Australia’s national broadcaster SBS has just announced that after eight years, Julia Zemiro and Sam Pang will no longer be Australia’s commentators of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Julia Zemiro and Sam Pang started covering the contest for SBS back in 2009, and have been at the Eurovision venues every year since then. Now after eight years of covering Eurovision for the whole of Australia, they are saying ‘goodbye’ to the Contest. Julia Zemiro said:

Eight amazing years hosting Eurovision; what a wonderful and hilarious ride. Growing up in a French household in Bondi Junction, I fell in love with this amazing contest ever since Abba won the competition. The languages, the characters, the songs and the sequins have always held a warm place in my heart. Giving SBS audiences a sneak peek into the machinations of this wonderfully unique event over the years has been an absolute joy and a career highlight. It’s hard to say goodbye but thrilled to be handing over to the next team on a high – douze points.

Sam Pang added:

I’d like to thank SBS for the opportunity to explore the world and share that experience with all those back home but there are only so many sequins, burning pianos, power ballads and singing Russian grannies one man can celebrate in a career, and the time has come for me to pass that privilege on to a new team.

Michael Ebeid, General Director of SBS said that the unique relationship of Sam and Julia with the audience is something special, and that SBS has been fortunate to be able to share their love for the Song Contest with Australians for so many years. Australia’s new hosting and commentary team in coming weeks, while their entry and their song is going to be presented on Tuesday morning at 7:30 CET.