The former frontman of Years and Years, Olly Alexander has been chosen to represent the United Kingdom at the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden. This decision comes after the UK’s disappointing performance this year, where Mae Muller finished second to last. Alexander is already well-known across Europe for his popular hits like “Desire,” “King,” and “If You’re Over Me.”
In addition to his music career, he is also a Bafta-nominated actor, having played the lead role in Channel 4’s impactful Aids drama, It’s A Sin. Surprisingly, the announcement of his participation was made during the final of Strictly Come Dancing, months ahead of the usual confirmation of the BBC’s Eurovision plans.
Expressing his excitement, Alexander shared, “I love Eurovision so much, it’s a dream come true. I’m just so, so excited.” He further“I really can’t believe I’m going to be a part of such a special legacy and represent the UK in the most vibrant way possible. I’m determined to give it my all and deliver an outstanding and unforgettable performance for everyone!”
The song that he will perform in Malmö next May is still a secret, but it was co-written by Alexander and Danny L Harle, who has produced successful tracks for Dua Lipa, Chic, and Charli XCX. Alexander told the BBC, “It will have an electronic sound, something that you can groove to. “Unfortunately, I can’t reveal much more than that.”I am just so excited to go out there and meet the fans and everyone else involved,” he added. “It will definitely be the most exhilarating experience of my life.”
As a seasoned performer with a dedicated fanbase, Alexander has achieved great success in the past decade with Years and Years, including five UK top ten singles and two number one albums. The band has also enjoyed popularity in Eurovision countries such as Belgium, Ireland, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden.
Interestingly, Harrogate, Alexander’s hometown, previously hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 1982, following the UK’s victory the year before with Bucks Fizz.
Sweden has been chosen as the host country for Eurovision 2024 following the victory of Swedish icon Loreen, who won this year’s competition with her catchy pop anthem “Tattoo.” This marks Loreen’s second Eurovision win, as she previously triumphed in 2012 with her song “Euphoria.” With this latest victory, Sweden is now tied with Ireland for the most Eurovision victories, with both countries having won the competition seven times. In contrast, the United Kingdom’s performance in Eurovision has been lackluster, with their last win dating back to 1997.
In recent years, Michael Rice and James Newman finished last in 2019 and 2021 respectively, while Mae Muller narrowly avoided the same fate this year thanks to German rock band Lord of the Lost. However, there was a glimmer of hope for the UK when Sam Ryder secured second place in Turin in 2022 with his pop-rock anthem “Spaceman.” Ryder, who is currently vying for the Christmas number one spot with his festive song “You’re Christmas To Me,” sent Alexander, the representative for Sweden, a message of good luck.
While the UK tends to send newer and lesser-known singers to Eurovision, other countries often send their biggest stars to the competition. For example, Italy was represented this year by Marco Mengoni, a highly successful balladeer with 70 platinum records to his name. In 2003, Russia put forward the globally successful pop duo Tatu, and Sweden’s Måns Zelmerlöw had three number one albums before winning Eurovision in 2015 with his song “Heroes;” However, with Olly Alexander well known for being part of Years and Years, the UK are in a great position for seeing a winner in Olly.
