The BBC and BBC Studios have confirmed the search for the United Kingdom’s next Eurovision Song Contest act and song is well underway. The forthcoming 69th Eurovision Song Contest in 2025 will be held in Basel, Switzerland following Nemo’s victory at this year’s Grand Final with ‘The Code’.
Nemo’s win marked the first-ever non-binary winner of Eurovision and Switzerland’s first win since 1988.
Switzerland’s Nemo has won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest with their song The Code https://t.co/iS5xIwIG6U
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 11, 2024
The UK are taking the selection process even more serious for next year, recruiting the leading UK music industry figure David May to accompany Andrew Cartmell, Executive Producer BBC Studios North to lead the search.
David May previously worked with the BBC in 2022 as Sam Ryder’s manager, when Ryder achieved the runner-up position with ‘SPACE MAN’ at Eurovision in Turin. With over 17 years of experience under his belt, May is accredited with over 200 million streams as a writer/producer in conjunction with his success as Ryder’s manager which saw a Number 1 UK album, two Number 2 singles and multiple prestigious nominations.
May spoke his work with the BBC for next years Eurovision contestant stating: “I’m excited to be working with BBC Studios and the BBC on this journey. We’re seeking talent and a song that embodies the essence of UK music. We want to collaborate with an authentic act who has a genuine, heartfelt story to tell, and an unmatched vocal tonality and range. Ultimately, we’re looking for a powerful three-minute performance that resonates with and moves audiences across Europe and beyond”.
Andrew Cartmell, Head of Delegation at Eurovision for the UK provided a comment in regard to May’s previous work with Eurovision contestant, Sam Ryder, revealing: “David played a major part in Sam Ryder’s success in 2022, and I’m thrilled that we are working together again. David has huge industry expertise, a real understanding of how Eurovision works and a determination, along with the BBC and BBC Studios to achieve a high placing in May next year”.
With the goal of topping the leaderboard next year, the United Kingdom have a long and rememberable history at Eurovision. The United Kingdom have won the Eurovision Song Contest five time, placing it behind Ireland and Sweden which are tied with seven wins each. Additionally, the UK has come in the runner-up position a record breaking 16 times. Most recently with Sam Ryder’s 2022 entry.
The UK Eurovision wins thus far are: Sandie Shaw in 1967 with Puppet on a String, Lulu in 1969 with ‘Boom Bang-a-Bang’, Brotherhood of Man in 1976 with ‘Save Your Kisses For Me’, Bucks Fizz in 1981 with ‘Making Your Mind Up’ and Katrina and The Waves in 1997 with Love Shine A Light’.
The act and song representing the United Kingdom will be publicly announced before the European Broadcasting Union’s deadline in March 2025.
With the UK’s track record, it is no wonder so much effort is going into selecting next year’s act.
