The United Kingdom is gearing up in full swing for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, scheduled to be held in Vienna next May. In order to celebrate the 70 iconic years of the competition Radio 2 is launching a special search for the Ultimate Eurovision Superstar!
Radio 2 listeners are invited to vote for their ‘Ultimate Eurovision Superstar’.
Scott Mills (Radio 2 Breakfast host) says:
From Sam Ryder blasting off as the UK’s Space Man to Loreen proving she’s Eurovision royalty, the contest has produced some of the most unforgettable pop moments ever. But it’s also given us true classics – from ABBA declaring Waterloo to the world, to Bucks Fizz’s legendary skirt-rip and Katrina and the Waves letting their Love Shine a Light. We’ve pulled together an incredible shortlist celebrating 70 years of Eurovision history, and now Radio 2 listeners get to decide who deserves to be crowned the Ultimate Eurovision Superstar. I can’t wait to see who gets the ultimate 12 points.
Helen Thomas (Head of Radio 2) says:
We know how much the Radio 2 audience love Eurovision and we’re planning another very special Super Saturday of themed programmes to mark the 70th anniversary of the Contest. This countdown – hosted by Eurovision mega-fan Sophie Ellis-Bextor – will be the centrepiece of our celebrations.
The official BBC’s press release reads:
The vote launched on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show (6.30–9.30am weekdays), where Scott invited listeners to vote for their favourite Eurovision act from a shortlist of legendary artists spanning the contest’s history. The list features artists through the decades from the 1960s to the present day.
The Radio 2 family have put together a shortlist of 70 iconic artists from 70 years of Eurovision history. The shortlist contains artists who have achieved considerable success after their appearance at Eurovision, and acts that continue to be celebrated by fans for their memorable performance at the competition.
Over the years, Eurovision has launched some of the biggest names in music who have gone on to achieve global success, and others have shone brightly for a short period of time but made an impact at the time. Eurovision has also produced some truly fabulous moments that have entertained millions of people across Europe for decades.
Voting closes at 9.30am on Tuesday 31 March and the results will be revealed on Radio 2’s Eurovision Super Saturday, presented by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, on 16 May (1-3pm). The special show will be available exclusively on BBC Sounds from Monday 27 April.
The shortlist of Eurovision acts are (in alphabetical order):
- ABBA
- Alexander Rybak
- Baby Lasagna
- Baccara
- Benjamin Ingrosso
- Blue
- Bobbysocks
- Bonnie Tyler
- Brotherhood Of Man
- Bucks Fizz
- Celine Dion
- Chanel
- Charlotte Nilsson
- Cliff Richard
- Conchita Wurst
- Daði Freyr
- Dami Im
- Dana
- Dana International
- Destiny
- Duncan Lawrence
- Eleni Foureira
- Emmelie De Forest
- Engelbert Humperdinck
- Eric Saade
- Gina G
- Helena Paparizou
- Il Volo
- Jade Ewen
- Jamala
- Jedward
- JJ
- Johnny Logan
- Julio Iglesias
- Käärijä
- KAJ
- Kalush Orchestra
- Katrina and The Waves
- KEiiNO
- Lena
- Linda Martin
- Lordi
- Loreen
- Luca Hanni
- Lucie Jones
- Lulu
- Mahmood
- Måneskin
- Måns Zelmerlöw
- Michael Ball
- Nemo
- Netta
- Niamh Kavanagh
- Nicole
- Olivia Newton-John
- Olly Alexander
- Olsen Brothers
- Precious
- Remember Monday
- Rosa Linn
- Salvador Sobral
- Sam Ryder
- Sandie Shaw
- Scooch
- Sonia
- Subwoofer
- t.A.T.u
- The Common Linnets
- THE ROOP
- Verka Serduchka
