Meet Australia's Eurovision 2021 act Montaigne who will sing Technicolour
The ruff-tastic singer/songwriter Montaigne is already a rising star Down Under.
After taking the year off, Eurovision 2021 is here and Montaigne, who was supposed to perform in 2020, is back for 2021 – but not in the way she would have hoped.
She will be competing though and, as Australia have already achieved four top-10 finishes in the competition, all eyes will be on her to see if she can go ahead and secure them their first-ever victory in the contest.
But who exactly is Montaigne, and is her song any good? Here's all you need to know about her, and how she will be performing in a different way to everyone else.
Will Australia take part in Eurovision 2021?
They will – but not in the way that everyone else will be doing it.
COVID may not be putting a halt to the whole contest in 2021 but it has stopped Australia from being able to compete alongside everyone else in Rotterdam and it has been confirmed that Australia will compete in Eurovision virtually.
Who is representing Australia at Eurovision 2021?
Age: 25
Instagram: @actualmontaigne
Twitter: @actualmontaigne
Real name Jessica Alyssa Cerro, Montaigne is a 25-year-old certified star in Australia. Having already released two studio albums and ten singles, she's also nabbed the Best Breakthrough Artist award at the ARIA Music Awards (a big deal Down Under).
Montaigne takes her moniker from the Renaissance philosopher Michel de Montaigne, credited by many for inventing the essay – a big win for intellectual discussions, a massive loss to the students of today.
Montaigne has shared her disappointment that she will not be able to fly over to Rotterdam to compete live with everyone else, saying:
Naturally, I’m sad that for two years in a row I have been unable to participate in the live spectacle of Eurovision. My partner and I had been discussing what video games we would bunker down within a hotel room in Rotterdam between rehearsals for the final event, and we were excited about it.
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!
It’s such a beautiful festivity and not even a pandemic can put it to bed. Eurovision will live forever
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What is Australia's Eurovision 2021 song called?
Technicolour! The song was written by Montaigne herself alongside Dave Hammer and has been described as a hyper pop self-empowerment anthem - which could not sound more of a perfect fit for a contest like Eurovision.
Want to hear the song ahead of the big night? Just click play on the video below!
What happens if Australia wins Eurovision 2021?
Then Eurovision 2021 won't be hosted in Australia. This is because A) the time difference, and B) it would cost too much to fly everyone to another hemisphere.
Instead, Eurovision rules state Australia would have to co-host the contest in another country. And while Germany is thought to be Australia's first choice, 2019's contestant, Kate Miller-Heidke told RadioTimes.com she thinks the honour could fall to the UK.
Where did Australia come in the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest?
Although tipped to finish in the top five, singer Kate Miller-Heidke achieved a ninth-place spot in the table with Zero Gravity – or, as she sang it, 'Ze-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-ero Gra-a-a-a-a-a-a-avity'.
But a top 10 spot is nothing to turn your nose up at and it is a sign that the most recent addition to the Eurovision line-up could be inching closer to winning the whole thing.
Will 2021 be their year?
When is Eurovision 2021?
The Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final will take place on Saturday 22nd May 2021 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
BBC One will be broadcasting live coverage of the event, while Graham Norton commentates.
Ken Bruce will be providing commentary on BBC Radio 2.
The semi-finals will be held on Tuesday 18th and Thursday 20th May, and will be broadcast on BBC Four.
- For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021 guides.
Why was Eurovision 2020 cancelled?
Blame COVID! The pandemic essentially shut the world down in 2020 and as amazing as Eurovision is, it was not immune and it too was forced to abandon the contest.
With a Eurovision shaped hole to fill, we got shows celebrating the history of the competition in Shine a Light and Eurovision Come Together and, as fun as they were, we're delighted that we get the proper contest back in all its glory for 2021.
To revisit the last two contests, you can buy Eurovision 2018 here and Eurovision 2019 here.
The Eurovision Song contest 2021 will air on the BBC this May. Check out the full list of Eurovision winners here. If you're looking for something to watch tonight, check out our TV Guide.
Authors
Thomas is Digital editor at BBC Science Focus. Writing about everything from cosmology to anthropology, he specialises in the latest psychology, health and neuroscience discoveries. Thomas has a Masters degree (distinction) in Magazine Journalism from the University of Sheffield and has written for Men’s Health, Vice and Radio Times. He has been shortlisted as the New Digital Talent of the Year at the national magazine Professional Publishers Association (PPA) awards. Also working in academia, Thomas has lectured on the topic of journalism to undergraduate and postgraduate students at The University of Sheffield.
