The world’s biggest music competition returns this May as the 68th Eurovision Song Contest, one of the longest-running and most-watched non-sporting events in the world, is broadcast live from Malmö on the BBC.
On Saturday 11 May, the Grand Final will be hosted by commentator Graham Norton, live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Over on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, Scott Mills and Rylan will be leading the commentary on the airwaves.
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Following Loreen’s victory in Liverpool last May, seven time winner Sweden takes over as host of the much loved competition. This year also marks the 50 year anniversary of ABBA giving Sweden their first iconic win with ‘Waterloo’.
Multi-award winning music superstar, Olly Alexander will be flying the flag for the United Kingdom with his song ‘Dizzy’.
Comedian, singer and two-time Eurovision host Petra Mede takes hold of the presenter reins alongside Hollywood star Malin Åkerman, live from Malmö Arena.
Twenty-six incredible acts perform in a bid for the most points, but only one will be crowned the new Eurovision Winner.
Interview with Olly Alexander
UK entrant
How are you feeling about representing the UK for Eurovision 2024?
I’m feeling very proud to be representing the UK with my song ‘Dizzy’. I can’t believe that it’s happening to be honest with you, this whole experience feels like a dream. I’ve watched Eurovision since I was a kid and now that I’m going to be out there on the stage, flying the flag for my country. It’s quite overwhelming but very exciting.
Tell us about your song ‘Dizzy’, and what it means to you?
‘Dizzy’ is about an overwhelming feeling of love that someone gives you where they’ve swept you off your feet and they’re literally turning your world upside down. The song is about that feeling, and I love it, I love the song so much, and I just can’t wait to perform it.
What can we expect from your performance?
I think what’s important at Eurovision is to stand out, and so I am aiming for my performance to be truly unforgettable, to surprise the audience and to intrigue them.
I want to leave them with something that they will never forget and of course, I hope to bring an element of dizziness to the performance and capture the feelings of the song.
Have you ever been to Sweden?
I’ve been very fortunate to have visited Sweden a number of times. It’s a beautiful country. I’ve played there on tour quite a few times. I recently played a show there in Stockholm at a theme park called Gröna Lund. It’s a very famous Swedish venue, Elton John, Prince and Jimi Hendrix have all played there and now so I have I, I loved it.
Do you have any rituals before performing? Will you be taking any good luck charms with you to Malmö?
I only really have one pre-stage ritual and that is to hug whoever I’m going on stage with. I like to give them a hug and just take a few deep breaths. Also, my mum has given me a good luck charm. It’s a traditional Swedish statue, a wooden horse called a Dala horse that I’ll definitely be taking to Sweden.
Have you had a listen to the competition?
Yes, I’ve listened to every artist’s song at this year’s Eurovision, there’s a lot of really great songs by some great artists. I think the competition is quite stiff.
Which past Eurovision artist would you most like to duet with?
Oh, there are lots of fantastic, previous Eurovision contestants that I would love to collab with. If I had to pick one, I would say Mahmood who has represented Italy more than once. I think he’s a great artist.
What is your favourite Eurovision song of all time?
This is extremely difficult because there are so many amazing songs! I’m going to pick the song that I think birthed my Eurovision love and obsession. I was about six or seven years old. It was the UK representative that year. It was Gina G, with ‘Ooh Aah… Just A Little Bit.’
The Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final airs Saturday 11 May at 8pm on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.