Live Blog from 19:30GMT/20:30GMT
Tonight the United Kingdom vote for who they want to represent them at this years Eurovision song contest in Stockholm. Guests this evening include last years winner Mans Zelmerlow, and the lead singer of Katrina the waves, Katrina Lesakinch. I (Sadie) will be live blogging the event for you all. So sit back and enjoy the show! Be free to share your opinions on our facebook page, search for ESC United, and on our twitter page @ESCUnited. The panel members for this evening are Carrie Grant, Katrina and Jay Revell.
Dolcima, Mathew James, Darline, Karl William Lund, Bianca and Joe and Jake will battle it out for the right to represent the UK at Eurovision 2016 in Stockholm. Mel Giedroyc is a Eurovision fan herself, and a presenter of The Great British Bake off and she is presenting the show at The o2 Forum in Kentish Town, London.
Mans Zelmerlow is opening the show with his winning song ‘Heros’. Wowing the public who are watching the show live in London tonight. In all black, Mans looks amazing as ever, and well deserved winning song last year for Sweden.
Dolcima are up first. They are busking singers from Cambridge. Their song is called ‘When you go’. I see that Dolcima (the lead female singer) is chanelling her inner Alexander Rybak by playing the violin. This band remind me very much of The Common Linettes from The Netherlands. The staging is almost non-exsistant in this performance. Great vocals from all band members, and I feel this would do very well in Stockholm. 7/10 for me.
Carrie Grant loved the song, her only concern is that the song should be dark and sinister. Jay thinks that Dolcima have the power to wow the Stockholm stage. Katrina loves that there is so many musicians on the stage. She is amazed by the standard of the first song.
Next up is Matthew James with his song ‘Better Man’. He was in the British boyband, Boyband inc. Very slow song, but strong vocals. Not very energetic. Intimate and intense performance, which works well in Eurovision. This song needs to improve vocally if it makes it to Stockholm. Includes a key change which we seem a lot of in Eurovision. 6/10
Carrie knows that Matthew is an experienced performer, and has what it takes to work the stage in Stockholm. Katrina loves the song narrative, very inspiring lyrics and beautiful singing.
Next up is Darline with the song ‘Until tomorrow’ a female pop duo, with a mix of country and pop in their song. Very strong vocals, with a great country background, which is unheard of in Eurovision. Overall image of the duo makes me think they care about the moment and have made an effort tonight, and they have great stage presence. 8/10.
Carrie thinks that the duo would work better if they interacted more. Jay also thinks that Darline would do well in Sweden. Katrina thinks this song would be what Europeans vote for.
Next up is Karl William Lund, with his self penned song ‘Miracle’. He has been working on this song for a few years now and hopes he can represent the UK with Miracle. Excellent vocals, the chorus is very catchy and I think this would do well in Stockholm if the performer was free standing with a microphone, without the microphone stand. Would need to work on vocals to make them stronger, and could challenge Nicky Byrne in Stockholm if selected. 8/10
For Carrie, Karl ticks all the boxes. Jay thinks he could enhance his staging more. Katrina thinks that Karl is giving more to this song as it is self penned.
Next up is Bianca with ‘Shine a little light’. She is an ex member of the girl band Parade. This song is written by British singer, Leona Lewis. Great start to the song, and excellent look to the stage and singer. Excellent vocals and Bianca has a great stage presence. I think she would place in the top 10 in Stockholm. I also think this song has great arrangement which enhances Bianca’s natural talent. 10/10.
Jay thinks Bianca’s performance and vocals were fautless and thinks Bianca could give even more to the performance. This song was Carrie’s favourite of the night. All the panellists loved Bianca
Last up is Joe and Jake with the song ‘Your not alone’. These guys were up against each other in The last series of The Voice (not the one being shown now). Great stage presence. Love the colour changing in the staging. Vocals could do with some work though. Great duo who work together and not against each other. 6/10.
Carrie thinks that Joe and Jake have a lot of young fans. Jay thinks they work the stage very well. Katrina thinks the song is instantly catchy, which you need in Eurovision.
Now everyone has performed the British public have 20 minutes to cast their votes either by phone or online www.bbc.co.uk/Eurovision.
That is the quickest selection show I (Sadie) have experienced so far this National final season.
The UK representative will be… JOE AND JAKE!
