This weekend, all eyes will be on Rotterdam as the nation settles in front of the TV to enjoy the colorful pop parade that is the Eurovision Song Contest.
The International Song Contest is an annual tradition where nations come together to compete for the title, bringing in music from around the world.
The Eurovision Song Contest featured some of the world’s biggest music stars, including Celine Dion, Bonnie Tyler and ABBA.
This year’s competition will be the 65th Eurovision Song Contest and will take place in Rotterdam after the Dutch have won the 2019 competition in Tel Aviv, Israel, as tradition dictates.
Last year’s contest was scheduled to take place in the Netherlands before Covid-19 saw the show canceled for the first time since its debut in 1956.
Here’s everything you need to know about Eurovision 2021.
When does it start and how can I watch it?
Graham Norton will present and comment on the show for the BBC. (PENNSYLVANIA)
The grand finale will take place on Saturday night with the show broadcast on BBC One from 8 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.
The final and the results will also be broadcast on BBC Radio 2 where Ken Bruce will host.
Graham Norton will host the UK show for the BBC and he can’t wait for “a big party”.
He said: “As the vaccines roll out and we see the light at the end of the tunnel, the competition is a great opportunity for people to come together and celebrate.
“It’s interesting that even after this difficult year, the songs aren’t endless ballads. It seems that the spirit of this Eurovision is a big party! ”
Who represents the UK?
James Newman will represent the UK at Eurovision 2021. (PA)
The act of this year’s UK Eurovision Song Contest is James Newman, brother of his singer brother John Newman.
James said it was “absolutely buzzing” to perform in the live final of the competition this weekend.
Newman, who was scheduled to perform last year, will represent the UK with his new track Embers, which contrasts with the ballad My Last Breath, which he was scheduled to sing in 2020.
He said: “We’ve had a shitty time, I think Eurovision is such a celebration of music, which we need.
“I recently watched the finals past, and everyone’s just having the best time, it’s just the kind of escape that people need right now.
“We wrote Embers in North London last year. I really wanted an upbeat song because I felt that was what I had to do this year.
“One of the sessions was with Conor Blake, Danny Shah, Tom Hollings and Samuel Brennan, all of whom are doing amazing things in the industry right now.
“Conor showed me this concept, and it’s basically about rekindling the spark, that glow in the fire that’s not extinguished yet.
“It represents a comeback together after the year we have been through and people are getting together with their loved ones and just having fun. It felt so right, and I loved the big copper drop!
Graham Norton said James did a “great job” as he prepared to take the stage on Saturday.
Graham said: “James has done a great job with entering the UK this year. Embers is such a striking picture for where we are.
“All the friends and family we haven’t seen, but the embers are still glowing, ready to ignite again. I hope the Eurovision audience will embrace this idea and the song and we will do well. ”
When did the UK last win the Eurovision Song Contest?
Kristina and the Waves was the last act to be crowned the winner for the UK. (PENNSYLVANIA)
The UK haven’t won the coveted title since 1997, when Katrina and the Waves were crowned the winners with their hit, Love Shine a Light.
The UK have only won the competition five times and are looking for their first victory in over 20 years, the UK haven’t even finished in the top five in over a decade.
Other acts won for the UK are Sandie Shaw (Puppet on a String), Lulu (Boom Bang-a-Bang), Brotherhood of Man (Save Your Kisses for Me) and Bucks Fizz (Making Your Mind Up).
Complete list of Eurovision 2021 acts.
The grand final will take place in Rotterdam on Saturday. (PENNSYLVANIA)
Albania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Moldova and Portugal all did enough to advance to Thursday’s second semi-final.
They were joined by Iceland, San Marino, Switzerland, Greece and Finland and will all take part in Saturday’s final in Rotterdam.
Here is the complete running order:
- Cyprus: Elena Tsagrinou – “El Diablo”
- Albania: Anxhela Peristeri – “Karma”
- Israel: Eden Alene – “Free me”
- Belgium: Hooverphonic – “The Wrong Place”
- Russia: Manizha – “Russian woman”
- Malta: Destiny – “Je Me Casse”
- Portugal: The Black Mamba – “Love is on my side”
- Serbia: Hurricane – “Loco Loco”
- United Kingdom: James Newman – “Embers”
- Greece: Stefania – “Last …
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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-05-22 14:00:00
