The BBC has released a new press statement confirming their selection plans for Eurovision 2023: and it seems that they are looking to TaP into the UK’s potential once again.
Following their immensely successful Eurovision debut last year, the management group TaP Music will again be involved in selecting the UK’s Eurovision entry. In collaboration with the BBC, it is hoped that TaP will once again locate excellent talent to represent the United Kingdom.
“Last year we wanted to change the narrative around the UK and Eurovision to something much more positive,” TaP’s Ben Mawson and Ed Millett explain. “We focused on what Eurovision is all about – we found a brilliant artist, an unforgettable song and an incredible person in Sam Ryder.”
This sentiment, of wishing to spark renewed positivity around the contest, is further reflected by the BBC themselves. The BBC’s Commissioning Editor Rachel Ashdown remarks that they will be looking for another “brilliant ambassador for Eurovision.”
While Mawson, Milett, and the BBC’s Suzy Lamb admit that Sam Ryder’s success will be “a hard act to follow,” the immense positivity following the UK’s podium placement remains.
“We’re more than ready for the challenge,” Mawson and Millett say. “Eurovision being held in the UK for 2023 is such an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of British musical talent. Our search starts here!”
The news will be welcome to many British fans of the contest, as TaP’s debut year in 2022 certainly marked a dramatic turnaround for the United Kingdom’s Eurovision fortunes. After James Newman received a devastating nul points for Embers in 2021, it seemed that the days of the United Kingdom scoring high were well and truly over. TaP’s selection of Sam Ryder proved to be an astronomical victory — while Ryder did not take home the trophy in Turin, he won the hearts of many around Europe, and seems to have majorly improved the outlook toward the contest in the UK.
Indeed, TaP appears to stress its commitment to ensuring success for its artists, inside and out of Eurovision. Sam Ryder has made great strides in his career since he took us to space, man — performing at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June, and recently with the band Queen at a tribute concert for Taylor Hawkins.
TaP manages a number of notable pop artists, including Lana del Rey and Ellie Goulding.
Are #YOU excited that TaP will be involved again in the UK’s selection process? What artist would you like to see represent the UK next year? Drop a comment down below, on our social media @ESCUnited, in our Forum, or on our Discord!
