The countdown to the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest is officially in the final hours, which means it’s our last chance to be hopeful about the UK’s chances.
This year, we’ll be represented by singer Michael Rice and his ballad Bigger Than Us – but is it big enough to win the competition?
While bystanders often talk about tactical voting and fears Brexit could affect our chances, real Eurovision fans know it’s mainly about one basic thing: Is this song actually good?
Ahead of this year’s final, we’re taking a look at what the rest of Europe thinks of Michael, his track and performance plans.
The verdict is in…
‘I think the UK can be top 15’
“Bigger than Us by Michael Rice is a sure bet. The UK has gone for a genre similar to artists like Sam Smith, who have achieved European recognition over the last few years. Also the lyrics are powerful with a message of overcoming and such a plea against loneliness – This style worked last year with Netta and her song against bullying.
“But the British entry’s weakest point is the staging. These ballads usually have a big display on the stage, for example, the mapping show of Måns Zelmerlöw, winner of Eurovision in 2015. That’s not the case for the British song.”
Marina Prats, HuffPost Spain
‘People might find Bigger Than Us boring’
“The song has a nice message, but it’s on a topic that has been oversubscribed this year. I heard so many songs talking about love in some way or another in Thursday’s semi final alone.
“The song is ballad-esque which means it will not fair well against other songs full of energy and drive, such as the one from Switzerland. People in their twenties may find it sounds boring – for both its slowness and the repeated topic.
“However, Michael seems to be singing with a certain degree of emotion as if believing in the message that “love is bigger than anyone of us”.
Dylan Borg, Malta
“First of all, shoutout to Laurell Barker for penning another Eurovision entry! Having Sweden’s John Lundvik on the team is also another plus for this act.
“While it didn’t connect with me at first, this is a solid entry. This needs some work with regard to the staging to add new refreshing elements. If that happens, this could do better than expected.”
Florian Rahn, Germany correspondent for Eurovision Blog wiwibloggs
‘The running order has ruined the UK’s chances’
“I’ve followed Michael online since he was selected, albeit not as much as some other fans, and I can truly tell that he’s a fanboy and is loving the experience himself. He’s been coping with the bubble well (or has made it look like he has been).
“His song is lovely and is exactly what the UK needed. Throughout the selection season I thought he was gonna do rather well as his vocals are great and he really believes in the song.
“However, the running order has destroyed his chances of being top 13 (left hand side). I will be happily surprised if he ends up in the top 15.
“Michael is sandwiched between Norway and Iceland - both songs are far more powerful and impactful. I fear that phone voters will not remember him well and as such he will suffer.
“I think 15th place would be very very very big success for the UK.”
Aivis Indāns, Latvian Eurovision fan living in the UK
Website ESCXTRA was launched back in 2011 and takes the Song Contest very seriously. It’s perhaps promising then that their reviewer was impressed by Michael’s dress rehearsal efforts (yes, those in town for the Song Contest can even get tickets to see the practice runs).
Explaining that Michael will be performing his ballad with five backing vocalists who “gather together in a circle” at the end of the song. “They sound amazing together,” reviewer Sami wrote. We’ll take that.
Sami Luukela, Finland
‘The UK’s song appears mediocre’
“It does not spark joy unfortunately. Every other X Factor winning song sounds the same.
“This year is full of great entries – I’m trying to squeeze 15 countries into my Top 10. I wouldn’t be surprised if the UK ended up between 20th an 25th, but I must admit Michael’s voice is amazing and the staging is decent.
“But as RuPaul recently said in a different TV show... meh.”
Jakub Banik, law student from Slovakia
