The UK's Lucie Jones: "The pressure is big, the excitement is huge"

Lucie has a wealth of stage experience, beginning with The X Factor in 2009 where she was a finalist. Her audition for the show even went viral on the internet. Since then she has embarked on a highly successful musical theatre career and is currently performing in Rent! The Musical. Later this year she will reprise her role as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde: The Musical.

Never Give Up On You, Lucie's song for Eurovision was co-written by the winner of the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest Emmelie de Forest, who will come to Kyiv to support the UK hopeful. "I’m a big fan of hers — it’s going to be so nice having her here with me in Ukraine," said Lucie.  

From X Factor to Eurovision

Prior to taking to the stage Lucie spoke about the differences between Eurovision and The X Factor. "Both are huge shows but Eurovision is a different world. You only get one moment to connect with the viewers. The pressure is big but the excitement is huge."

Following in Sandie Shaw's (bare) footsteps

Lucie says that she loves to perform in barefoot. "I don’t know what it is but it changes the way you stand and sing. I love it. It could be a good omen for me, Sandie Shaw won with no shoes on!" 

When asked if she had received any advice from previous Eurovision participants Lucie mentioned that Nicki French, UK's entry in 2000,  told her to enjoy the experience. "She told me to have fun, to try and keep calm and enjoy the company of those that I'm with."

The UK singer's family and friends will join her in Kyiv. She mentioned that her parents are especially proud of her and added that her dad in particular is emotional. "My dad cries at everything, if you see him he’ll probably be crying," she said with a smile.   

Lucie will next take to the stage on Sunday morning for her second rehearsal here in Kyiv. As a 'Big Five' country, the United Kingdom is already qualified to take part in the Grand Final on Saturday, 13th of May.