|
The massively successful group, who celebrate their 10
year anniversary this year, will travel to the
competition live show in Dusseldorf this May to perform
their brand new, self-penned song 'I Can', in front of
an estimated 125 million viewers worldwide.
Blue formed in 2000 and have to date sold over 13
million records, won 2 Brit Awards and had 40 No. 1
singles worldwide including huge success across Italy,
France and Germany. After a four-year hiatus, the band
reformed for a string of summer gigs in 2009, before
starting to work on new material in 2010.
In coming weeks, filming will start on a one-hour
documentary programme showing Blue's preparation for the
Eurovision Song Contest. It will feature them recording
'I Can', travelling to Europe to promote the entry, and
receiving advice, help and hints from some of the
biggest names in the music business. It will air on BBC
One in April.
BBC Head of Entertainment and Events Katie Taylor says
"We're enormously pleased to have found an act that not
only meets but exceeds all the criteria for a great
entry. Blue are the perfect choice and we're so proud to
have them representing us at this year's Eurovision Song
Contest."
Eurovision Executive Producer Phil Parsons says: "I'm
thrilled that Blue will represent the UK this year. We
have a highly credible act who have had a string of
smash hits in this country and they've also been hugely
successful around Europe too. There's a lot of genuine
affection for them here and abroad. They're real pop
stars who have superb vocal ability, have great on stage
presence and can really deliver on the night in
Dusseldorf. That's why Britain's backing Blue!"
The band - Antony Costa, Duncan James, Lee Ryan and
Simon Webbe - is delighted to be representing Britain.
Duncan says: "We're celebrating our 10 years together in
2011, so when the BBC approached us it seemed a great
way to mark the occasion and also to be part of
something which is still a British Institution."
Lee adds: "We're excited to be performing again in the
UK and Europe and hope that the fans who supported us
before will embrace our new songs".
Simon says: "I've always wanted to represent my country,
so this is a truly exciting experience for Blue". Antony
adds: "We hope you all love 'I Can' and that it reaches
out to a whole new audience in our bid to do Britain
proud!"
|
