As we may all remember, the Eurovision Song Contest had to be cancelled last year due to the on-going pandemic of COVID-19. This was the first time in the contests 64-year long history that the event had been cancelled leaving contestants and fans devastated. However, in 2021, the famous contest is set to return for its 65th show with singer-songwriter James Newman reselected for UK’s entry.
Newman is a singer-songwriter based in London. He has previously won a Brit Award for co-writing ‘Waiting All Night’, the up-beat track from Rudimental and Ella Eyre. He has also written for Ed Sheeran and Jess Glynne, as well as being John Newman’s older brother.
The singer, who was set to perform ‘My Last Breath’ from his 2020 EP ‘The Things We Do’, has promised to come back with a brand new track for this years event. He tweeted ‘Super happy to announce that I’ll be representing the UK at the 2021 @Eurovision song contest! (for real this time!) Things didn’t go to plan last year but this year we’re back (with a brand new song no less!) keep your eyes and ears peeled x #ESC2021
Super happy to announce that I’ll be representing the UK at the 2021 @Eurovision song contest! (for real this time!)
Things didn’t go to plan last year but this year we’re back (with a brand new song no less!) keep your eyes and ears peeled x#ESC2021 pic.twitter.com/vDqUB2w3Gu
— James Newman (@JamesNewmanUk) February 19, 2021
The singer stated to the BBC, “I feel like everyone wants a party and to have some fun so when I was writing, that’s what I had in my head. I wanted something people can dance to, even if it’s just in their kitchen.” He continued “I haven’t stopped making new music in lockdown and I can’t wait for everyone to hear the song I’m taking to Eurovision in 2021.
Jo Wallace, Acting Controller Entertainment Commissioning for the BBC, said: “We are so pleased to have James back with us and representing the United Kingdom at Eurovision 2021. After 2020 and the postponing of the 65th song contest Eurovision is exactly what everyone needs!”
To give Newman a run for his money, Iceland’s Daði Freyr will also be returning. Being last years favourites to win, the singer will return with his track ‘Think About Things’ that went viral and ended up being used for Strictly Come Dancing’s promo campaign. The singer has already asked for members of the public to join a virtual choir for his 2021 return to the Eurovision contest, meaning ‘he has eyes on a win in 2021’.
The organisers of the 65th Eurovision Song Contest have taken extra precautions to ensure that the event will go ahead. They have prepared for a ‘series of scenarios’ to ensure the contest happens this year, no matter the severity of the pandemic and its restrictions. This means that James Newman will definitely be the UK’s offering for the contest, regardless of travel restrictions, meaning contestants can either perform live in Rotterdam or remotely in their home country or in quarantine.
Graham Norton, who commentates the Eurovision Contest for the UK has confirmed the event will go ahead stating “There’s definitely going to be a Eurovision… The competition element is going to happen.” The event will take place on 22nd May 2021.
Follow James Newman for updates on the UK’s track at the contest and be sure to vote at the 65th Eurovision Song Contest!
