Bonnie Tyler and Ryan Dolan Performances

United Kingdom & Ireland – Last night saw both the UK’s and Ireland’s artists perform on big national TV shows in their respective countries. First up was Bonnie Tyler on the Graham Norton show in London, and then Ryan Dolan on the Late Late Show in Dublin. You can watch Bonnie’s performance here. Ryan can be seen on the RTE player here (1 minute in).

United Kingdom: Bonnie Tyler Meets Terry Wogan

United Kingdom – Bonnie Tyler performed a live acoustic version of ‘Believe in me‘ on Terry Wogan’s Radio 2 radio show in the UK yesterday. Terry Wogan commentated for many years for the BBC, sometimes irritating non-UK listeners with his ‘Woganisms! In the UK though he is part of Eurovision history so Bonnie dropped in to see him. Have a listen to the stripped down version now.

United Kingdom: Bonnie Tyler on the Promotional Trail

United Kingdom – Today’s featured artist article looks at the United Kingdom’s Bonnie Tyler as she’s been busy today filming her Eurovision postcard. Pictures posted by the BBC on it’s official twitter show Bonnie filming in Wales, were she was born. You can see that here. Bonnie first charted in 1976 so has an extensive biography! Check it out…

UK: Holding Out for a Hero?

UK – Major UK media outlets are today running the story that 80s power ballad queen Bonnie Tyler will represent the UK in Malmö. Stories in the Daily Mail, Daily Mirror, The Star and Sky News have revealed the song is called ‘Believe in Me‘ and will be from Bonnie’s new album, Rocks & Honey. Check out the song that she is rumoured to be singing in May…

Rumour: Mika for the United Kingdom?

United Kingdom – Strong rumours have surfaced today that the UK’s broadcaster, the BBC, has approached multi-million seller Mika to represent them at Eurovision this year. According to the rumours, an inside source at the BBC has apparently confirmed this, and Mika’s management have also confirmed the approach. Listen to one of his hit singles here.

Russia : Internal Selection Confirmed

Russia – The Russian broadcaster C1 Russia, has today, on deadline day, confirmed that this year’s Russian entry will be chosen internally. This is in contrast to last year’s national final which saw overwhelming public support for the Russian Grannies. C1 will announce the name of their representative shortly. Meanwhile, only the UK has still not announced its selection procedure.

Rumour: Kimberley Walsh for UK?

UK – Girls Aloud’s PR company was forced to issue a denial on twitter yesterday as rumours of them being asked to represent the United Kingdom in Malmö picked up pace. Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet has however reported that songwriter Fredrik Kempe has written the UK’s entry for Girls Aloud member, Kimberley Walsh, who will represent the UK as a solo singer.

United Kingdom: Girls Aloud Rumoured

UK – The UK’s national free newspaper, Metro, today hinted that top popstars Girls Aloud have Eurovision 2013 in their sights. Journalist Neil Sean doesn’t go on to give any more details. Would such a big name act consider representing the UK? Could it be their breakthrough into Europe? Last year’s similar rumours of all-girl pop group Atomic Kitten never materialised as the UK sent Englebert Humperdinck instead.

UK: Gareth Gates Rumoured

UK – An early rumour has surfaced today on a forum in the United Kingdom. Leaked by a newspaper source, Gareth Gates has been named as a potential candidate wanted by the BBC. Gareth was the runner up in the UK Pop Idol 2002 contest and went on to have pop success before starring in West End musicals.

UK: BBC Spent 425,000 € on Eurovision 2012

  United Kingdom – Several newspapers and websites in the United Kingdom report today, that the British national broadcaster BBC has spent 330,000 £ (~ 425,000 €) on the Eurovision Song Contest 2012. Considering the 7 hours of entertainment Eurovision provided this year, that makes roughly 45,000 £ (58,000 €) an hour. However, these costs

Editorial: The UK and Eurovision: Should 1 Become 4?

 

  Editorial – Seeing as this is my first post I thought I’d take it easy and talk about something close to home: The UK in the Eurovision. More specifically, the forgotten countries that seem to be left out of the contest. I just want to clarify before I get started that I am not a separatist and I’m not anti-English; I am, in fact, all for the British Union. I am not calling for complete Scottish independence, merely “Eurovision Independence”.

UK: Racism Behind Bad Eurovision Results?

United Kingdom- In the quest to find reasons for their bad results at the Eurovision Song Contest, many British tabloids blame block voting in the “Evil East” or people generally not liking the United Kingdom. Now, the Daily Mail has published an article that claims racism may be the reason the UK does so badly. Indeed, many of recent UK representatives belonged to ethnic minorities:

UK: Sophie Ellis-Bextor Won’t Go to Eurovision

  United Kingdom – The singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, known for hits like “Murder on the Dancefloor” and “Bittersweet,” said in an interview that she would reject a proposal to go to Eurovision for fear of being humiliated. According to her, her instincts tell her not to do this, as she thinks  it is too risky. “The UK is not popular in Eurovision and it’s not all about the song”, Sophie added.

UK: BBC Reveals Jury’s Votes

United Kingdom- The results of the jury vote in the United Kingdom have been announced by the BBC.The jury’s favorite in the second semi-final was the song from Malta. Sweden only got 7 points from them. In the final, the jury favorite was Spain. Ireland suffered most due to the jury, who did not award them a single point. Jedward still got 10 points from the UK. Here are the full results:

Eurovision 2013: UK Goes Back to National Final

  United Kingdom – After Engelbert Humperdink’s disappointing result at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, the BBC was faced with criticism about their way of choosing the British entry. Furthermore, many Brits blamed the voting patterns at Eurovision for the bad result and called for a withdrawal of the country. Now, the Daily Mail reports that the BBC has no intention of withdrawing and will discuss a new form of national selection in the coming weeks.

Kelly’s Eye: How Can the UK Ever Win Eurovision Again?

  Kelly’s Eye – “The Eurovision Times” is pleased to introduce a new category: Kelly’s Eye. Our fellow blogger James Kelly from “Scot Goes Pop” will enrich our blog with his views on our favorite television show from time to time. His blog about politics and Eurovision has been named one of the best 100 political blogs in the UK. Today he asks the question how his home country could claim the Eurovision crown again.

Prediction: The UK Will Win Eurovision 2013

  Eurovision 2013 – There are 349 days to go until the Eurovision Final 2013, but when it comes to certain statistics the winner is already clear: The United Kingdom will win Eurovision 2013. Why? Well here we go:

Scissor Sisters Would Do Eurovision For the UK

  United Kingdom – Maybe the UK finds remedy for their second to last place at this year’s Eurovision earlier than everyone thought. “I would go to Eurovision. Totally,” Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters said live on the air at BBC Radio Five. “If I was asked I would gladly do it for you. I’d be happy to!“. The Scissor Sisters is an American band from New York City. Their arguably biggest hit to date is “I don’t feel like dancing”.

Loreen On BBC Breakfast

  Sweden – Right after her winning celebration in Stockholm, Loreen went on to London to appear in BBC’s breakfast show today. She said that she sees her performance as unusual for Eurovision,  with a simple outfit etc.  Here is the full interview:

Editorial: Letter To “The Guardian”

  United Kingdom – Engelbert Humperdinck’s failure at last night’s Eurovision Song Contest was sure to create some reactions in the UK press. I expected tabloids like “The Sun” and such to blame the bad result on the evil east and the political voting as usual, but when I had to read an article by the (in my view) respected Guardian, I just could not resist to write an answer. Here is my letter to Mark Lawson, the author of “A belligerent Eurovision night fit for a broken Europe”

United Kingdom: Englebert hosts Sabina and Jedward

United Kingdom – The BBC today hosted a press event which saw Englebert Humperdinck get together with Azerbaijan’s Sabina, and then Ireland’s Jedward. ‘The Hump’ chatted to the Irish twins about their trademark hair and wore a jedhead. Eurovision Times was there to capture the moment ‘Jenglebert’ was born. Watch the video now.

United Kingdom: Humperdinck Impersonates Rock ‘n’ Roll Icons

United Kingdom -The UK’s hope for this year, the legendary Englebert Humperdinck, has taken part in a fun photoshoot ahead of his trip to Baku, dressing up as felllow legends Sid Vicious, Elvis, and Alice Cooper (with live snake). He also does an impression of Oasis singer Liam Gallagher as part of a special video.

United Kingdom: ‘Love Will Set You Free’ Premiered

United Kingdom – ‘Love Will Set You Free‘ has been premiered as Englebert Humperdinck‘s UK entry for Baku. The classic slow ballad was revealed on the BBC website this morning, along with the promo video for the song. It is one of the favourites in this year’s contest due to The Humps large army of fans he has collected throughout Europe during his many years in the business.

United Kingdom: Song Revealed Tomorrow

United Kingdom – Last, but not least,the final song for ESC2012 will be premiered tomorrow as the UK reveal what Englebert Humperdinck will sing in Baku. The BBC intend to release the song at 11.00 (CET) on Radio 2 on the Ken Bruce show and at www.bbc.co.uk/eurovision. This will be the 42nd, and last, song to be revealed in this year’s contest, just ahead of the deadline.

United Kingdom: Revealing Song on March 19th

United Kingdom – The UK’s national broadcaster, the BBC, tonight announced that Englebert Humperdinck is filming the video for his Eurovision song tomorrow. The BBC will premier the song on Monday 19th March, via the BBC’s official Eurovision website. All songs must be presented by then. Englebert will then appear on The One Show next Tuesday.

United Kingdom: 75-year-old Legend Englebert Humperdinck for Baku!

United Kingdom – The BBC have finally revealed tonight that 75-year-old Engelbert Humperdinck will be representing the UK in Azerbaijan in May.  The track is produced by Grammy award-winning Martin Terefe (Mary J Blige, James Morrison) and co-written by Martin and Ivor Novello winner Sacha Skarbek (Adele, Lana Del Ray, James Blunt).

United Kingdon: To Announce Big Name Star Tonight

United Kingdom – The act that will represent the UK in Baku will be announced tonight at 23.30(CET). Rumours are rife on the Internet that it is a ‘legendary male solo’ singer. Names in the frame so far are Tom Jones and Englebert Humperdinck (with a song written by James Morrison). We’ll bring you the news as soon as it’s announced tonight.

United Kingdom – Atomic Kitten for Baku?

United Kingdom -  UK paper the Daily Star has announced that the BBC are lining up 90′s girl band Atomic Kitten to reunite and represent the UK in Azerbaijan. The article can be read online here. No comment has been made by the BBC as yet. The Star says the girls are ‘being lined up’ and  ‘shortlisted’ so a final decision may not have been made yet. They had three number 1 hits in the UK.

United Kingdom: Eurovision Events Planned

United Kingdom – With still absolutely no news from the BBC about this year’s UK entry, Eurovision fans there still have plenty to be involved in. There are several upcoming Eurovision events, including lots of appearances from former representatives.