Eurovision 2021: James Newman will return to represent the UK
The Brit Award-winning songwriter will get a second shot at Eurovision glory in Rotterdam this May.
By Will Stroude
James Newman will represent the UK at the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest, the BBC has confirmed.
Newman, who is a Brit Award-winning songwriter and also the brother of ‘Love Me Again’ singer John Newman, had been due to represent the UK with his track ‘My Last Breath’ at last year’s competition before the event was cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“I’m so excited and honoured to be getting a second chance at representing my country in the Eurovision Song Contest”, said James, 35.
“I haven’t stopped making new music in lockdown and I can’t wait for everyone to hear the song I’m taking to Eurovision in 2021.”
At least half of the 41 countries participating in Eurovision 2021 have chosen to reselect the act due to represent them in 2020, but acts will not be allowed to re-enter with songs they had been due to perform last year.
James Newman (Image courtesy of the BBC)
James Newman’s new song will be revealed in March ahead of The Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final, which takes place in Rotterdam, The Netherlands on 22 May.
The final format of this year’s competition has yet to be revealed amid continued coronavirus restrictions, with organisers already ruling out a ‘normal’ show without safety measures such a social distancing.
Contestants have already been asked to produce a “live-on-tape” performance ahead of the competition as a back-up in case travel restrictions prevent anyone from reaching Rotterdam.
Graham Norton will once again provide commentary for UK viewers during the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final on Saturday 22 May in Rotterdam, The Netherlands
James Newman’s selection has taken place as part of a partnership between Eurovision broadcaster BBC Studios and music company BMG, with the public vote format seen in recent years scrapped following underwhelming competition results.
Jo Wallace, Acting Controller Entertainment Commissioning for the BBC, says: “We are so pleased to have James back with us and representing the United Kingdom at Eurovision 2021.
“After 2020 and the postponing of the 65th song contest Eurovision is exactly what everyone needs!”
The Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final will take place on Saturday 22 May in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and will be broadcast live on BBC One in the UK with commentary by Graham Norton.
The semi-finals will be held on Tuesday 18 & Thursday 20 May, broadcast live on BBC Four in the UK.