UK Eurovision entry 2018 contestants: Shortlist of singers and songs revealed

The BBC today has confirmed the names of the six acts and songs on the contestants’ shortlist to become the UK Eurovision entry 2018.

They will take to the Eurovision: You Decide stage TONIGHT) (Wednesday 7 February to compete for the honour of representing the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 in Lisbon, Portugal.

Hosted by Mel Giedroyc and winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2015, Måns Zelmerlöw, the 90-minute UK Selection show will be broadcast live on BBC Two at 7.30pm, from the world-famous Brighton Dome, and will feature performances by the six competing acts before the vote opens.

The six acts and songs were revealed last month on BBC Radio 2’s Ken Bruce show and are as follows (in alphabetical order):

Asanda – Legends

Written by Christopher Wortley, Laurell Barker and Roel Rats

Asanda is no stranger to the stage having first wowed the British public when she appeared on the 2013 series of Britain’s Got Talent aged 11. More recently, Asanda starred as Tallulah in the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith production of Bugsy Malone.

Asanda says about her song: “It is a unique song with a very energetic rhythm and has a tribal feel to it. I think the melody and the lyrics come together to form a very beautiful and inspirational message that is relatable to everyone.”

Goldstone – I Feel The Love

Written by Eric Lumiere, Joakim Buddee, Laura White and Roel Rats

Goldstone are a contemporary girl group comprising of Aimie, Helen and Rhiannon who are all singers and actresses having experience of acting and singing on stage and on TV.

Goldstone say about their song: “We adore our song! It’s just so hopeful! And with everything that is happening in the world right now it really hits home. It makes you feel positive about the future and its message is that it doesn’t matter who you are, who you love or where you come from – we can always band together and unite.”

Jaz Ellington – You

Written by Ashley Hicklin, Herman Gardarfve and Laura White

Jaz is an old-school soul singer and as a seasoned vocal arranger has been involved with music for most of his life.

Jaz says about his song: “The song is a story of two people in a relationship. The person telling the story compares everything his partner does, to the one he truly loves. It’s beautiful and yet sad at the same time, I just love it. #audiblegold.”

Liam Tamne – Astronaut

Written by Ashley Hicklin, Jacob Pedersen, Jeanette Bonde and Rune Braager

Singer and actor Liam has appeared in world-famous musicals such as Wicked, Hairspray, Les Misérables, The Phantom Of The Opera and The Rocky Horror Show to name a few.

Liam says about his song: “It’s a great song and I believe many people can relate to it. The message will resonate with a lot of people, as we all need that someone at some point in our lives to pick us up and whisk us away.”

RAYA – Crazy

Written by Emil Rosendal Lei, Greta Salóme Stefánsdóttir and Samir Salah Elshafie

RAYA is a multi-talented star, having performed all over the world in some of the biggest venues, she also has experience acting on the stage and on TV, as well as being a trained dancer, vocal coach and DJ.

RAYA says about her song: “It’s extremely catchy and upbeat with a really fresh and commercial feel. It’s all about that new guy or girl who you can’t get out of your head no matter how hard you try.”

SuRie – Storm

Written by Nicole Blair, Gil Lewis and Sean Hargreaves

SuRie is an actress and singer who is no stranger to the Eurovision Song Contest, appearing as a backing singer for Loïc Nottet in 2015 and Blanche at Eurovision 2017.

SuRie says about her song: “Storm is a smash! It’s a dynamic combination of a more intimate, piano lead, singer songwriter style start, building into this anthemic, soulful pop party!”

Tonight an expert panel – Rylan, Rochelle Humes and Tom Fletcher – will be on hand to offer their thoughts on how the songs could be made to look and sound on stage in Lisbon.

As last year, the winner of Eurovision: You Decide 2018 will be decided by a 50:50 combination of viewer and music industry professional jury votes.

The public can vote for their favourite song via telephone or online.

The 63rd Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Lisbon, Portugal with tickets available from the BBC Eurovision site. The Semi Finals will be broadcast on 8 and 10 May on BBC Four, and the Grand Final will be broadcast on 12 May on BBC One.