live at Eurovision.

You can see the video announcement below:

Australia will provide the 'live-on-tape' option for Montaigne's performance at Eurovision.

Head of Delegation Josh Martin from SBS said, "After a comprehensive assessment, SBS has decided not to send an Australian delegation and artist to Rotterdam for the Eurovision Song Contest this year. We came to this difficult decision after considering the challenges of the ongoing pandemic, including the many factors involved in travelling to and from the event from Australia.”

Creative Director Paul Clarke from Blink TV added, "Just because we are performing from the other side of the world, doesn’t mean we won’t be competitive. I’m very proud of Montaigne’s fighting spirit and we have a terrific creative concept to present – we can’t wait for you to experience 'Technicolour' brought to life for Eurovision 2021."

All countries competing in Eurovision this year put together a 'live-on-tape' version of their entry under the supervision of the European Broadcasting Union to ensure it was live and all requirements were met.

More details of the 'live-on-tape' process can be found on the Eurovision website: https://eurovision.tv/story/2021-artists-to-record-song-live-on-tape-to-ensure-contest-will-happen

Montaigne said she was "sad that for two years in a row I have been unable to participate in the live spectacle of Eurovision..... (but) Despite that disappointment, it is still an immense privilege to be able to participate and compete in Eurovision, in its fandom and its processes, two years in a row. I have been able to submit two songs that I’m proud of and that have meant significant things to people. I am still absolutely stoked that I can present 'Technicolour' this year, in whatever form my final performance may come in!”

She also added in a tweet:

Myf Warhurst and Joel Creasey wiill again lead the coverage and it will be broadcast exclusively on SBS from 19 to 23 May.