Eurovision: You Decide acts and songs revealed
The BBC today confirms the names of the six acts and songs that will take to the stage for Eurovision: You Decide in a bid to impress the viewers at home and the professional panel as they compete for the honour of representing the United Kingdom at Eurovision 2016.
Published: 22 February 2016
The six acts were announced by Ken Bruce on BBC Radio 2 earlier today and are as follows (in alphabetical order):
Bianca Claxton will be performing Shine A Light
Written by Ash Howes, Cass Lowe, Leona Lewis, Richard Stannard
Bianca Claxton is a 25-year-old singer from Nottingham who has previously had chart success with girl group Parade. A classically trained soprano and cellist, Bianca supported the likes of Shakira and The Black Eyed Peas on tour in the UK. She is a massive fan of Eurovision and it’s been her dream to represent the UK.
Darline will be performing Until Tomorrow
Written by Duck Blackwell, Jack McManus, Joshua Wilkinson, Roy Stride
Darline are a country pop duo - Abby Inez, 20 from Worcester, and Càra Beth Beard, 18 from Hertfordshire. Both girls play guitar and have supported The Shires on their UK tour, performing to thousands of people every night. They cite Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift among their inspiration.
Dulcima and Tom will be performing When You Go
Written by Tomas Twyman
Dulcima Showan, aged 23, met songwriter Tomas Twyman, aged 27, when they were both busking together on the streets of Canterbury. Dulcima is a classical violinist who loves to play folk. They will both be performing the original song penned by Tom.
Joe and Jake will be performing You’re Not Alone
Written by Justin J Benson, Schwartz and S Kanes
Joe Woolford and Jake Shakeshaft met during the 2015 series of The Voice UK. Jake was part of team will.i.am but lost out at the Battle rounds, whereas Joe was a finalist for Rita Ora’s team. Jake, aged 20 from Stoke-on-Trent, can play guitar, while Joe, aged 21 from Ruthin, Wales, supported The Vamps on their 2015 tour.
Karl William Lund will be performing Miracle
Written by Karl William Lund
Singer songwriter Karl, aged 29, is originally from Liverpool and began writing the song Miracle while working in Greece as part of a Beatles tribute act. He is self-taught at playing the guitar and his musical inspirations are Tori Amos, Prince, Kate Bush and Rufus Wainwright.
Matthew James will be performing A Better Man
Written by Andrew Fromm, Helienne Lindvall and Peter Kvint
Matthew James has previously had a brush with fame as part of Nineties boyband Bad Boys Inc, and their hit single More To This World. Matthew, now 44, lives in South London and has continued singing for the last 15 years with the band Madhen.
The six songs are available to listen to at bbc.co.uk/eurovision from today.
Hosted by Mel Giedroyc, BBC Music presents the 90-minute UK Selection show to be broadcast live on BBC Four at 7.30pm from The O2 Forum Kentish Town on Friday 26 February, featuring performances by the six competing acts before the voting lines open and the public are invited to choose the song and act that will represent the United Kingdom at Eurovision 2016 in Sweden.
Current Eurovision champion and Eurovision 2016 co-host Måns Zelmerlöw will open the 90-minute musical extravaganza and will sing his winning song from last year’s contest, Heroes. Former United Kingdom Eurovision Song Contest entry Katrina will also be performing on the night with the winning song from the 1997 competition Love Shine A Light.
As well as the acts battling it out for the public’s votes, the jam-packed 90-minute live show will also feature a special look back at some of Sir Terry Wogan’s unforgettable Eurovision moments over the years.
Notes to Editors
Tickets to attend the event are available via bbc.co.uk/eurovision
The 61st Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Stockholm, Sweden. The Semi Finals will be broadcast on 10 and 12 May on BBC Four, and the Grand Final will be broadcast on 14 May on BBC One. As one of the 'Big Five' countries (UK, Spain, Germany, France, Italy) and alongside incumbent winners Sweden, the United Kingdom does not have to qualify from the semi-final stage of the competition and will gain automatic access to the Grand Final.
Eurovision: You Decide will be Exec Produced by Guy Freeman and Produced by Helen Riddell.
SE/CM2
