Moments ago, the BBC confirmed on social media that the UK will participate in Eurovision 2020, hosted in Rotterdam. More interestingly, the broadcaster also revealed how the method to select the UK’s representative: a collaboration with record company BMG!
The broadcaster revealed that a number of record labels were approached to pitch potential ideas for the 65th edition of the contest. From this process it became evident that BMG was most in sync with the BBC’s vision of ‘selecting a song’, ‘international appeal’ and ‘securing an artist’ who can best represent the ethos that the Contest represents.
The BBC will be working in conjunction with BMG’s UK music publishing and frontline recordings team to select the UK’s 2020 entry. The song will eventually be released and published by BMG.
The blog post also notes that two previous winners – Måns Zelmerlöw and Netta – are signed to the BMG.
At the time of writing, specific dates for various steps of this process have yet to be revealed. However, given the contacts and experience of BMG, it will be fascinating to see how much domestic and international exposure the future act and/or song will receive! Mel Balac, Creative Director for BBC Studios is quoted in the article ‘we very much hope this marks the start of an exciting new chapter”… could this be the start of a longer-term strategy?
Eurovision is the biggest television showcase for music in the world and it’s an honour to be selected to help choose the UK’s entry at Rotterdam 2020. Eurovision plays to our strength as the only fully-integrated publishing company and record label. We can’t wait to get started working with the BBC to give it the best possible shot we can.
Alistair Norbury, President, Repertoire & Marketing UK for BMG
The shift in selection has been given the seal of approval by Producer for BBC Studios and last year’s Head of Delegation, Lee Smithurst:
His comments indicate how the hunt for the UK’s 2020 act and song has started at a much earlier stage.
United Kingdom in Eurovision 2019
Last year, the BBC announced a format change in national final Eurovision: You Decide. Michael Rice won with his version of ‘Bigger than Us’, penned by John Lundvik. However, despite his powerhouse vocals and some notable backing singers, the UK failed to set the scoreboard alight. The UK came last place with 11 points.
Do you think this shift will start the decade with a change of Eurovision fortunes for the UK? Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates!
