Following a successful and busy run of pre-parties, Michael Rice has revealed how will be joining him on stage as his backing singers in Tel Aviv. This past month, he has performed at four pre-parties across Europe – Amsterdam, London, Madrid and Moscow!
Today on Twitter, Michael Rice has announced the five singers that will be joining him in Tel Aviv:
Here is the experienced, international team that will be accompanying Michael:
- Anna Sahlene – Estonian representative at Eurovision 2002
- Melanie Wehbe – Swedish singer and co-writer of Denmark’s “Love is Forever”
- Linda Pritchard – Participated in Melodifestivalen 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2011
- Desta Zion Wilson – Bermudan singer and guitarist
- Chin Simon – Singer/songwriter
Who is Michael Rice?
The UK will be represented by Hartlepool’s Michael Rice with the song “Bigger Than Us”, after he won the national selection Eurovision: You Decide. The BBC does not release voting details, but Michael was selected by a three-person jury to progress to the televote stage, which he won. Michael is best known for winning the first series of the BBC’s All Together Now last year. He had previously reached the bootcamp stage of the X Factor back in 2014.
As the UK is one of ‘the Big Five’, Michael will automatically perform at the Grand Final of Eurovision 2019 on May 18. His position in the running order will be drawn and decided in Tel Aviv.
We caught up with Michael ahead of his performance at the London Eurovision Party:
United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest
The United Kingdom has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 61 times. They debuted at the second contest in 1957. The UK has entered every year since 1959, and along with Sweden.
The UK has won the contest five times, across four decades. They won the contest in 1967, 1969, 1976, 1981 and 1997. They were once known as the ‘bridesmaids’ of the contest, finishing second an astonishing FIFTEEN times! Even still, they were incredibly successful and finished outside the top ten on only three occasions in the 20th century (1978, 1987 and 1999).
However, the 21st century hasn’t been the most successful period for the UK at the contest. They have only reached the top 10 twice (2002 and 2009). Since 2003, they have finished outside the top 20 nine times, finishing in last place in 2003, 2008 and 2010.
Last year, SuRie was selected to represent the UK with “Storm” in Lisbon, where she finished 24th Place with 48 Points. Hoping to bring the UK back to its former glory,Michael recently released the official music video for the song, which you can watch below:
Are you looking forward to seeing Michael’s staging as much as we are? Do you think Michael will bring the United Kingdom to its former heights? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! We’ll also be posting plenty of content on our YouTube in the run up to Tel Aviv!
