Logies 2016: The big-name overseas musicians that organisers of the Logie Awards failed to secure

LOGIES organisers tried — and failed — to nab chart-toppers The Weeknd and Zayn Malik, leaving them without a major overseas act for Sunday’s event.

The Weeknd, pictured with model girlfriend Bella Hadid, was planned to perform at this Sunday’s Logie Awards but the deal fell through at the last minute. Picture: Getty Images

ORGANISERS of the Logies have failed at the last minute to secure global chart-topper The Weeknd for this Sunday’s event.

Negotiations with the Can’t Feel My Face singer’s record label Universal Music went down to the wire, it’s understood.

But a source said a scheduling conflict saw the plan fall over, leaving television’s night of nights without a star-powered headliner.

The inclusion of a big international name — which in previous years saw acts like One Direction, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran take to the stage — has been credited with boosting key viewer demographics in the past.

And with what’s already seen to be a lacklustre Gold Logie nominee list, this could prove a death knell for Channel Nine’s ratings chances.

One Direction fans the Logies in 2012. The boy band’s appearance was credited with boosting ratings. Picture: Supplied

“We were expecting someone to potentially be announced this week,” Logies spokeswoman Sally Burleigh confirmed.

“A record company was trying to move schedules to get them out. It just didn’t happen.”

But this year will be an all local line-up, with rock legend Jimmy Barnes, pop princess Delta Goodrem and current it boy Conrad Sewell taking to the stage.

Burleigh wouldn’t confirm who the eleventh hour dropout was but said “it would’ve been fabulous”.

Zayn Malik is one of the artists that Logies organisers had hoped to secure for Sunday. Picture: Supplied

In recent months, “every record company in the country has been spoken to”, she said.

However no overseas act was due to be in Australia and the cost of bringing someone in especially would’ve been prohibitive.

“If there’d been an international act here, I’m sure we would’ve had them. But no one’s here — literally. Have a look and no one’s in the country.”

There was speculation that James Packer, whose Crown Casino in Melbourne hosts the Logies, might’ve roped in his fiance Mariah Carey to belt out a number.

Burleigh admitted the diva had been “in the mix” early on, alongside “a couple of big names”.

A source said former One Direction member Zayn Malik was another star organisers had hoped to secure. The lack of an overseas act this year has raised a few eyebrows.

“You almost wonder if they forgot to book someone,” one TV insider, who asked not to be named, quipped.

There was speculation that Mariah Carey might take to the Logies stage at her boyfriend James Packer’s Crown Casino. Picture: Instagram

But Burleigh pointed out that in the past critics have poked fun at foreign musicians and actors paid to attend.

“We’ve been damned if we do, damned if we don’t. People ask why they’re there. All you guys dis it and go: ‘Do we need to import talent who know nothing about our television? What’s the point?’

“I think everyone loves the fact that it’s all Australian music artists (this year). Everyone will be entertained and have a beautiful night.”

Originally published as Logies 2016: The big-name overseas musicians that organisers of the Logie Awards failed to secure