Who represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest 2021?

And how many points did the UK get?

Author: Alex RossPublished 14th May 2021
Last updated 10th Jun 2022

Eurovision fans across the world were left devastated back in 2020 when the popular Eurovision Song Contest was cancelled for the first time in the show's history due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic - which made it even more exciting with the contest returned in 2021! But who represented the UK? And how many points did the UK score?

Who represented the UK at Eurovision 2021?

It was announced early in 2020 that John Newman's brother James would represent the UK, and having written songs for the likes of Ed Sheeran, Calvin Harris, Louis Tomlinson and Jess Glynne, fans had very high hopes that the UK would finish on the left side of the leaderboard!

After the 2020 contest was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic, it was revealed in early 2021 that James has been reselected to fly the flag for the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021.

Sharing a video of himself on Instagram announcing the good news, James told fans: 'Super happy to announce that I'll be representing the UK at the 2021 @eurovision song contest! (for real this time!) Things didn't go to plan last year but this year we're back (with a brand new song no less!) keep your eyes and ears peeled 🧡 x #ESC2021'. (sic)

What was the UK entry for Eurovision 2021?

GRAMMY nominated James released an upbeat track called 'My Last Breath', showing off his amazing song writing and vocal skills, but wasn't able to perform due to organisers cancelling the contest in March 2020.

However, luckily for James, the singer was reselected to represent the UK at the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest. James released his brand entry called 'Embers'.

How many points did the UK get in Eurovision 2021?

Watch the official music video for 'Embers' below:

How many point did the UK get in Eurovision 2021?

Sadly, the UK didn't receive any points from the juries or in the televote - a result otherwise referred to as nul points.

Eurovision 2021 entries:

James wasn't the only act from the 2020 contest that returned the following year. Iceland's Daði Freyr, who was the overwhelming favourite in 2020 also returned, as well as Spain's Blas Canto, Romania's Roxen, Ireland's Lesley Roy, Belgium's Hooverphonic, and many more.

Watch: James Newman performs at the Eurovision Song Contest 2021

Did Eurovision 2021 going ahead?

Yes! Organisers of the popular music event, which has been going since 1956, implemented a number of different scenarios in order to allow the 2021 contest go ahead during the pandemic, but it wasn't the typical layout of the usual contest.

You can read about all three potential scenarios right here.

When was the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021?

The 2021 Eurovision Song Contest final took place on Saturday 22nd May 2021, with the semi-finals on 18th and 20th May.

Where was the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021?

After it was cancelled in 2020, the 2021 contest took place at Rotterdam Ahoy in the Netherlands.

Guess the countries from the iconic Eurovision performances below:

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Check your answers...

1) UK - Bucks Fizz: 'Making Your Mind Up' (1981)


2) FINLAND - Lordi: 'Hard Rock Hallelujah' (2006)


3) SWEDEN - Loreen: 'Euphoria' (2012)


4) UK - Scooch: 'Flying The Flag' (2007)


5) SWITZERLAND - Celine Dion: 'Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi' (1988)


6) NORWAY - Alexander Rybak: 'Fairytale' (2009)


7) SWEDEN - ABBA: 'Waterloo' (1974)


8) IRELAND - Jedward: 'Lipstick' (2011)


9) UK - Brotherhood Of Man: 'Save Your Kisses For Me' (1976)


10) UKRAINE - Verka Serduchka: 'Dancing Lasha Tumbai' (2007)


11) UK - Katrina and the Waves: 'Love Shine A Light' (1997)


12) AUSTRIA - Conchita Wurst: 'Rise Like a Phoenix' (2014)


13) RUSSIA - Buranovskiye Babushki: 'Party For Everybody' (2012)


14) UK - Blue: 'I Can' (2011)


15) ISRAEL - Netta: 'Toy' (2018)


16) IRELAND - Ryan O'Shaughnessy: 'Together' (2018)

17) UK - Sam Ryder: 'Space Man' (2022)

Now read:

11 most memorable Eurovision Song Contest performances ever

10 facts you probably didn’t know about the Eurovision Song Contest

UK Eurovision contestants: Where are they now?

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