We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: the United Kingdom.
Olly Alexander
Olly Alexander, born on July 15, 1990, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England, has emerged as a leading voice in contemporary pop culture, celebrated for his musical talent, acting skills, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. As the charismatic frontman of Years & Years, Olly has guided the band to international success with hits that blend infectious melodies with deeply personal and socially conscious lyrics. His commitment to exploring and expressing queer themes through music has earned him a dedicated following and critical acclaim.
Apart from music, Olly has made significant strides in acting. His compelling portrayal of a young man navigating the AIDS crisis in the 1980s in the critically acclaimed series “It’s a Sin” has been lauded for its emotional depth and authenticity. This role underscored his versatility as an artist and an advocate, using his platform to highlight important issues.
In a career-defining move, Olly Alexander will represent the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with the song “Dizzy.”
It’s a Sin
“It’s a Sin” is a powerful British television drama series that premiered in 2021, created by Russell T Davies. Set during the 1980s and early 1990s in London, the series explores the lives of a group of gay men and their friends as they navigate the joy, freedom, and heartbreak of their youth amidst the emerging AIDS crisis. Through a compelling narrative and rich character development, “It’s a Sin” captures the ignorance, stigma, and fear surrounding AIDS at the time, while also celebrating love, friendship, and the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. The series has been critically acclaimed for its emotional depth, historical accuracy, and the performances of its cast, including a standout role by Olly Alexander. It’s a poignant reminder of a tragic period in history, offering both a tribute to those lost and a message of hope and solidarity.
United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest
It was in 1957 when the United Kingdom debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest. The song “All” by Patricia Bredin was, with 1:52, one of the shortest Eurovision songs ever. The United Kingdom won no less than 5 times: in 1967, Sandie Shaw brought the UK their first victory. Only two years later, it was Lulu who won. In 1976, “Save your kisses for me” by the Brotherhood of Man reached a first place, while Bucks Fizz did the job in 1981 with “Making Your Mind Up”. The last victory so far was for Katrina & The Waves back in 1997 with “Love Shine A Light”. The United Kingdom reached no less than 16 second places, the last time in 2022 with Sam Ryder‘s “Spaceman”.
The Bookmakers
The United Kingdom is one of the six countries, placed directly in the final. Currently, they predict a 10th place for the UK, which would be one of the better scores in the last few years.
This is the song:
