Stars flock to the Gold Coast to prepare for the return of annual Logies Awards

After two years away, the Logies are back and stars are getting ready for the biggest night in Australian TV.

Australia’s biggest stars have flocked to Queensland ahead of tonight’s Logie Awards.

After a two year hiatus, a slew of celebrities will be hitting the red carpet on the Gold Coast, including Gold Logie contenders Karl Stefanovic and Melissa Leong and nominees Melissa Bracewell and Chris Brown.

Stefanovic said he’s never been so excited for the Logies, putting his Gold Logie nomination down to the intensity of the news cycle over the past two years.

“We’ve been a familiar face waking people up every day,” he said.

“I think people like knowing what they’ll get, even if the news is tough. People feel they know you and I think that counts for a lot.”

Chris Brown, Melissa Leong and Melanie Bracewell ahead of the Logies. Picture: Mark Cranitch.

But the Today Show host isn’t placing any bets on himself, with Stefanovic saying the coveted award should go to either Hamish Blake or Melissa Leong.

“It’d be great if she won, she’d be the first woman of colour to win, but she also just really deserves it too,” he said.

With plans for a “few drinks” to be had on the night, Stefanovic hoped morning viewers wouldn’t be seeing a rerun of his infamous drunk hosting back in 2011.

“I don’t think I’ll be quite that bad, it’s been 11 years,” he said.

“But this will be the biggest Logies in a long time, I’ve never been more excited, so if anyone wants to bring me a coffee and a burger during the show, I’d be pretty happy with that.”

History could be made this year if first time Gold Logie nominee, Melissa Leong, takes out the top gong, with the MasterChef star saying it was a “distinct honour” just to be nominated.

“Isn’t it insane that only one person of colour has ever won this award? We are a nation made up of ancient and migrant heritage – we all contribute to this amazing country, I find it so hard to believe that this is our reality in 2022,” she said.

“It is obviously a distinct honour to be nominated, and may I be just one of many in the coming years.”

Meanwhile, any reason to put on a frock and a spray tan is good enough for New Zealand comedian Melanie Bracewell, but this year is made especially sweet with her first nomination for Most Popular New Talent.

“Before I even knew I was nominated I got an email inviting me to the Logies and I’ve never responded faster in my life,” she said.

Bracewell said she was honoured not only to be nominated herself, but also for her show Cheap Seats to nab a spot in the Logies for Most Popular Comedy Program, saying it was one of her favourite gigs to date.

“That’s been the most exciting thing to see is that the thing we’re making, people are really enjoying. Is that too wholesome to say?”