🇬🇧 Olly Alexander to represent the United Kingdom at Eurovision 2024

In a shocking announcement, it has been announced that Olly Alexander will represent the United Kingdom at Eurovision 2024, which will take place in Malmö, Sweden.

Years and Years frontman to represent the UK

The news was announced during the live final of the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing, which aired on BBC One. Speaking about his appointment as the UK’s representative, Olly had the following to say:

I’ve loved watching Eurovision ever since I was a little kid and I’m beyond excited to be taking part next year. As a young boy I always looked forward to this incredible event of unbridled joy, the wonderfully chaotic mix of musical styles, theatrical performances, heartfelt emotion and humour. I really can’t believe I’m going to be a part of such a special legacy and fly the flag for the UK in the gayest way possible, it shall be an honour!

I’ve wanted to do this for a long time and it feels like the right moment to start releasing music under my own name. I’m determined to give it everything I’ve got and put on an excellent and unforgettable performance for you all!’

Ben Mortimer, the president of Olly’s record label Polydor Records had the following to say:

“Polydor, as the British home of ABBA and Loreen, have a deep connection with Sweden and Eurovision. And, we also have a deep connection with the trailblazing, cultural force that is Olly Alexander, who we have worked with for almost ten years. He is quite simply an incredible talent who we are convinced will make a huge impact for the UK in this year’s competition. We are proud to be supporting him in his bid for Eurovision success.”

Whilst, Kalpna Patel-Knight, the Head of Entertainment at the BBC comments:

To have an artist of Olly Alexander’s calibre representing the UK in Malmö in 2024 is testament to just how much the BBC wants to keep momentum of Eurovision riding high since the UK had the honour of hosting the contest on behalf of Ukraine in Liverpool earlier this year. Olly is the perfect ambassador for the UK as both an immensely talented and world renowned artist and passionate fan of the competition

Suzy Lamb, MD of Entertainment & Music at BBC Studios says:

 “BBC Studios is so excited to be working with the incredible Olly Alexander to create something very special for the UK at Eurovision. Olly is a world class, charismatic performer and we can’t wait for him to raise the roof at next year’s contest in Sweden.”

Olly’s written will be co-written by Danny L Harle, who has worked with artists such as Charli XCX, Superfruit, Rina Sawayama, Skrillex and Dua Lipa, will be revealed in due course.

The United Kingdom’s Eurovision Journey

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 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 16.

In 2023, Mae Muller represented the UK on home soil in Liverpool with her song “I Wrote A Song”. At the close of voting, the UK finished 25th in a field of 26, earning a total of 24 points. Of these, 15 points came from the jury, whilst the remaining 9 came from the televote.

What do you think of the UK’s choice for Malmö? Are you excited to hear Olly’s entry for Eurovision? As always, please let us know what you think by commenting below. Be sure to follow ‘THAT Eurovision Site’ on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky for all of the latest Eurovision news.

News Source: BBC

Photo Credit: BBC