Eurovision 2017 alum Lucie Jones has continued to thrive onstage since her 17th place finish in Kiev. And soon, her journey will bring her all the way to the land of Oz.
On Wednesday, Jones announced that she will assume the lead role of Elphaba in the West End production of the hit musical Wicked in 2022.
Lucie’s Theatrical Journey to Wicked
Lucie Jones initially rose to prominence on the sixth season of The X Factor in 2009. She was eliminated in week five, where she lost the showdown to fellow Eurovision alumni Jedward.
Since her time on the show, Lucie has found success on the stage, appearing in Les Miserables as Cosette on the West End and the UK tours of We Will Rock You, Rent, and Legally Blonde. Most recently, Jones appeared in both the West End and touring productions of the musical Waitress in the lead role of Jenna, first assuming the part in 2019.
Lucie will join Wicked in its 16th year on the West End at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, assuming the role first made famous by Idina Menzel. Some of the iconic songs Lucie will perform include “For Good”, “The Wizard and I”, and “Defying Gravity”. She will play opposite Helen Woolf as Galinda and her first performance will be on 1st February 2022.
Wicked tells the origin story of The Wicked Witch of the West from L. Frank Baum’s famous book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The original Broadway production premiered in 2003 and has spawned numerous productions across the globe and a dedicated fanbase. A film adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande is also in the works.
Lucie’s Eurovision Journey
Lucie Jones earned the right to represent the UK at Eurovision 2017 after participating in the BBC’s Eurovision: You Decide. Her song “Never Give Up on You” was co-written by 2013 Eurovision winner Emmelie de Forest.
Lucie earned 99 points from the juries – the 10th-highest jury score – but earned only 12 points from the televote, ultimately placing 15th overall. Still, her performance was received positively and stands as one of the UK’s best results of the 2010s.
The BBC recently announced a partnership with TaP Music to choose the UK entrant for Eurovision 2022.
Are you excited about this casting news? Will you be seeing Lucie in Wicked? Let us know in the comments or on social media. Don’t forget to follow ‘THAT Eurovision Site’ over at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
News Source: WhatsOnStage, Lucie Jones
Photo Source: Lucie Jones
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