UK: Public to decide British entry for Stockholm!

No more internal selections! The Daily Express reports that the British entry for Stockholm is going to be chosen by the public. According to their report, our entry will be selected by a new talent show similar to The X Factor. Up until November, up and coming (aka unknown) artists will be invited to participate. Hugh Goldmsith, a record label executive who helped take Atomic Kitten, Billie Piper and Blue, will be in charge of the project. Guy Freeman has said:

This year really will be the biggest song search for Eurovision the BBC has ever undertaken. With input from key industry figures and fan associations, plus with the public having the final say we are looking forward to seeing a true People's Eurovision entry representing the UK at next year's competition in Sweden.

This is defiantly a steer in the right direction. The UK has chosen internally since 2011.. It's time to put the decision back in the public's hands. We surely can't do much worse, can we?

UK: 1.9 million Brits tune in for 'Eurovision's Greatest Hits'!

The viewing figures are out. An average of 1.89 million Brits watched Eurovision's Greatest Hits last night with an overall share of 9.5%. Not bad but a little disappointing. Channel 4's Gogglebox peaked at 3.07 million views and 3.03 million Brits tuned in for Bear Grylls: Mission Survive on ITV...

Other countries including Sweden will broadcast the show tonight. 

UK: Guy Freeman says "Our song is a contrast to last year!"

Guy Freeman dropped some hints about the British entry yesterday. He said:

I think we learnt a lot last year and have tried to apply some of those lessons. All I will say is that it is probably quite a contrast to last year – read into that what you will – and the reason that we picked this song is because of all the ones we looked at, it’s the one that a) had the most instant interesting factor about it and b) when we listened to loads of others, it stuck in the mind.

The rumours have been full on today. Firstly, British Press reported that X Factor winner Alexandra Burke might have been selected. However she declined this... then beatboxer Grace Savage tweeted "Eurovision here I come" - however eurovision.tv then tweeted this:

Photo credits - Schlager Katja  

Other names I've heard being mentioned include Rebecca Ferguson, Tyler Names, Bo Bruce, Owen McGarry and George Ezra. The UK's entry will be revealed at 22:30 CET on the BBC's Red Button Service - or on Eurovision.tv for international viewers.

60th Anniversary Special: BBC to host 'Eurovision’s Greatest Hits’

Well it's official. Ken Bruce announced on his BBC Radio 2 show that the 60th Anniversary Show will indeed be held in London, as previously rumoured. The show will be held in London’s Eventim Apollo Hammersmith on 31st March. It will be broadcast shortly after however an exact date for that is to be confirmed. Graham Norton and Petra Mede will host the show. Tickets will go on sale this Friday at 11:15 CET. Three acts have already been revealed. Conchita Wurst, Herreys and Natasha St-Pier will all make a special appearance. More acts will be announced throughout the week! 

Photo and source - BBC 

UK: Laura Whitmore to commentate on semi-finals, with Scott Mills!

It's been confirmed that Scott Mills and Laura Whitmore will co-host the BBC's coverage of the semi finals in Copenhagen. She's best known for hosting I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! NOW! on ITV2. Here's what the Irish presenter had to say:

"I am going to be in Copenhagen doing some bits for BBC Three for Eurovision so that will be pretty cool. It's a tough life!"

Ana Matronic, from Scissor Sisters, commentated on the semi finals last year in Malmo (with Scott, of-course) although has had to pull out because she's busy touring.