from ESCToday:

 

As exclusively revealed by esctoday.com last month, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber will compose the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest entry for the United Kingdom. He will appear on top Saturday night show, Strictly come dancing tonight to call for singers to enter the show, to be called Your country needs you. It will see six artists make it through to the final stage - a series of weekly shows with an X Factor style knock-out process until the singer is chosen in the final.

Your country needs you is set to follow the successful format used for the BBC1 series How do you solve a problem like Maria, Any dream will do and I'd do anything. In prime time Saturday night shows, six candidates will compete in the weekly elimination contest, with the final contestant ultimately winning the chance to represent the United Kingdom at the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow and to perform the song Sir Andrew is writing as the nation's entry.

 

In a statement made today Lloyd Webber said "In my life I've never shied away from the impossible and this looks like the biggest mission impossible of all time."

 

The format has become a ratings hit for the BBC in choosing performers for a lead role in Andrew Lloyd Webber stage productions, The sound of music, Joseph and the amazing technocolour dreamcoat and Oliver over the last two years. "I am thrilled Andrew will be championing the country's search for a star to storm this year's Eurovision" said BBC One Controller Jay Hunt.

 

well it's nice to see effort being put into it for once and at least we won't get yet another flopstar/hasbeen representing us next year :D let's hope ALW comes up with a decent song for the winner! the juries are sure to love it with him writing it, so if the European public even like it, we could be top ten again next year

We could be....but seeing as Andrew Lloyd Webber's last stroke of the Eurovision brush was in 1969, I can't see him coming up with a "Shady Lady"

no, but a 'No Matter What' wouldn't be bad...

no, but a 'No Matter What' wouldn't be bad...

 

When was the last time a song like No Matter What did anything at Eurovision though?

The story's been taken off ESC Today....I wonder what that's all about...

it's still on there as far as I can see :unsure: maybe the BBC are trying to sue for leaking the information before Strictly Come Dancing

This is great news imo, shows that some real effort is going into our selection process. :D A decent ballad is probably the most likely result I'm guessing?

This is great news imo, shows that some real effort is going into our selection process. :D A decent ballad is probably the most likely result I'm guessing?

 

Probably. Although I would guess it will be an X Factor type offering.

 

Also I hope the winner is chosen before the song, but I have a feeling the song is already written and will be bland, generic, and MOR so as to fit any outcome.

 

Nevertheless, I'm still entering :)

you're entering :o

 

I've got a semi-decent voice but wouldn't get anywhere in this type of competition, although I could think of a few good sob stories for myself

 

I hope it's nothing like an X Factor winning song...

I don't think I'd get very far either....I've got an alright voice but I'd need a makeover for a start!!

 

Unless maybe if I teamed up with my sister....she has a fantastic voice. We could get a Euroband sort of act going (who, by the way, I only realised last week, were not brother and sister! They look so alike!!)

Brits would never vote for someone with ginger hair (i.e. me) to win one of these shows...

 

although they don't have the same gingerism problem in Europe, maybe I'll apply to the German selection show, that always seems to be completely oddball...just look at Lou :rofl: :heart:

here's the application form/website Peter:

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/eurovision/

 

singers or groups of up to six people (ESC max stage number limit) are allowed

the details in full:

 

EUROVISION FACTSHEET

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

Your Country Needs You!

 

Thank you for acknowledging your national duty by entering

our quest for Eurovision glory.

 

We are searching for an act to perform a song composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber as the UK’s official entry into the Eurovision Song Contest 2009.

 

You are now a step closer to performing in Moscow in front of 150 million people across Europe.

 

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

 

ANYONE CAN ENTER - the search is open to amateur, professional or semi professional singers.

 

You may have never had a singing lesson in your life, be a trained singer or even have a record contract (but be legally able to take part) - all are welcome to give it a go

It does not matter which you are, what we are looking for is potential.

 

NB: If you have a current record contract or agent it is your responsibility to seek approval to enter this talent search.

 

An ‘act’ can consist of up to 6 people.

You can enter as a soloist, duo or singing group.

It can be a male / female or a mixed group.

All members of the act must sing.

 

The BBC and Andrew Lloyd Webber may want to change the structure or name of the acts. This would be discussed with all parties.

 

All applicants must be at least 17 years old on 1st January 2009.

 

The competition is open to UK residents (including Channel Islands and Isle of Man) and anyone else who is legally entitled to work in the UK. All applicants will need to provide photo ID as proof of age and identity at a later stage.

 

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO ENTER

 

Send us in a video clip of you or your group performing.

 

It can be any song / either self composed or a cover of an existing track.

 

For copyright reasons do not sing over a commercial track with vocals – please sing unaccompanied OR over a non vocal - backing track OR with accompaniment by live musicians. It must be sung in English.

 

If you choose an existing track do not change the lyrics or tune.

NB: it is your responsibility to gain permission from any musicians used on your entry.

 

Your video should be a minimum of 30 seconds but can be a mix of different performances or songs.

 

All members of the group have to be singers. Musicians who cannot sing are not eligible to take part in the competition.

 

You must complete the attached application form and send it to us with your entry via the website or post. Each member of a group must fill in an individual form.

 

HOW TO GET YOUR ENTRY TO US

 

Send it to us on VHS, Mini DV or DVD (with this form) at :

 

Eurovision HQ

PO Box 60920

London

W12 7UR

The deadline for receiving entries at the BBC is:

5pm Friday 21st November – entries received after this time will not be considered

 

(If you have posted your entry please ensure you have allowed plenty of time for it to arrive)

 

Please insert an active email address with your entry. We will email you when we receive your entry.

 

If you have sent your entry but have not received a confirmation email from us after 4 days please contact us on the email address below and we will investigate.

eurovisionhq@bbc.co.uk

 

The BBC does not accept any responsibility for late or lost entries due to the postal service. Proof of sending is not proof of receipt.

Please send your entry to us in plenty of time to avoid disappointment

Please try and keep a copy of your entry in case anything gets lost on its way to us so you can re-send.

We cannot return any entries

 

What Happens Next.

 

All entries will be considered by an expert panel who will judge whether the performers have suitable Eurovision qualities.

 

You will be contacted if you have been shortlisted.

 

You may have to perform again or be immediately selected to perform on the live show.

 

The BBC, Andrew Lloyd Webber and his team of appointed experts reserve the right to hold second or additional auditions as they deem necessary to find the right acts for the live shows and Eurovision.

 

IF YOU ARE CHOSEN FOR THE LIVE SHOWS….

 

If your act is chosen to take part in the live shows you will need to be based in London from January 3rd 2009 until 1st February.

This will mean you need to take leave from your job, school or college.

 

The BBC will cover your expenses.

More financial details will be explained to you if you are shortlisted.

 

During the weeks of the live shows you will rehearse the performance that has been chosen for you by the production team and Andrew Lloyd Webber. You will receive help from a team of coaches and mentors where production considers it necessary.

 

Each week at least 1 act will be eliminated from the competition but must remain available for the final weekend (January 31st 2009)

The voting television viewers will decide the outcome of who stays and who goes.

 

The winning act will then be required for rehearsals and promotion in the lead up to the Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Russia in May 2009.

 

Again all financial implications will be discussed with you if you are shortlisted.

 

You will need to go to Russia on the dates of the contest. The contest is currently set for the 16th May 2009 – you will need to travel up to a week in advance of this date.

 

If you cannot travel or be available for these dates in May you are not eligible to enter the competition.

 

In addition you may get the chance to record and release the song written by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

 

looks like our NF is going to be considerably earlier than usual next year - 31st January 2009

If we end up having something as good as this in ESC 2009 then I will be very happy.

 

Nightwish - Phantom Of The Opera

 

Still I hope Cyndi applies and maybe beats West End/Broadway/Torchwood star John Barrowman in the finale (now that would be sweet revenge). :heehee:

John Barrowman is probably on the 'panel', he's probably gutted he won't be able to apply :heehee:

I've realised I can't enter as it completely clashes with my A Level resits.

 

But I'll be encouraging friends to.

 

I am re-assured by the fact the final is on January 31st, meaning the winning song will probably be written after the show has ended, with the winner in mind, rather than a one-song-fits-all type arrangement.

 

I'm not too sure about the part that says:

 

All entries will be considered by an expert panel who will judge whether the performers have suitable Eurovision qualities.

 

Which probably means John Barrowman giving the acts a camp rating from 1-10.

 

The BBC have no clue about "suitable Eurovision qualities"

Why not go for it? there's no point in dismissing yourselves without even trying!

 

plus even if you don't make it I'm sure it would be a right laugh going to the auditions! :lol:

'Suitable Eurovision qualities'? :manson:

 

Looks like we're f***ed again if John Barrowman has anything to do with this :smoke:

All entries will be considered by an expert panel who will judge whether the performers have suitable Eurovision qualities.

 

:rofl: if the BBC's recent track record is anything to go by.

Why not go for it? there's no point in dismissing yourselves without even trying!

 

plus even if you don't make it I'm sure it would be a right laugh going to the auditions! :lol:

 

I'm not free in January anyway, although I'd love to see the auditions :lol: