A few months after the BBC revealed their partnership with TaP Music, Ben Mawson, who is leading the search for the UK’s next Eurovision representative provided an update on how the search for the next UK representative is going.
Deadline for UK’s entrant to be announced is March 10
Speaking to Musicweek about the selection, Ben has mentioned that they are really close to making the decision and that there is a mixture of established, emerging and brand new talent being considered.
“We’re getting really close to making our final decision, we have lots of options and have been pleasantly surprised by how many wonderful artists, both new and more established want to be part of this process with us.
Like us, they recognise that Eurovision is the biggest music TV opportunity in the world. It’s a tough decision with so many strong contenders, many with existing European fanbases, which is exciting. When we decide on the act, we will put an incredible team around the chosen act and look forward to sharing news shortly
In addition, Ben mentioned that it’s been fantastic to work with the BBC for this project:
“It’s been fantastic to work so closely with the BBC on this project so far, in particular Radio1 and Scott Mills – who’s offered incredible insight and has been a major part of the team. Radio 1 – the voice of youth culture – is vital to the Eurovision audience which as we know is skewing younger every year. It’s really important to us that this year’s Eurovision has the feel good factor, we want everyone to get behind the act, enjoy the show and hopefully celebrate a great U.K. performance on the night.”
The chosen artist who will represent the UK in Turin will be released commercially through a partnership with a major record label.
The UK’s Eurovision Journey
Despite a recent slump in results, the UK is one of the most successful countries at the Eurovision Song Contest. Debuting at the second edition ever of the Contest in 1957, the United Kingdom has won the competition on five separate occasions. The most recent win for the UK was in 1997 with Katrina and the Waves, singing “Love Shine A Light”. The UK also holds the record for the number of second-place finishes – currently at 15.
In 2021, the UK was represented by James Newman with his song “Embers”. However, the performance failed to impress juries or televoters, finishing in last place with zero points.
News Source: MusicWeek
Photo Source: MusicWeek
