ABC’s New Year’s Eve Show Sparks Backlash as Mel C Waits in the Wings
As the clock ticked closer to midnight and Australia prepared to welcome 2026, ABC’s New Year’s Eve broadcast was supposed to build excitement, energy, and that classic party atmosphere. Instead, what unfolded on screen left many viewers confused, irritated, and reaching for the remote. Social media quickly filled with complaints, and by the end of the night, the coverage was being described as “bizarre,” “cringe,” and wildly out of touch.
The broadcast kicked off with what seemed like a nostalgic-heavy lineup. Acts like The Cat Empire, Casey Donovan, and Peach PRC were rolled out early, while Spice Girls star Mel C was promoted as the headline act set to cap off the night. On paper, it sounded solid enough. But the real controversy arrived just before 10pm, when the ABC decided to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Play School by bringing out its presenters to perform a medley of children’s songs.
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Yes, children’s songs. At 9:45pm. On New Year’s Eve.
Viewers were stunned as familiar tunes like “Wiggly Woo” and the Play School theme echoed through living rooms across the country. Almost instantly, frustration spilled onto X, with many questioning who exactly the segment was meant for. Parents pointed out that most kids were already asleep, while adults felt the mood had been completely derailed. The moment was described as awkward rather than heartwarming, and sentimental rather than celebratory.
Comments ranged from sarcastic disbelief to outright anger. Some viewers joked that they had accidentally tuned into a children’s channel, while others said they had switched off entirely. The timing of the segment was widely criticised, with many arguing it should have aired earlier in the evening, well before the prime countdown hours.
Even the broader lineup wasn’t spared. The Cat Empire’s performance drew criticism for feeling dated, with viewers joking that the ABC had transported them back to the early 2000s. Against that backdrop, anticipation for Mel C’s appearance only highlighted the disconnect. A global pop icon associated with high-energy hits and party anthems was being used to anchor a night that, according to many, never quite found its rhythm.
By the end of the broadcast, a familiar complaint resurfaced. Each year, viewers hope for a fun, upbeat New Year’s Eve soundtrack that people can sing and dance along to. Instead, many felt they were once again left wondering how the vibe could be missed so badly. For a night meant to unite the country in celebration, ABC’s coverage ended up uniting viewers in collective disbelief instead.
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