Some thoughts on the UK entry for 2015

Well the BBC has finally revealed who is representing the UK at Eurovision in Vienna. Alexandra Burke? Lulu? Kylie? Er, no.

It's fair to say that Electro Velvet has received mixed reactions from fans with many loving it and others absolutely hating it. That's Eurovision for you!

The Charleston vibe isn't really my thing but I do quite like this, it's quirky and different. In a year where most of the songs chosen have been a bit of a snoozefest, this stands out. Saying that, I don't know if it will woo the voters. The key is how it'll be staged - with a maximum of six people on stage it won't have the impressive impact of the video. Then there's the slightly trickier issue of the live performance - can they pull it off?

What struck me has been the vitriol directed towards the BBC, Electro Velvet and even some huffy tweets directed at me. If I didn't like the entry I would say so. It's not my favourite but we've sent worse. I imagine it'll come across as fun on the night.

There is a question here about how the UK act is chosen and that's something the BBC should review. I do think we need to be bolder and send more daring choices or even something which is more reflective of the UK music scene.

The UK song might not be everyone's cup of tea but I think a sense of perspective is needed. If another country had entered this song I doubt the criticism would be as prominent. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Eurovision is a TV show, it's not for the fans. It's harsh but true and time we all accepted that.

The BBC have got it wrong in the past. I can understand disappointment and wanting to rally behind the UK entry. I'm a Eurovision fan, unashamedly so, but the fan community also does itself no favours. There's a slightly manic element of our community which leaves me a little uncomfortable - as highlighted in Roy Delaney's excellent article on ESC Insight. When people are dropping the c-bomb on public forums, over a difference of opinion in music, it's time for a reality check.

Now, where did I leave my dancing shoes?

Celebrate good times...

It's now been confirmed that the BBC will mark the 60th Eurovision Song Contest by hosting a "Eurovision Greatest Hits" show at the Hammersmith Apollo in London on 31 March (it was reported that it would be in the Albert Hall - remember that Wikipedia isn't to be trusted!) Whilst some fans have expressed disappointment at it not being live show, and about the size of the venue, I think this is great news. The BBC might not have always got it right when it comes to Eurovision, but they're a world-class broadcaster. In terms of production values, the 1998 contest, the most recent Eurovision that the BBC hosted, was ground-breaking and I'm certain that we are going to have a spectacular show on the night.

The European Broadcasting Union is also arranging a 60th anniversary conference which will take place in London in April. I'm delighted to be speaking at this event and will present an overview of some of my research. More details here. About ten years ago I was practically laughed out the room when I asked a question about Eurovision at an academic conference, how times have changed...

This Saturday sees the Melodifestivalen kick off in Sweden, the firm fan favourite and most popular of all national final formats. Of course this also means that various rumours have begun to circulate about the UK entry for Vienna. Last month I filmed a documentary on Eurovision for BBC Four, and whilst the team did not disclose any specific information about the UK entry for 2015, they did say that the deal with the act was nearly complete. Good things come to those who wait...

Happy new year!

Happy new year everyone! I cannot believe that it's 2015 already and that the Eurovision season is already under way. Last week Albania and Belarus chose their respective entries for Vienna and in the coming weeks the season will really kick off - and of course all eyes will turn to Sweden and to Melodifestivalen next month.

 

2014 was a bittersweet year in many ways. In terms of Eurovision work, it was a really successful year for me; I was busier than ever and I finally published my book. It hasn't exactly set the charts on fire but it was only ever intended as something for my CV and I'm glad to have finished the damn thing. On a personal level, 2014 was especially challenging with illness in my family and re-locating to London. I am now looking forward, with optimism, to 2015 and all that lies ahead.

 

2015 will see the 60th Eurovision Song Contest take place and there are various rumours currently going around about what is planned to mark the occasion. I think it's fair to say that the plans will include a little more than the montage shown at the start of the 1995 contest! More details to follow soon once they are confirmed.

 

I'm currently undertaking Dry January which is a campaign led by Alcohol Concern. I wanted a challenge and anyone who knows me will know that this is a challenge! Hopefully it'll help me with my marathon training which has now begun. I'm going to be running London, Edinburgh, Reykjavík and Dublin. If that doesn't help me to shed the lbs then I don't know what will! I'm looking forward to attending Eurofest at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern on 23rd January - stone cold sober!

 

Thanks for reading and I wish everyone a happy 2015 - let the Eurovision countdown begin!