Today, the BBC has confirmed that STAND UNIQU3 will represent the United Kingdom at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2023 to be held in Nice, France on November 26 with, ‘Back To Life’
STAND UNIQU3 selected for JESC 2023
As Junior Eurovision 2023 rapidly approaches, now it is the BBC’s turn to announce who will represent the United Kingdom on the Nice stage this November. Today the British broadcaster has confirmed that for the first time, the UK will be sending a group to the junior contest. After a lengthy audition process, the chemistry between Hayla, Maisie and Yazmin shone through. The girls were called back by BBC Radio 1’s Dean McCullough, under the guise of further auditions at the central London dance studio, before Dean broke the news that all three girls had been successful. Thus they have formed a trio and will sing the contemporary pop bop, ‘Back To Life’. A song about overcoming your fears.
This morning on the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, the song received its first exclusive play. ‘Back To Life’ is written and composed by, Sky Adams, Jakke Erixson and Jack Hewitt.
Later today, the trio will be interviewed on Radio 2 by Scott Mills. Along with this media campaign are scheduled appearances on BBC Children In Need, Strictly – It Takes Two, Blue Peter and Saturday Mash Up. BBC Studios are in charge of production for the BBC’s Junior Eurovision contest and the live broadcast of the Grand Final will air on BBC Two, CBBC and BBC iPlayer at 3pm Sunday November 26.
The Junior Eurovision Song Contest was a real spectacle and success for us last year and we’re very happy that we have a new calendar moment for fans of Eurovision and a brand new girl group for audiences to get behind. We have a great song and high hopes for our brilliant trio, STAND UNIQU3, and we want families everywhere to cheer on Hayla, Maisie and Yazmin and watch them represent the UK in the competition across BBC Two, CBBC and iPlayer.
Patricia Hidalgo, (Director of BBC Children’s and Education)
BBC Studios are once again excited to have led the song and artist search for Junior Eurovision after a successful debut year for the BBC in 2022. STAND UNIQU3 are a really fresh girl band who had immediate chemistry during the audition process. With an infectious pop song written by hugely successful writers, matched with STAND UNIQU3’s incredible vocals it promises to be another exciting year for the UK in the Junior contest.
Suzy Lamb, (MD of Entertainment & Music at BBC Studios)
About STAND UNIQU3
Hayla is 12-years-old and has strong connections to Eurovision. Not only is she from the recent host city of Liverpool, but her grandfather was a backing dancer in Eurovision 1987 for the UK’s entry, ‘Only The Light’. Hayla’s favourite artist is Rihanna and she describes herself as an avid footballer, although partial to enjoying chocolate and films with her brothers as well.
Maisie is 13-years-old and from Essex. Her passions include singing, dancing and acting. Although she can often be found out with her grandfather enjoying clay pigeon shooting. In her spare time she enjoys relaxing and collecting crystals.
Yazmin is 12-years-old and from Newcastle. She enjoys Latin and ballroom dancing, so is no stranger to performance art. In her spare time, she enjoys writing stories and going shopping, as well as cuddling up with her pet chihuahua ‘Tinkerbell’.
United Kingdom in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest
Back in 2003, the United Kingdom took part in the inaugural Junior Eurovision Song Contest. After two top 3 results and a 14th place, the nation took an extended break from the contest for 17 years. Their best result came in 2004 with second place for Cory Spedding and, ‘The Best Is Yet To Come’.
Last year, the United Kingdom internally selected Freya Skye to represent the country with ‘Lose My Head’. During the Yerevan contest, Freya achieved fifth place with 146 points.
Will the United Kingdom earn their first victory in JESC 2023? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram, @escxtra on TikTok and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts. As well as YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to the 2024 Eurovision season.
