Forget Brexit, the hunt is on for the UK’s next Eurovision winner – and you can enter here
Could you be the next Conchita Wurst?
The BBC is hunting for an act to represent the UK at next year’s Eurovision Song Contest – and members of the public can put themselves forward.
The 62nd annual Eurovision Song Contest is set to take place in Ukrainian capital Kyiv in May 2017, following the victory of Ukraine’s Jamala with powerful ballad 1944 earlier this year.
Faring less well were the UK’s entry Joe & Jake. who landed 24th out of 26th with ‘You’re Not Alone’, the latest in a string of dismal bottom-table performances.
Not dissuaded by failure nor Brexit, the BBC has fired the starting gun this week on a public contest to choose the next artist.
The broadcaster has opened the door to submissions from unknown artists who will be competing with entries from from leading professional songwriters.
BBC Eurovision exec Guy Freeman said: “This is the moment for anyone who passionately believes they’ve written an outstanding song that could win over the hearts and minds of millions of European TV viewers and professional juries, to go for it and submit their entry. ”
Music Consultant Hugh Goldsmith, who is leading the selection process alongside Eurovision fans, said: “I am looking for songs which have the capacity to make a true impact on the 200 million people that will watch Eurovision live in May 2017.
“Good is not enough…. Great is required! The winning song will need to combine emotive lyrics and memorable melodies with a brilliant production.
“Writers should not be constrained by genre – Best in class is what we want! If you think you have the perfect song, we would love to hear from you.”
A final shortlist of songs will be put to TV viewers in a special live selection show, Eurovision: You Decide, early in 2017.
Guidelines explain: “The BBC is inviting anyone over the age of 18 to submit a video of their original song for consideration. The video does not have to be professionally shot and the audio production can be a demo – but it must be sung live.”
Click here to find out how to submit your entry
