UK entry to Eurovision Song Contest announced

Molly Smitten-Downes will sing 'Children Of The Universe' at the event on May 10

This year’s UK Eurovision entrant has been announced as Molly Smitten-Downes.

The singer will perform her song ‘Children of the Universe’ at the B&W Hallerne in Denmark on May 10. Smitten-Downes has been selected in conjunction with BBC Introducing.

Speaking to BBC News, Smitten-Downes, who is known simply as Molly onstage, said: “To represent the United Kingdom in such a huge competition, not only as a singer and performer but as a songwriter is an unbelievable honour. I hope I can do us proud.”

Advertisement

The singer previously released the single ‘Raindrops (Encore Une Fois)’ with Sash in 2008 and has also supported acts such as Jake Bugg, Tinie Tempah, Labrinth and Chase & Status.

Guy Freeman, the executive producer for BBC Eurovision, recently explained the selection process for this year’s entrant following the recent failures of Englebert Humperdinck and Bonnie Tyler in 2012 and 2013 respectively. He said: “It’s clear there’s a disconnect between what kind of songs and artists are now winning Eurovision, versus the stereotype that many people – including much of the music industry – still hold in their minds. Yes, novelty songs and acts do still turn up in the show, provide great entertainment and make good press – but they don’t tend to win.

“So, early on in plans for 2014, we took the view that we needed a bespoke, contemporary song, written specifically to suit the conditions of the competition – rather than trying to get lucky with a pre-existing track from an artist.”

He added: “In trying to practice that art, we all listened to a great many potential songs and looked at footage of a great many artists performing live. Nothing was quite right until we looked at a resource right under our nose: BBC Introducing. This is the gateway for undiscovered and unsigned music makers to upload their best tracks and get them heard and featured by the BBC. Some of the artists who’ve received BBC Introducing support at the start of their careers include Florence And The Machine, Ed Sheeran, Rizzle Kicks and Jake Bugg.”

You May Also Like

Advertisement

TRENDING

Advertisement

More Stories