As Eurovisionary reported earlier, the BBC is going back to a national final for the selection of its Stockholm 2016 entry. In the last few hours, there were more details released about the format as well as the application procedure for the broadcaster’s X-Factor inspired national selection.
In an earlier article, Eurovisionary laid out the concept behind the BBC’s plans to revitalize the selection of the British Eurovision entry with an ambitious national final for 2016. The additional information released earlier today can be summarized as follows:
- Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to submit a video of their song. As one would expect, the song has to be original and sung live by the artist who is intended to perform it in Stockholm. More details of how to enter can be found here. The deadline for submission of entries is Friday 20th November 2015.
- BASCA, the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors, will also be involved as they have been invited to run a song writing competition specifically for the national selection. BASCA CEO Vick Bain commented: ‘This is a great competition that many of our members have had considerable success with in the past so BASCA is delighted to be partnering once more with the BBC in searching for the UK entry to Eurovision.’
- Record label executive Hugh Goldsmith will act as a Music Consultant to the BBC. His task will be to liaise with record companies, producers, writers, publishers and managers with the prospect of involving the ‘high-level music industry’ in the selection process: ‘The UK has been home to some of the world’s finest artists and songwriters for many decades now and it is exciting to think that, going forward, our Eurovision entry will better reflect the extraordinary writing talent we have in our midst. I have always worshipped at the altar of the song so am hugely energised by the role I’ve been asked to perform by the BBC,’ commented Mr. Goldsmith.
- There is also an emphasis on including the fans in the selection process and the BBC will invite OGAE UK members to get involved in shortlisting the entries submitted: ‘It’s a massive honour – and very exciting – for OGAE members to be given a key role in helping to choose the UK’s entry for Eurovision 2016. Eurovision fans are never backwards in coming forwards about their thoughts on the UK’s performance at the world’s greatest music competition, so I’m really excited about the opportunity this offers us to help find the right song to fly the flag for the UK in Stockholm next year’, said OGAE UK president Alasdair Rendall.
In my view
It is evident indeed that the BBC wants to attract talent through as many avenues as possible (enthusiast, expert and commercial) in regards to the entries that will be submitted as well as to include professionals and Eurovision fans (shortlisting) and the public (voting for the winning entry) in the selection process. There is a sense of a certain degree of ambition and excitement about the British broadcaster’s 2016 plans which can only be welcome!
The opinion expressed in "In my view" are those of the author and are not necessarily the one of EuroVisionary.com.
