The United Kingdom has realized they are selecting the correct entries for Eurovision and have asked fans now to come with suggestions. One of the ideas is to again to look at an OLDIE like Engelbert Humperdick and Bonnie Tyler to make a come back to their careers.
Now you as fan have to tell them if there are OLDIES they could look at and who they never even should consider. List between 3 and 5 such artists.
I will have a look at one male singer, one female singer and one group.
TONY CHRISTIE had a great run of success in the 70’s and he has a good voice and if he gets a chance with a song similar to I DID WHAT I DID FOR MARIA, I think he could be considered.
SUZI QUATRO had some great hits in the 70’s composed by NICKY CHINN and MIKE CHAPMAN like SHE’S IN LOVE WITH YOU so that is someone I would look at given the correct song, she is a MAYBE.
BAY CITY ROLLERS – they caused phandemonoum around the world in their distinctive outfits but could they do it in Eurovision? I do not think so, so they are a definite NO NO.
I say bring back Katrina and the Waves!
In all seriousness, though, why not Sarah Brightman? She has a stunning voice, and as long as they could give her a decent song, I think she could memorize and stun! They’ve already had Andrew Lloyd Weber on stage (getting one of their best results in recent years), so why not return to a winning formula???
The NO NO category is the obvious corollary: Michael Crawford. Though the man can sing, he is a diva of the first order!
If they’re looking for new talent, though, why not Clare Maguire? She has a great voice and fabulous talent at songwriting!
Love love love Claire Maguire!!! Where is the new album already!!!
What a great topic!
Cliff Richard has a lot of history with Eurovision and is still performing today, but I don’t think he would be able to bring home the win they so desperately crave. I don’t think they should consider him.
Is a Spice Girl classified as an oldie? Perhaps to today’s youth they would be. Mel C had the best voice of the group and she should definitely be considered. There’s a lot of love for the Spice Girls still and I think she would do very well.
Spice Girls – excellent suggestion.
Elton John influenced the seventies and eighties with his songs such as Candle in the Wind, Bennie and the Jets, Crocodile Rock and Daniel. He has flare, on stage persona and the costumes. maybe, but only if he has the right song.
Elvis Costello another prolific singer songwriter, who has also collaborated with the likes of Paul MacCartney. His songs Chelsea and A good for the Roses did well. Could he write another award winning song and pull it off on stage. No, don’t think so.
Annie Lennox, who could forget Sweet Dreams are made of this or There Must be an Angel. She has had a long running career with accolades. She, either alone or back with the Eurythmics may have a chance with the right song.
Electric Light Orchestra or ELO could be considered. Still releasing albums, although with a slightly different lineup but with the same sound. They made history with having the most Billboard Hot 100 top 40 hits of any group in U.S. Chart history without ever having a number 1 single. They also collaborated with Olivia Newton John on the soundtrack of Xanadu. So, maybe bring back Olivia and ELO, no, no that would never do.
Great great question!!!
For my male artist id look at Fischer z, one of all time favourite songs is ‘the perfect day’ I Know daz Sampson tried the whole rap thing, but Fischer did it in a way that was both cool and dorky, while having something worthwhile to say!
My female artist, Sam brown, those sultry tones from ‘stop’ had me at hello at age 10, I’ve loved her ever since. She also did ‘can I get a witness’ which basically would have turned Eurovision on its head. She’s a perfect pop blues artist.
My group, I’d like to reform (for the millionth time) bananarama. They were kitsch and camp, but vocally delivered the goods! Their last reformation in 2005/2006 was brilliant. The ladies still have it.
For an absurd entry id like to go good old bob geldof and his ‘boomtown Rats’ I don’t like Mondays is still a smash in this house, even though I strongly doubt it could be done live with any conviction these days!
This one is tough. My advice is, NEVER EVER EVER EVER bring back an “oldie” to Eurovision. Ever.
I’d like to think Eurovision is the perfect platform for new artists. I want to see where the UK thinks music is going, not where it’s been (or “hey, this nearly-forgotten artist has a new album”).
I’m willing to make an exception for Tom Jones.
AGAINST:
Any OLDIE. But this is a fun one!
Cliff Richard (sorry Mum) but with all the recent controversy I don’t think he would be a wise choice.
Katie Price &/or Peter Andre. How funny would it be if they both tried to revive their careers by forming a duet for Eurovision! Channeling: Cry Baby by Jemini (UK 2003)
Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta! I Think You Might Like It. Enough said.
FOR:
Kate Bush 4 her voice, creativity and presence. She is the Loreen of the 80’s.
Channeling: Angel by Mika Newton (Ukraine 2011) How cool is sand art!
David Bowie. With his Eastern European appeal I think he could pull off over-the-top or quiet and calm. Day After Day by Elnur & Samir (Azerbaijan 2008) or Birds by Anouk (The Netherlands 2013).
I have chosen these artists because of their creativity. I believe they would be true to themselves and take their task seriously. They have high profiles but seem sensitive enough to stay mellow to attention.
“I Think You Might Like It” may be the worst thing to ever happen to humanity.
Oh, no, bringing back an oldie should be the last option British people should think of.
But, because this is just a game we’re playing, here is my answer:
Bring back TOM JONES!
He’s 75 years old, but he still rocks.
As far as I know, just last year he performed at the pre-game entertainment for the 2014 Australian Football League Grand Final.
He’s still got the energy to rock the stadium.
And people, young and old, loved him.
Yes, baby! 🙂
Coming up with suggestions for this was actually harder than you would think but after much consideration and time on youtube my Fav three are:
Shirley Bassey; George Michael and S Club 7.
You can never go wrong with any of them although I almost went for Phil Collins as an alternative.
As for the no category – lets go with Sigue Sigue Sputnik (although look wise they would earn their place in the finals) and One direction (they’re now old now aren’t they?)
I think Eurovision winner LULU would be an interesting choice for the UK. Although I do believe that as far as voting, we are probably past the era when veteran singers can win the contest (except for the occasional anomaly like the Russian Grannies joke entry), Lulu is still a dynamic performer who can sell a song as strongly as ever. She also has a bubbly personality that could charm the public and create goodwill for the UK.
BOY GEORGE is a worldwide phenomenon who is instantly recognized and remembered across Europe. He still has an excellent voice, and if the UK could come up with a souful stomper for him to perform with a great production and choreographed dancers, it would be a sensation.
On the topic of Eurovision legends, why not ask back veteran winners KATRINA AND THE WAVES for a 20th anniversary comeback in 2017? Katrina is still active in the Eurovision community, and their style of melodic uplifting melody never goes out of style. They might not be anyone’s choice to win, but with a good song, their entry for the UK would definitely be respected and appreciated by fans and Euro voters.
Ok as I was born in 1985 (yes yes i’m a spring chicken) I am a musical child of the 90s. Lots of amazing material to work with there!
First and foremost I would have to say that bringing back oldies hasn’t worked so well for the UK in recent years…it broke my heart when poor old Humperdink came last 🙁
Anyway, people/groups who should most definitely NOT be sent by the UK:
Cliff Richard – just so DAGGY! I don’t get his charm and I think it would be lost on the rest of Europe also.
Any boy band – yawn. Been done before. Blue didn’t go so well, notwithstanding that their song was decent.
People who should be in contention:
George Michael – great stage presence, been a bit quiet career wise for the last couple of years. Also appeals to the gay vote, clearly.
East 17 – I know I said “no boy bands” but these guys are a bit more edgy and urban than your vanilla Blue or Take That. Plus “it’s alright” would make a killer Eurovision track – high energy, repetitive simple chorus for the ESL listeners. Winner.
The Prodigy – I admit these guys are a bit of an outlier, but as Lordi proved, the continental Europeans sometimes have an appetite for something a bit more intense than the standard snoretastic “woman with died blonde hair in sparkly dress singing ballad”.
Artists like the pet shop boys could put on an amazing show
Right Said Fred could do a little dance on the catwalk
Annie Lennox is such a great vocalist she would deliver a brilliant performance
Right said Fred is among my hate artists but Pet shop boys will be nice.
I would say UK should aviod digging deep into the music history and bring back names like Sir Cliff Richard or even Sir Tom Jones even with a great song I think they would still not win, or come close.
The UK need more recent talent, bring together One Direction for one last swan song before they split? Or perhapes a famous singer songwriter like George Ezra, I think he has a amazing voice and very different with the right song.
In fact George wrote his massive hit Budapest’ after being in Malmo 2013 and experiencing the Eurovision buzz in Malmo. The full story was told on the Graham Norton show. (after he sung on the show)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUucgkSNZKo
Okay…. What a fantastic question….
Male: PAUL CARRACK!!!!! When You Walk In The Room is a fantastic song!!! Let’s see him walk onto the stage! Baby… It’s a dream come true!
Female: Seeing as someone already mentioned the fabulous Kate Bush… SHAKESPEARE’S SISTER! Bring back those two AWESOME ladies to Stay! I Dont Care how! And You’re History is one of my all time favourite songs!
Group: TRANSVISION VAMP!!!!! Wendy James needs to grace Eurovision in full pink spandex and leg warmers! Baby, I Don’t Care, I want their Love!!!!
Ahhh the Eighties… Thank you… Thank you SO much!
First of all I agree with everyone saying no to Cliff Richard. While I am a huge young Sir Cliff fan, he now has a weird rubber face and his voice is gone. Also most importantly he’s CURRENTLY being investigated for sexual assault charges so NO NO NO! (Does anyone else find it upsetting that he actually threatens to lock a woman in a box in the lyrics of “Living Doll”?)
This may be crazy but I think Seal would be a really good oldie choice. His music is still quite popular and he is a big presence on Australian TV.
I also agree that Tom Jones would be an excellent choice. He is still popular and charismatic. Although I’m not sure how people would respond to him with new material. The song would have to be excellent.
I also think Donna Lewis would do a good job, although I think she was more popular in Australia and the US than Europe.
Rick Astley? He could ‘rick-roll’ all of Eurovision! (I’m just kidding by the way).
If you look at how well the likes of Jade and Blue did in the past decade, that indicates that the best way forward for the UK might be to forget about the oldies and instead look to bring in younger artists who already have a profile within the UK and Europe.
Well I don’t mind an oldie if they have a good song.
So I would love if Belinda Carlisle would represent the UK. I know she is Anerican originally but actually had a better career in Europe than the US. She has lived in the UK and France for most of her life so I’d say yes to her.
I do think 80s nostalgia continues to do well. So Rick Astley may also be worth a go. He’s a definite maybe.
My NO category would include all the cheesy male singers like Barry Manilow and Neil Diamond and all others that fit in that genre.
Not a huge fan of the oldies but if I had to choose I would say,
Cher, she would be amazing! A song in the contest like believe would do very well!
We had Scooch represent the UK and that song has now become popular (I hear it every year!) so having a band like Steps and S Club 7 would be good.
How about the first computer generated hologram entry: Amy Whinehouse, Johnny Rotten, or The Beatles. Seriously, the UK plays it safe every year and the points don’t come its way. There’s nothing safer than going for an oldie. How about the England rugby union team. They’re free after today.
Yes the rugby team is free but unfortunately Eurovision allows only 6 people on stage, but they can pick 6 and the rest appear in a picture on the screen like France this year, and maybe a song like HOLDING BACK THE TEARS and get everybody to cry along and vote in sympathy.
Well, I was going to suggest Adele, but then I saw that she was born in 1986 and I don’t think that’ll counts for this question. Bummer…
Ok, for the male singer I’m going with Rod Stewart. Come on, everybody remembers Rod Stewart, right?
For the female singer, I’m going with Susan Boyle. She has a great voice and a wonderful rags-to-riches story.
And for the group, there is no question. It has to be Duran Duran. Who doesn’t love the Double D!!
I would say “No more Oldies.”
It is true that Eurovision has a lot to do with nostalgia, but at the same time fresh proposals are the ones that win.
But, if I only have the option of oldies I will not go that way back:
– Robbie Williams
– George Michael
– Spice Girls
The UK should go large or stay home!
The Spice Girls – Ok so even if you don’t like them, imagine how big it would be if they were in Eurovision? They were once the biggest girl group in the world and the media still go crazy for them. People would buy tickets just to see them. It would be amazing and possibly bring them a win.
Elton John – I am picturing a duet. He has done some great duets in the past (e.g. George Michael, Eminem). This approach did the UK well in 2009 with It’s My Time (Jade Ewen and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber). He is also a bit of a Diva, which would add some spice!
Another trend atm seams to be the re-mixing of popular old bands with replacement members (for those who have past or left). Queen with Adam Lambert out the front perhaps (even though he is American it would kinda work).
No, no, no! Taking someone who can’t be successful now in the UK, with the advantage of past hits, and expect them to somehow magically be successful in front of all of Europe. Not going to happen.
If you must do it, Paul McCartney, Elton John, or The Spice Girls. But don’t expect them to place in the top half, just view it as a nice final tour for one of them.
I think Roy has a good suggestion with picking one MALE one FEMALE and one GROUP ARTIST.
Robbie Williams would be a good choice for the male artist – lots of big songs, and plenty of experience performing in front of big stadium crowds, so wouldn’t be phased by the competition. He also has good versatility, so could sing a number of different styles.
Annie Lennox is a strong female artist and has experience with electronic music, which I feel is enjoying more and more success in the ESC in recent years. I know she also was in the Eurythmics group, but she had success as a solo artist too, so I’m not cheating here!
For the group, Britain has so many to choose from over the years, although for this challenge, I’d go with Pet Shop Boys. If any group from Britain could make a Eurovision comeback and win the contest, it’d have to be these guys! Strong back catalogue, still performing (I think…) and the kind of arena music which suits the competition – a good choice if I do say so myself!
Hmmm…this is intriguing. The UK wants to give an artist an opportunity to reclaim the spotlight. Well, my initial thought is Leona Lewis. I have not heard anything from her in a long while. She has a stunning voice and plenty of name recognition still.
A second option would be Duran Duran. They just released a new album. Not sure of the exact date, but if it was after Sept. 1, I’m sure the band would love to promote it at ESC.
A third option, Shirley Bassey. She’s tremendous and well known. Give her a Bond-esque ballad and she will ignite the crowd.
I think the Spice Girls could be good. They cwuld do what Blue couldn’t in 2011 – crack the Top Ten. On their name alone, they’d get the fan votes. They would just have to win over the juries, which they could do if they take the dress rehearsal seriously.
I’m not a fan of saying “no one should do ESC” but for argument’s sake…..Ozzy Osborne would be a bad choice. His music style doesn’t appeal to a wide audience and he has been known for doing crazy, crazy things.
England has had some bad choices over the past few years unfortunately. They spend so much money on Eurovision but usually end at the bottom of the voting list which I think is not fair – however music needs to be improved. Engelbert and Bonnie may have been good choices from UK perspective, it did not do so well… They need some new blood for a change I think – This years Electro Velvet was great.I think the ones who shouldn’t do would have to be;
Elton John – while he is a good signer I think he is past Eurovision. His music is good but definitely not Eurovisionish. His music is too old school.
Cliff Richard – I think he has already been and gone for Eurovision. His music was great – but I don’t think it matches any more.
Spice Girls – been and gone already – their music is poppy and its really good but too many people would not think they are up to eurovision quality.
The Cure – …..no…..just no..
One person I would say should enter would be the fabulous Shirley Bassey. She would be amazing – people would love her.
The UK has had a long tradition of embracing artists from around the world, so perhaps they need to look at non-UK artists.
For the YES list:
Nana Mouskouri – World famous with a Eurovision connection
Anna Marie David – Another Eurovision legend, but she has been at a number of UK events recently and still sounds fantastic
Bette Midler – She is a true performer who gives a great show.
For the NO list:
Cliff Richard – It is too obvious and don’t think his core audience are those that vote
Barry Manilow – He may still be performing, but I don’t think he could pull off a showstopping performance
Rod Stewart – The world has moved on, but Rod stays the same
Being British, I do love some of the older British entries. Whether the rest of the world agrees? That doesn’t seem to be the case. There are a number of older pop stars who are still doing the circuit today though that could work. I would suggest the following:
Kim Wilde – With the right song, of course
Belinda Carlise – Not British, but she was very popular here and recently had a concert in London.
Annie Lennox – Still sounds great
On the avoid list, I would have so say:
Paul McCartney – his London Olympics performance just wasn’t good enough
Chico Slimani? – His pop music career is relatively recent, so he may have more off a connection with younger crowds as well, which could turn the UK’s luck around…
Robbie Williams – given how Eurovision fans have evolved, his flair might be favorable to today’s voters… Not sure about the jury though
Dido? – She’s pretty divisive; people either love her or hate her – but that might be a better approach than in recent years, when the UK seems to be appealing to some unattainable middle ground.
For a random group – Simply Red? After releasing a new album this year, maybe they’ve rekindled some of their youth… but probably not
I like UK’s indie acts and would start with some exports that have crossover pop appeal. For example, Saint Etienne. Heavenly melodic synth pop; Stereolab – one of my first concerts in Silverlake, CA but originally from UK – great simple beats and foreign appeal; Franz Ferdinand – fantastic dance rock pop that i first saw live in the Mission in San Francisco, but also a UK export.
Avoid list: Elton John – its not my funeral yet.
Robbie Williams would be great as he isn’t such an oldie, but hasn’t really been on the charts in a while, he still has enough start power though to bring in the votes if he has a great song. Rod Stewart could be cool as well if you want to have a fun entry that doesn’t have a chance at winning. My top choice though for reviving a career move would have to be George Michael – as he would be popular and would also probably have a great song for eurovisions crowds.
I have never been against the UK selecting oldies but they need to select an oldie that has a fan base that might actually translate into Eurovision votes. The Spice Girls have already been mentioned but they would be a great choice. They have a fan base and since they only reunited periodically there is fear that a bad standing would hurt their career. By the way, it is the 20th anniversary of their big start so it would be a great time for them to come together for a UK pride fest at Eurovision.
Morrissey has frequently been mentioned. Although he has a devoted fan base, it is most certainly not the Eurovision variety so I don’t think he would do well. He would then spend lots of time bashing the contest.
I think Erasure would be a great choice. They’re celebrating a 30th anniversary, they can put together a fun track that might work at Eurovision, and the crowd in the arena is bound to love them.
I would suggest forget the oldies. I do like them but go for the newer established stars. Try established ones like Adelle, Lily Allen or Bastille. Otherwise go for someone just starting out as in winning a song contest and ensure they have a great song.
My group would be Frankie goes to Hollywood – fun and catchy to be considered
My female would be Tracey chapman but she would need to spark it up a little but would be good for a ballad
My male would be Boy George as he was a pretty cool singer and a pit out there for the time
For a group, I think the Pet Shop boys would be fantastic – they are “Eurovision-ready” and would deliver an amazing performance on stage
For a male, I would suggest Tom Jones – he still has it at age 75
for a female, how about Susan Boyle? Yes she is a reality tv star but she is well known, can sing and would probably be the biggest name in Eurovision that year so would get lots of media coverage.
I agree with Hien, I would prefer to not have another oldie. Definitely not another old boyband revival. If I had to recommend an oldie, Elton John would be awesome. I saw someone earlier mentioned Robbie Williams – that would definitely be cool!
I would probably go for one of the more successful X Factor winners/runner-ups from a few years ago (as it might be more attractive to those artists). I really liked Alexandra Burke (2008) and Joe McElderry (2009).
I would try
For
Jimmy Sommerville – with something hear wrenching like small town boy
Robert Smith – as long as he wasn’t stoned
Annie Lennox – she has the most beautiful voice and can bring any song to life.
Against
Sam Fox = No style
Kim Wild – over it
Kagagoogoo – not sure of the spelling but hey
I think an oldie would be the wrong choice. The UK is very successful at launching girl bands and cheesy pop, that sells very well at Eurovision.
Girls-Aloud. Come up with a cheesy new Girls A Loud song, choreograph it as in their previous videos. Doesn’t have to be the same group, but copy their stile, 5 young hot girls.
West Life. Bring Back one of the guys from Westlife, who’s probably bankrupt by now. Come up with a cheesy ballad, as in previous Norwegian entries. That would be very successful.
Bring an Xfactor newbie. Do a song pop mixed with some Rap. Pitbull style
In my opinion, sending an oldie would not be a good option…
There are several options of new talents or some other with a succesfull carrer who could be interseted at ESC
Leona Lewis would be an excellent option
I would like to see representing the UK:
Male: Rod Stewart: I love his voice, I find it very versatile.
Female: Sarah Brighman: I like the fact she has sung in many languages.
Group: Pet shop boys: I have always loved this duo and their electronic music.
Definite No No: Mick Jagger: I just don’t find him suitable for ESC.