Everyone loves something about the Eurovision! You can find past copies of vinyl singles and CDs by most entrants and notably those that went on to great success… Abba… Olivia Newton John… Cliff Richard, Katrina & The Waves, Secret Garden, Celine Dion, Bucks Fizz, Vicky Leandros, Sandie Shaw… Lulu – You’ll find them all at eil.com.
Here’s what the BBC have to say:-
The Eurovision Song Contest is almost upon us and the UK’s entrant SuRie will already be limbering up in Lisbon ahead of Saturday’s grand final.
Some of the UK’s former competitors have spoken about their Eurovision experience and what their favourite memories from the show were – even if the vote wasn’t kind to them.
So, who looks back with bittersweet feelings? Who were the most competitive countries and which competitor had Simon Cowell on their team?
BBC News spoke to six of the UK’s previous Eurovision acts and found out what advice they would give to SuRie.
1. Lucie Jones
Lucie Jones was last year’s UK entry, coming a respectable 15th out of the 26 countries which competed in the final.
She first entered our lives in 2009, after making it to live shows on The X Factor where she came eighth.
She sang Never Give Up On You and says she was “amazed” at how supportive the Eurovision fans are.
How do you look back on your Eurovision time?
I had a great time, it was very full-on. I did it while I was performing in Rent. I was doing eight shows a week, and then trying to fit in rehearsals and preparation for Eurovision as well. It was a crazy time, but I look back now and love that I did it.
Who took the competition most seriously?
At the end of the show, I had a big bag of glitter and was throwing it over everyone. Everyone took it really well – except Greece. She didn’t take the glitter very well at all, because she thought she was going to win. She thought I was making fun of her and didn’t take it in the spirit in which I meant it.
Anything you’d have done differently?
My only regret would be to take EVEN more pictures! Such a fun experience. I absolutely loved it.
Any advice for SuRie?
Relax and have fun. Trust that the audience will enjoy it if you enjoy it!
2. Blue
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGESBlue already had a huge chart-topping career including collaborations with the likes of Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Lil’ Kim. The boyband used their 2011 Eurovision appearance as a comeback after having been on hiatus for seven years. Blue’s song I Can came in 11th place at Eurovision – which hasn’t been bettered by the UK since.
Antony Costa from the band says that despite Blue’s back catalogue, it’s Eurovision that still garners the greatest interest…
How do you look back on your Eurovision time?
I look back with fond and still exciting memories and as a band it was probably the hardest we have ever worked. Everything was unpredictable and yet so exciting at the same time.
What was the best thing about doing it?
The fact that you had so many other countries all doing the same thing, with the same goal and wanting to win the same prize. That level of competition is incredible!
How nerve-wracking was it?
125 million people watching your every move. Need I say more?
Favourite memory?
The moment we got 12 points from Bulgaria. That kind of blew us away, we had never even been to Bulgaria and yet who knew, the Bulgarians were fans of Blue!
What was the reaction back in the UK?
The reaction was positive all around, and for us as band it led into two new albums (Roulette and Colours) and another five years of non-stop global touring, as well as TV shows and a whole bunch of other stuff.
Advice for SuRie?
I would simply say to SuRie enjoy every moment. Try and take it all in because it goes by so quickly and be proud of the achievement you have reached and just know the country is behind you (and I will definitely be watching).
3. Sonia
Liverpool pop sensation Sonia had enjoyed huge fame and success before she performed at Eurovision in 1993. She sang Better the Devil You Know and came second (back in the days when the UK still did OK in this kind of thing) – but says she was “gutted” about missing out on the top spot…
How do you look back on your Eurovision time?
I had a marvellous time, I was so chuffed that the BBC chose me and asked me to take part.
It was something I loved as a kid. I remember watching Making Your Mind Up by Bucks Fizz – I thought it was great. I was only 10 years old at the time, but it had a real lasting impression on me.
How has the contest changed since you competed?
Ours wasn’t on the spectacular level it is now. It was much more basically staged.
I appeared on Terry Wogan’s Saturday night programme over a number of different weeks to showcase all the different songs which were options for Eurovision. All the music industry people and all these high level BBC executives picked out these eight songs as possibilities. Simon Cowell was among those involved, I was signed to him at the time.
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGESDid Eurovision attract a different calibre of songwriter / performer back then?
There has always been a lot of interest in Eurovision from famous songwriters. Pete Waterman wrote one, as did Andrew Lloyd Webber. Songwriters have always been really interested in competing as it’s a great stepping stone to getting your song heard by a massive audience.
But it seems so difficult now, because we never come anywhere in the competition, which is such a shame because a lot of it seems so political.
Were you happy with your result?
At the time I was completely devastated because I came so close to winning. If I’d have come 10th, I don’t think I’d have minded so much.
Looking back now though, second is fantastic!
Advice for SuRie?
Stay focussed – she’s a pro, so she’s no stranger to a stage. Go for it and enjoy.
- First 10 Eurovision finalists chosen
- The talent show stars taking over Eurovision
- Why is Oz’s answer to Beyonce doing Eurovision?
4. Joe Woolford (of Joe and Jake)
Joe and Jake competed for the UK in 2016, a year after they had both participated in the fourth series of The Voice. The duo came third from bottom – in 24th place. Don’t worry though Joe, it matched the previous year’s result, so You’re Not Alone…
How do you look back on your Eurovision time?
It’s crazy that I did it. It’s the biggest singing competition in the world and we were lucky enough to perform and represent the UK.
How many A-list celebrities can say they’ve performed in front of 250 million people? Getting the chance to do it was just fantastic.
Were you happy with your result?
We were really devastated when we came 24th. Gutted is the only word to describe it. So we just got on the wine and tried to enjoy the rest of the Eurovision parties and take our minds off it.
I’d love to go back and try again. It was such an experience and the audience was immense.
Skip Twitter post by @JoeandJakemusic
Joe and Jake
✔@JoeandJakemusic
Two best friends, just had the night of their lives. Thank you all so much
End of Twitter post by @JoeandJakemusic
What impact did the voting changes have in your year?
The televoting was a bit of a shock, to be honest (in 2016 Eurovision changed the voting format so the jury vote and televote were awarded separately).
In the jury vote we didn’t do too badly – we got 12 points from Malta fairly early on, and some of the other countries awarded us points too. So it was looking OK, but then the televotes got added to the scores and we were just annihilated.
I think changing the voting system worked – it just didn’t work in my favour. It’s a good thing though – it’s all about entertainment at the end of the day.
Which country took the competition most seriously?
Sweden got very hyped up, and a lot of the other artists took it VERY seriously. Russia spent millions on everything and trying to make their performance stand out.
Advice for SuRie?
It’s the perfect Eurovision song, but I can’t see it winning. My advice to SuRie would be to remember to remember. It’s so easy to go up on there and just go for it, and then forget it all.
Explore eil.com… the world’s best online store for rare, collectable and out of print Vinyl Records, CDs & Music memorabilia since 1987.
Be the first to comment