Tonight was the British national selection for their entry at the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest. Six performers fought during Eurovision: You Decide, for the right to represent their country.
The six artists competing tonight had one thing all in common, they all happen to be previous X-Factor UK contestants. However, unlike some other countries who pick their reality show winners to represent them, none of these artists actually won the X-Factor.
The Songs
Holly Brewer – Wish I Loved You More
Holly appeared on the 2015 edition of the X-Factor but only made it past the first audition. She opens up the competition wearing a black dress and singing her song Wish I Loved You More which sounds like a copy of Beyoncé’s Halo.
Danyl Johnson – Light Up The World
Danyl was part of 2010’s X Factor series and finished in fourth place. His audition of With A Little Help Of My Friends had become a viral sensation even making Simon Cowell say it was the best audition he’s ever seen. His Song Light Up The World has a very gospel element to it and a fun positive vibe.
Lucie Jones – I Will Never Give Up On You
Before the show, Lucie Jones was number one in the betting odds to win with her song I Will Never Give Up On You. Co-written by none other than Emmelie De Forest, this has to be the entry with the strongest Eurovision connection. Lucie took part in the 2010 X-Factor show and finished in eighth place. Lucie looked beautiful with her long red dress and delivered strong vocals.
Olivia Garcia – Freedom Hearts
Olivia was on the 2016 X Factor and made it to the judge’s house. Cowell eventually eliminated her but she is back here with her song Freedom Hearts. Interesting choice of outfit with this one piece silver piece. Still, Olivia has a great voice and carries the song well.
Nate Simpson – What Are We Made Of
Nate was on the 2016 edition of the X Factor but only made it to the judges house. His song What Are We Made Of is a nice ballad that showcases Nate’s voice. The song has a similar vibe to Hovi Star’s Made Of Star and Nate delivered great vocals.
Salena Mastroianni – I Don’t Want To Fight
Salena also appeared on the X-Factor but only made it past her first audition. Her song I Don’t Want To Fight is interesting in terms of sound, it has this very current tropical beat sound to it. The subject matter of the song may be a bit too “in your face” however. Her performance wasn’t particularly good, her vocals just weren’t on point.
The Show
Mel Giedroyc hosted the competition just like last year. This year, the show was hosted at the Hammersmith Apollo in London. Three judges were picked to provide commentaries. They were Bruno Tonioli, Sophie Ellis-Bextor as well as CeCe Sammy.
Following the six songs being performed the public, as well as a group of juries, submitted their votes.
The show interviewed a group of teenagers about Eurovision showing clips of past participants who finished in the Top 3 such as Loreen, The Common Linnets, Dami Im and Måns Zelmerlöw.
Next, it was time for the interval acts. Boyband The Vamps took the stage with their song All Night.
After the performance, the show did a feature on Australia and provided some insights as to why they are now competing in Eurovision.
Next up, the show paid tribute to last year’s hosts Petra and Måns by playing their Love Love, Peace Peace performance to show what it takes to win the Eurovision Song Contest.
The Results
After mobile and online votes were tallied, the six contestants were brought back on stage and the host announced the winner to be Lucie Jones.
Watch her winning performance here:
