James Newman releases positive statement following Eurovision failure
The UK received ZERO points
Last updated 24th May 2021
Despite winning the contest five times in the past, the last time the UK were victorious in the Eurovision Song Contest was way back in 1997, but with BRIT Award singer-songwriter James Newman taking the reigns this year, there was a slight bit of hope...
Taking to the stage with his upbeat track 'Embers', James gave a great performance, but in true recent Eurovision history, the UK finished bottom of the leaderboard, gaining 'nil points' from both the Eurovision jury and the public across Europe.
Despite finishing in last place, James, who has written songs for the likes of Little Mix, Ed Sheeran and Calvin Harris, has remained positive about the situation, sharing a statement online with his fans.
He wrote: 'I want to focus on the positives of this amazing experience. I stood on stage and sang to hundreds of millions of people with a song that I wrote and love.
'I've learnt so much from the amazing people who gave everything to help me live my dream, the dancers, my choreographer, my vocal coach, everybody on my label, my manager and the BBC and all the people behind the scenes at Eurovision and the arena. All these people are the best in the business and I got the chance to work with them and share this crazy experience that I'm so lucky to have the chance to do.
'The thing about writing songs is that there is no guarantee that a song you think will connect with people, will connect with an audience.
'Thank you to all the amazing dedicated fans who have supported me through the whole thing made it all worth it. Because at the end of the day they are the people who you do this all for.
'| just want to say a huge massive thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has been on this journey with me, supported me, listened to my music, and filled my life with me, listened to my music, and filled my life with positivity and love. ....'
James then concluded, adding: 'The times when it doesn't play out how you hoped it might, teach you how to pick yourself up and be stronger'.
The Eurovision Song Contest, which took place on Saturday 22nd May, was won by Italian rock band Måneskin, with their track 'Zitti E Buoni'.
France's Barbara Pravi finished in second place, with Switzerland, Gjon’s Tears in third.
Hopefully the UK have better luck next year! 🙈
QUIZ: Guess the country from these iconic Eurovision performances
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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:
12 facts you probably didn’t know about the Eurovision Song Contest
UK Eurovision contestants: Where are they now?