Eurovision 2024: A look back at Olly Alexander's UK entry song 'Dizzy'
He finished in 18th place
Last updated 14th May 2024
Following the exciting news in December 2023 that Olly Alexander would be the UK's 2024 Eurovision Song Contest entry, the singer went on to release his track 'Dizzy', along with the music video.
Olly performed the song during the Grand Final of Eurovision on 11th May, and despite the disappointing result, we are very proud of his effort! Here's everything you need to know about Olly's epic track 'Dizzy'.
What was the UK Eurovision 2024 song?
The UK's 2024 Eurovision song was called 'Dizzy' by Olly Alexander.
Speaking ahead of the Eurovision Final, Olly explained how the song came about, saying: "I was thinking about fun things that could make you dizzy and I remember saying 'dizzy from your kisses' so we built the song around that.
"The song is about feeling such an intense swell of emotion for someone they totally turn your world upside down and inside out, we were inspired by a lot of music we love from the 80s like Stock Aitken and Waterman, Erasure, Adamski and of course Pet Shop Boys."
Where did UK finish in Eurovision 2024?
Despite Olly's amazing performance, the UK finished in 18th place during the 2024 ceremony, picking up just 46 points overall.
Is there a music video for 'Dizzy'?
Olly dropped the music video for 'Dizzy' on the song's release date (1st March). The video shows Olly on a set of a house, which rotates, with sweeping camera shots following him through the house and outside, where there's a barren garden.
How did Olly announce he was doing Eurovision?
Back in December 2023, news of Olly representing the UK was announced during the Strictly Come Dancing final and on social media, with bosses writing: 'It's official! Chart topping superstar Olly Alexander will represent the UK at next year's Eurovision in Sweden. For more details see link in bio.' (sic)
Olly said at the time: "I’ve loved watching Eurovision ever since I was a little kid and I’m beyond excited to be taking part next year. As a young boy I always looked forward to this incredible event of unbridled joy, the wonderfully chaotic mix of musical styles, theatrical performances, heartfelt emotion and humour.
"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 honour! 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!”
Ben Mortimer, President Polydor Records added: "Polydor, as the British home of ABBA and Loreen, have a deep connection with Sweden and Eurovision. And, we also have a deep connection with the trailblazing, cultural force that is Olly Alexander, who we have worked with for almost ten years. He is quite simply an incredible talent who we are convinced will make a huge impact for the UK in this year’s competition. We are proud to be supporting him in his bid for Eurovision success."
Who is Olly Alexander?
Olly Alexander is a singer, actor and fashion icon, who is now embarking on a new solo era, following on from his success with Years & Years.
Years & Years was originally a trio, later becoming a solo project with Olly Alexander. His most recent album 'Night Call' was released in January 2022 and went to Number 1 in the UK.
In June 2023, Olly was awarded with a BRIT Billion Award, celebrating 1 billion streams in the UK. He was presented the award by Girls Aloud singers Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh.
Olly also appeared in Channel 4 series It's A Sin, and unveiled his waxwork at Madame Tussauds London. As a singer, Olly has collaborated with Sir Elton John, Kylie Minogue, and Pet Shop Boys.
When was Eurovision 2024?
Eurovision 2024 took place in May 2024, featuring two semi-final events, and the final on Saturday 11th May.
Where did Eurovision 2024 take place?
In 2024 the Eurovision Song Contest took place in Malmö, Sweden, after Loreen won the competition for Sweden, for the second time, with her song 'Tattoo'. Loreen made history by becoming the first woman to win Eurovision twice, after she also won back in 2012 with her song 'Euphoria'.
Check out Olly Alexander's career below:
2009: Bright Star
Before making it in the music industry, Olly was an actor, he appeared in several films including Bright Star. Olly played the role of Tom Keats, the lead character's brother.
The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Achievement in Costume Design.
2009: Tormented
Also in 2009, Olly appeared in the film Tormented which starred Tuppence Middleton. He played the role of Jason Banks.
Olly also appeared in films Enter the Void, Dust, The Fades, Gulliver's Travels and The Dish & the Spoon.
2010: Olly Alexander joined Years & Years
Despite still acting, Years & Years formed. Olly Alexander was invited to join the band by Mikey Goldsworthy, who heard him singing in the shower.
2012: Theatre and music work
As well as his on screen acting, Olly also worked on a theatre production of Mercury Fur in 2012.
2012 was also the year that Years & Years released their debut song 'I Wish I Knew' as a five-piece group.
2013: Peter and Alice (theatre)
Olly went on to appear as Peter Pan in the West End play Peter and Alice, which starred Judi Dench. Years later, he would ask Judi to appear in the short film that accompanies Years & Years' album 'Palo Santo'.
Olly also appeared in two episodes of the TV show Skins and the feature film Le Week-End.
2014: God Help the Girl
In 2014, Olly appeared in the lead role of a musical feature film called God Help the Girl. In the film he sang and played the guitar. It follows three friends in Glasgow who form a band.
2015: Years & Years release 'Communion'
In 2015, Years & Years music career was really beginning to take hold. The band (now a trio) released their Number 1 debut album 'Communion' and also their huge hits, 'King' and 'Shine'.
2018: Years & Years released 'If You're Over Me'
Years & Years released 'If You're Over Me', which was another chart success for the band reaching Number 6 in the UK, followed by 'Play' with Jax Jones which reached Number 8.
The band also released 'Palo Santo', their second album. The album was accompanied by a short film which was narrated by Judi Dench.
2021: Olly Alexander stars in It's a Sin
Olly starred in the Channel 4 series It's a Sin about the lives of three young people affected by the AIDS crisis in the 1980s.
The singer plays Ritchie, from the Isle of Wight. The 'golden boy' of a middle-class family, Ritchie is heading off to University to study law in London where he finds 'freedom'.
2021: Years & Years performed at The BRITs
Olly, along with the rest of Years & Years performed at The BRIT Awards. The band also released 'It's a Sin' (solo or with Elton John), 'Starstruck' (solo or with Kylie Minogue). Olly also released 'Sweet Talker' with Galantis as the Years & Years solo project.
2021: Years & Years becomes a solo project
In 2021, Years & Years explained that they would be continuing as an 'Olly solo project' which will involve Mikey Goldsworthy playing at the live shows and Emre Türkmen helping with writing/producing.
2021: Years & Years released: 'Starstruck'
Years & Years' first single as a solo project was called 'Starstruck' and released in April 2021. There were two versions of the song, one as a solo track and one with Kylie Minogue, which was released the following month.
2022: Olly Alexander releases his first solo album
The project's first solo album was called 'Night Call', released in January 2022 and debuting at the top of the charts in the UK. It was accompanied by a tour of the same name.
2023: Mighty Hoopla Festival headline slot
Olly headlined the Mighty Hoopla Festival 2023 alongside Destiny's Child legend Kelly Rowland, singing all the band's biggest hits - and even bringing out Girls Aloud's Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts for a mini reunion!
2023: Olly Alexander announced as the UK's Eurovision 2024 entry
During the Strictly Come Dancing final, Olly Alexander was announced as the UK's Eurovision 2024 entry.
Speaking about the news, Olly said: "I've loved watching Eurovision ever since I was a little kid and I'm beyond excited to be taking part next year. As a young boy I always looked forward to this incredible event of unbridled joy, the wonderfully chaotic mix of musical styles, theatrical performances, heartfelt emotion and humour."
2024: Olly Alexander makes a pit-stop at The Queen Vic
Olly Alexander will appear in an episode of EastEnders. The actor and singer makes a surprise visit in Walford, however his appearance is not the only surprise of the night.
On his guest-appearance, Olly Alexander said: "I'm thrilled to be making my first appearance on EastEnders and in the most iconic pub in the UK. I'm so happy I got to meet some true screen legends and spend time on set with the brilliant cast and crew. I wanted to surprise my mum as it's her favourite show but I guess the cat is out of the bag now, she's gonna love it!"
2024: Olly Alexander represents the UK at Eurovision 2024
Taking to the stage in Malmö on Saturday 11th May, Olly performed his single 'DIzzy' during the Grand Final of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. Despite giving an epic performance, Olly finished in 18th place with just 46 points.
November 2024: Olly performs at Hits Radio Live Birmingham
Olly took to the stage of the bp pulse LIVE arena in Birmingham for Hits Radio Live in November 2024, where he performed his biggest hits and entertained crowds. He joined Sugababes, Joel Corry, Ella Henderson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Tom Walker, and Sigala for the Friday night line up.
Now read:
Facts you probably didn’t know about the Eurovision Song Contest
UK Eurovision contestants: Where are they now?
The most memorable UK Eurovision performances