British broadcaster BBC have now announced that they will be forming a collaboration with music company BMG to select their Eurovision 2020 entry.
Since 2016, the BBC have used the public selection format of Eurovision: You Decide to select the British Eurovision entry. Despite good intentions, the nation achieved minimal success when it came to Eurovision. For 2020, the broadcaster is scrapping the televised format and instead will be relying on big name music company BMG to select the entry for the United Kingdom.
The BBC approached various record labels in the hopes of a collaboration, and BMG was the right fit for the broadcaster. They both share the same vision for Eurovision 2020, which is that their entry should have international appeal and their artist should represent the spirit and values of the contest.
The broadcaster will be working alongside BMG to select the artist and entry for Eurovision 2020, and once decided upon, the entry will be released and published by BMG. Although it’s unsure whether a big name artist will step forward for Eurovision, it certainly doesn’t seem out of the question as BMG has published a range of worldwide hit songs. Some of those include ‘Someone You Love’ by Lewis Capaldi, ‘Don’t Call Me Up’ by Mabel, ‘Shotgun’ by George Ezra, ‘I’ll Be There’ by Jess Glynne and also Kylie Minogue’s recent number 1 album, ‘Golden.’
BMG have been associated with Eurovision previously, having released former Eurovision winning song ‘Heroes’ by Måns Zelmerlöw, and the company has also signed Eurovision winner Netta.
Kate Phillips, Controller of Entertainment Commissioning for the BBC has commented on the collaboration, saying ‘Our commitment to finding the right song has never been higher, and this collaboration with BMG, who have access to world class songwriters, is a genuinely exciting prospect. I am certain that together we can find the best song and artist possible for 2020.’
Creative Director for the BBC Studios, Mel Balac is also excited by the change, saying ‘The Eurovision Song Contest is a huge global event and it’s exciting that our collaboration with BMG marks an important turning point for the UK at Eurovision. We very much hope this marks the start of an exciting new chapter.’
Will this change bring long-awaited Eurovision success to the United Kingdom? Tell us your thoughts!
In 2019 the United Kingdom was represented by Michael Rice and the song Bigger Than Us, which ultimately finished in last place in the final. Watch the performance below: