Following the successful collaboration which resulted in a runner-up placing and whirlwind past few months for Sam Ryder, once again the BBC and TaP Music will extend their partnership to find the United Kingdom’s representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023.
BBC and TaP Music begin Eurovision 2023 search
Last year the BBC and TaP Music overhauled the UK approach to Eurovision from the ground up. From selection to promotion and of course life after the contest. This was detailed in an interview by Head of Delegation, Lee Smithurst and its this attention to detail that gave the UK its best result since 1998 and a record sixteenth runner-up placing. So it will come as no surprise that the BBC have announced they want to go one better and work with TaP Music once again, to win the trophy that has eluded the former Eurovision powerhouse since 1997.
TaP are very excited to be back working with the BBC to select the UK entry for Eurovision 2023. Last year we wanted to change the narrative around the UK and Eurovision to something much more positive. We focussed on what Eurovision is all about – we found an brilliant artist, an unforgettable song and an incredible person in Sam Ryder – we’re so proud of his fantastic success, coming 2nd in the competition and then achieving a number 1 single. 2022 will be a hard act to follow but we’re more than ready for the challenge – Eurovision being held in the UK for 2023 is such an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of British musical talent. Our search starts here!
Ben Mawson & Ed Millett, (TaP Music)
As early as June of this year, tentative signs appeared through social media, that the BBC were already hard at work with an eye on the 2023 selection process.
We are thrilled that Ben Mawson and Ed Millett plus the team at TaP will once again bring their unrivalled expertise to work with the BBC and BBC Studios to find an act and song to represent the UK at Eurovision. I hope we can find another artist who will not only be a brilliant ambassador for Eurovision but like Sam will sing their head off with a stand out song.
Rachel Ashdown, (BBC Commissioning Editor)
TaP Music are a global management and music publishing company headed by Ben Mawson and Ed Millett. They look after some of the most successful acts in the industry, such as CL, Mabel, Ellie Goulding, Lana Del Rey and London Grammar.
United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022
Last October the BBC announced a new collaboration with TaP Music management to find an artist and song to represent the United Kingdom in Eurovision 2022. Following this the BBC confirmed Sam Ryder and his song, ‘Space Man’ for Turin. Over several months Sam Ryder deployed a heavy promotional campaign. This changed a narrative that set the path to Eurovision redemption.
Back in May, Sam Ryder achieved the UK’s best result in the contest since Imaani in 1998 with ‘Where Are You?‘. Rocketing to second place, behind the winner’s Ukraine, Sam scored a total of 486 points. Thus ‘Space Man’ earned the highest ever points total for the UK, as well as the highest ever jury and televote scores.
After the contest he continues to break records. Recently the Official Charts Company revealed his Eurovision song ‘Space Man‘ reached number 2 in the UK’s Top 40 chart. An important milestone, as is it is the highest charting Eurovision entry from the United Kingdom this century. Meanwhile his career continues to go from strength to strength. With sold out concerts across the UK and Europe, as well as news he will be launched in America! He also had the immense honour at performing at Queen Elizabeth II’s BBC Platinum Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace and performing the national anthem at the British Grand Prix. Later this year Sam will release the album, There’s Nothing But Spaceman.
Who should represent the United Kingdom in Eurovision 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 new Eurovision season.
