Viewers are pouring into ABC’s New Year’s Eve coverage for its ‘woke political activism’, ‘snoozefest’ performances and ‘terrible lip syncing’: ‘Is this a Rock Eisteddfod?’

ABC’s annual New Year’s Eve coverage has infuriated viewers. They have criticized the broadcaster for spoiling a supposedly joyful celebration with angry political statements and “amateur” performances by musicians.

Hosted by Charlie Pickering, Zan Rowe and Concetta Caristo, the show featured a variety of acts including Angie McMahon, Mark Seymour and Grent Perez.

But it was Brisbane indie-electro-pop band Confidence Man who drew the ire of many at home.

“It’s like a sixth year talent search,” one viewer wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“What kind of s*** is this…” wrote another, while someone else added: “Why do these dopes even bother with it when they’re straight up lip-syncing horribly.”

‘This techno, synth, prancing, fake, lip-syncing, narcissistic, empty bullshit is awful!!! Throw them into the harbor! added another.

“Is this a Rock Eisteddfod high school national competition?” another viewer asked again, “Is that Sacha Baron Cohen punking us?”

Earlier in the broadcast, Melbourne singer Angie McMahon took to the stage to sing an inspired version of Sinead O’Connor’s Nothing Compares To you, alongside an original song called Pasta.

However, it was her views on the Israel-Palestine conflict that bothered some viewers.

“Get Angie McMahon, the wannabe activist, OUT!!!” wrote one viewer, before adding: “What a shame.”

‘What happened to a fun night out for everyone without a painful political statement? It’s hard to believe this ‘unbiased’ station still exists when it is taxpayer funded and costs billions annually,” wrote another.

‘What a shame!! Political activism everywhere,” a third commented.

“Worst NYE broadcast ever, turn that nonsense off. ABC what a joke and whoever organized the whole fireworks display on NYE it’s the worst thing I’ve ever seen. I immediately turned it off when I realized it was just another woke show,” wrote another.

Others supported the political message, with one person saying: ‘Gosh. I suspect the ABC will lose the rights to fireworks coverage on NYE if any artist says the P-word and by that I mean Palestine.

“Everyone talks about freedom of speech, but it seems the real snowflakes are the ones who can’t even tolerate the utterance of a word ‘cough’.

While others were bored by the acts and some complained that there were too many ballads for such a festive event.

‘Is ABC trying to put us to sleep?!? I’ve heard better music at a funeral!’ wrote one person.

“At the rate we’re going I think everyone will fall asleep and miss the fireworks this year,” said another.

“Will anyone be singing happy, feel-good party songs tonight??? What about the ballads??’ added a third.

However, not all reactions were negative.

Mark Seymour’s stirring rendition of Talking Heads’ Once in a Lifetime was met with a chorus of praise.

‘Oh, this was inspired by Mark Seymour!!! wrote one viewer.

He gained even more admiration when the former frontman of Hunters & Collectors sang their most endearing hit Throw Your Arms Around Me.

“Mark Seymour is simply a national treasure!” wrote another.

Elsewhere, viewers enjoyed Grent Perez’s spirited performance.

‘What a great surprise it was to see Grent Perez. I’ve never heard of him tonight, but he’s got talent!’ wrote one satisfied viewer.

‘Grant Perez, what a talent! Legend,” wrote another.