James Newman to represent United Kingdom in Eurovision 2020: "My Last Breath"
United Kingdom's public broadcaster BBC has officially revealed the act and the song that will be flying to Rotterdam to represent the country in Eurovision 2020. It's James Newman with the song "My Last Breath"
The British broadcaster BBC has officially confirmed the previous days rumours: James Newman, brother of John Newman, will represent the United Kingdom at Eurovision Song Contest 2020 with the song My Last Breath.
The official announcement was made this morning during the popular Radio 1 show, Breakfast with Greg James and on Radio 2 with Ken Bruce. Nonetheless, the cat had been out of the bag since yesterday, when part of the song and the single cover leaked online.
My Last Breath is co-written by Iain Farquharson, Adam Argyle and Edward Drewett. Iain Farquharson (Iain James) also co-wrote Running Scared (Azerbaijan 2011) and Love Kills (Belgium 2013).
James Newman
James Newman is an English singer-songwriter from Stainforth, England, whose work has already been distinguished with a prestigious Brit Award for British Single Of The Year, and been nominated for a Grammy as a songwriter.
Mostly known for his songwriting, he was also responsible for hits such as "Waiting All Night" by Rudimental ft. Ella Eyre, "Blame" by Calvin Harris feat. John Newman (his younger brother) or "Love Me Like You Do" by Little Mix.
Internationally, James has worked with huge names such as Kesha, Florida Georgia Line and Justin Bieber.
Eurovision is also part of his curriculum as Newman helped in the writing process of Brendan Murray's Dying To Try (Ireland 2017).
No national final
Unlike the previous years, and possibly due to the country's poor results, the UK dished their national selection Eurovision: You Decide and opted for an internal selection with the help of the recording company BMG that features other artists such as Dido, Mabel or Jess Glynne.
BBC has chosen the London based BMG, as they share BBC's vision of "selecting a song with a broad international appeal and securing an artist who embodies the spirit and values of the Eurovision Song Contest".
The last time UK chose internally was in 2015 with the song Still in Love with You sung by Electro Velvet.
United Kingdom in Eurovision Song Contest
United Kingdom has participated in Eurovision Song Contest 62 times since 1957. United Kingdom only skipped the contest two times: 1956 and 1958. They have won Eurovision five times:
- 1967: Sandie Shaw - "Puppet On A String"
- 1969: Lulu - "Boom Bang-a-bang"
- 1976: Brotherhood of Man - "Save Your Kisses For Me"
- 1981: Bucks Fizz - "Making Your Mind Up"
- 1997: Katrina and The Waves - "Love Shine A Light"
...and finished in 2nd place 15 times! They came last four times: 2003, 2008, 2010 and 2019.
United Kingdom is a member of "Big 5", so they don't have to go through the Semi-final qualifications, but are automatically qualified for the Grand Finals.
