BBC launches open selection for 2015 British entry
07 October 2014 at 01:27 CEST
For the first time since 2008, the BBC is opening for general song submissions for the United Kingdom's Eurovision Song Contest entry.
In his blog on the BBC Eurovision website, UK Head of Delegation, Guy Freeman, explained that whilst also continuing to engage directly with record companies for next year's entry, the BBC would also "like to provide as many routes into the selection process as possible".
This also includes once again engaging with the BBC Introducing programme, which supports young artists by giving them a platform for their material. It was also the vehicle used to select Molly Smitten-Downes, who represented the United Kingdom at the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen back in May with her song Children Of The Universe.
See Molly performing at this year's Grand Final in Copenhagen:
In an article on the BBC News website, Guy Freeman ruled out giving the British public a say in choosing the 2015 entry saying that a panel of experts "will have the final say on which song and artist will be the UK's 2015 entry".
Making reference to Conchita Wurst, who won this year's contest for Austria with the song Rise Like A Phoenix, Guy Freeman emphasised that "alongside finding a brilliant song, we have to find a brilliant performer to interpret it, believe in it and connect with the thousands of fans at the event and the millions watching on TV. That person or group must also be able to handle the massive amount of media interest which becomes a whirlwind around the contest. It’s a big challenge but an amazing opportunity too!".
In the spirit of achieving an all-round entry, the BBC will only accept video recordings of potential entries. Guy explained that "the video doesn’t have to be professionally shot and the audio production can be a demo – but it must be performed by the artist who you believe could perform it in Vienna, if it was selected". He also stated that songs will not be accepted without an artist, nor will artists be able to apply without a song. The deadline for the submission of entries is the 7th of November. All entrants will be notified whether or not they have been shortlisted by the 21st of November at the latest.
