Familiar faces give UK a genuine chance at Eurovision
Published:Eighties superstar Bonnie Tyler will head to Malmo with the hopes of the British public on her shoulders as she performs Believe in Me in front of a TV audience of over 120 million.
Tyler is best known for the 1984 hit, Total Eclipse of the Heart, that cemented her at the forefront of the British music scene as she went on to be nominated for three Grammys throughout the decade.
The 61-year-old Welsh performer is a 33/1 shot to secure an unlikely victory in Sweden and will have to undo years of disappointment for artists from these shores.
The UK has entered Europe’s premier singing contest every year since 1959 and has come out on top on just five occasions.
The last winner hailing from the United Kingdom were Katrina and the Waves with their 1997 hit Love Shine a Light taking the gong in Dublin.
The Neath-born wailer is the first Welsh participant since James Fox, who came 16th with his song Hold on to Your Love.
Tyler spoke of her pride in representing her nation and her confidence in her entry, “I am truly honoured and delighted to be able to represent my country at Eurovision, and especially with such a fabulous song,”
The UK entry is penned by American Desmond Child, with the assistance of British songwriters Lauren Christy and Christopher Braide.
Tyler has worked with Child throughout her career and the Songwriter Hall of Famer has also written songs for the likes of Kiss, Aerosmith and Bon Jovi, adding weight to the UK’s quest for a first success in 16 attempts.
Denmark are the hot favourites at evens to secure a third Eurovision victory with Emelie de Forest’s Only Tear Drops expected to connect with a wider European audience and lead the 20-year-old to glory.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
