Olly Alexander to represent the United Kingdom at Eurovision 2024
Olly Alexander will represent the United Kingdom at Eurovision 2024. His song will be released at a later stage
It's Olly Alexander for the United Kingdom!
The BBC has just announced that Olly Alexander, better known for his project Years & Years, will represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö, Sweden.
The rumors of Alexander representing his country had been around the internet for a while but were never confirmed...until now.
The singer has already expressed his excitment over the news:
– I’ve loved watching Eurovision ever since I was a little kid and I’m beyond excited to be taking part next year, Olly says.
– I really can’t believe I’m going to be a part of such a special legacy and fly the flag for the UK in the gayest way possible, it shall be an honor!
Olly goes on to share that this is the right moment to step onto the Eurovision stage as he's starting to pursue his solo endeavors:
– I’ve wanted to do this for a long time and it feels like the right moment to start releasing music under my own name. I’m determined to give it everything I’ve got and put on an excellent and unforgettable performance for you all!
As for the song, it'll have to wait until 2024 to see the light of day.
Olly Alexander
Oliver Alexander Thornton, known as Olly Alexander, is an English singer and actor who is better known for his project Years & Years.
He's been linked to music since he was young, as his mother was one of the founders of the Coleford Music Festival. He started acting in plays in school and went on to study Performing Arts, even though he dropped out to pursue an acting career which came about in 2008 with the film "Summerhill."
In 2010, Years & Years was formed and Olly joined as the lead vocalist. Their first single didn't come out until two years later, and then in 2013 they found success with the song "Traps." By then, Years & Years had shrunk from a five-piece group to a trio.
The group continued to release music, and in 2015 their single "King" made it to the top of the charts in the UK, which changed the game for Olly and his friends.
Regardless, and after two studio albums, Olly remains as the only member of the project Years & Years. He also goes by his solo name, Olly Alexander.
The United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest
The United Kingdom has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 65 times since 1957. The UK has 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 have finished in 2nd place 16 times! They came last five times: 2003, 2008, 2010, 2019 and 2021.
The United Kingdom is a member of the "Big-5," which means they don't have to go through the Semi-final round and are automatically qualified for the Grand Final.
