The BBC has teamed up with BMG to find a song and artist for the UK's Eurovision 2020 entry.
The 65th Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Rotterdam in May 2020. BBC Studios will produce the BBC’s coverage of the song competition. After a disappointing run for UK entrants, the BBC has now turned to BMG to revive the UK's hopes ahead of next year's contest.
BBC Studios approached a number of record labels to pitch ideas for 2020. The remit was to deliver a song with broad international appeal and securing an artist who embodies the spirit and values of the Eurovision Song Contest.
BBC Studios will be working alongside BMG’s UK music publishing and frontline recordings team based in London to select the United Kingdom’s Eurovision 2020 entry, which will then be released and published by BMG.
BMG's publishing track record includes hits such as Someone You Love by Lewis Capaldi, Don’t Call Me Up by Mabel, Shotgun by George Ezra and I’ll Be There Jess Glynne, as well as recordings success with Kylie Minogue, Jack Savoretti and Rick Astley.
BMG published the 2015 winning entry for Sweden, Heroes, performed by Mans Zelmerlow. It also signed Eurovision winner Netta following her win in 2018.
Kate Phillips, controller entertainment commissioning for the BBC, said: “Our commitment to finding the right song has never been higher and this collaboration with BMG, who have access to world class songwriters, is a genuinely exciting prospect and I am certain that together we can find the best song and artist possible for 2020.”
Mel Balac, creative director for BBC Studios, said: “The Eurovision Song Contest is a huge global event and our collaboration with BMG marks an important turning point for the UK at Eurovision. We very much hope this marks the start of an exciting new chapter.”
Alistair Norbury, president, repertoire & marketing UK for BMG, said: “Eurovision is the biggest television showcase for music in the world and it’s an honour to be selected to help choose the UK’s entry at Rotterdam 2020. Eurovision plays to our strength as the only fully-integrated publishing company and record label. We can’t wait to get started working with the BBC to give it the best possible shot we can.”
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