UNITED KINGDOM 2011 - Blue - I Can

[evilperson]

Re: UNITED KINGDOM 2011

I think with Italy back now (and possibly sticking around) and Russia also paying quite a bit, the UK would have no problem exiting the contest. Sure it would be a shame to see them leave but really, whats the point of them sticking around if the effort they put in is the same as it was in the last decade? I really do hope they turn it around and send something at least listenable but if they have no initiative to do so, then, in my opinion, they should leave or let a different broadcaster take over.

 

[Mickey]

Re: UNITED KINGDOM 2011

I think with Italy back now (and possibly sticking around) and Russia also paying quite a bit, the UK would have no problem exiting the contest. Sure it would be a shame to see them leave but really, whats the point of them sticking around if the effort they put in is the same as it was in the last decade? I really do hope they turn it around and send something at least listenable but if they have no initiative to do so, then, in my opinion, they should leave or let a different broadcaster take over.

What about the Eurovision fanbase in the country? The show still gets big ratings. I think Eurovision has changed a lot in the last ten years and the UK has yet to find a way to catch up. First, the thinking was "if we can no longer beat these comedy entries, we'll join them" then there was the famous songwriter route, which had mixed results. France and Germany also struggled, but have recovered. I don't see why we can't eventually do the same.

What's so bad about bad entries anyway? A song that sucks balls every now and then adds to the flavour of Eurovision. You wouldn't want them all to be that way, but every country has the right to send a musical abomination should they so wish.

The idea of a different broadcaster sends chills down my spine. Channel 5 are due to go down a celebrity-themed route, so we could expect them to send Kerry Katona or Nadia from Big Brother. I don't think Channel 4 would do anything different to the BBC, except they would do it on a lower budget. ITV in charge would turn ESC into an offshoot of the X Factor, which would be awful. Even if ITV sent Alexandra Burke or Leona Lewis and we started winning, having Cowell involved would physically sicken me.

 

[evilperson]

Re: UNITED KINGDOM 2011

To me, it doesn't look like the BBC is trying at all which is where my point comes in. Those years of the 'Making Your Mind Up' NF format were clearly not doing the trick yet they still stuck to them. You'd think they would rethink strategy after coming in last in 2003. I don't expect the UK to be amazing all of the time but if last year is anything to go by, they clearly arent putting in any effort. For me, not every entry in the 2010 contest final for example was outstanding, but the moment the UK came on it was hard to believe that something so poor and amateurish could be sent on their behalf. If the BBC truly cared, they would've dumped that song as soon as they heard it.

I hope this year something better comes along but I can't say I'm optimistic.

 

[Mickey]

Re: UNITED KINGDOM 2011

To me, it doesn't look like the BBC is trying at all which is where my point comes in. Those years of the 'Making Your Mind Up' NF format were clearly not doing the trick yet they still stuck to them. You'd think they would rethink strategy after coming in last in 2003. I don't expect the UK to be amazing all of the time but if last year is anything to go by, they clearly arent putting in any effort. For me, not every entry in the 2010 contest final for example was outstanding, but the moment the UK came on it was hard to believe that something so poor and amateurish could be sent on their behalf. If the BBC truly cared, they would've dumped that song as soon as they heard it.

I hope this year something better comes along but I can't say I'm optimistic.

There was a change after 2003. 2003 was a real low point in British Eurovision. The national final was tucked away at about 3pm on a Sunday afternoon and wasn't advertised. As a Eurovision fan, I only watched it, because I happened to be flicking through the channels when it came on. What's more, I voted for Jemini, because they were the best act. Since then, at least, the national final has been screened at prime time and more effort has been put in, though still not much.

After the result of 2009, you could forgive the BBC for thinking that the famous songwriter method would work. One could argue that the choice of songwriter was the problem in 2010, rather than any inherent weakness of the format.

I think 2010 could yet prove to be a watershed. Our poor performances have in the past been blamed on political voting. Now, with our strong 2009 performance and Germany's 2010 win, we can only have ourselves to blame.

 

[Matt]

Re: UNITED KINGDOM 2011

I like with Mickey had to say and it pretty much sums it up. Right now we're all hoping the U.K. has learned their lesson cause Jade has proven that they can end up at the top but assuming a famous songwriter=a good result....that's quite naive so I'm super curious what they'll come up with this year.

 

[evilperson]

Re: UNITED KINGDOM 2011

Now, with our strong 2009 performance and Germany's 2010 win, we can only have ourselves to blame.

Lets hope the BBC have had this realization.

 

[MyHeartIsYours]

Re: UNITED KINGDOM 2011

You dont understand what Eurovision's like in this country. Nobody except the fan's give two hoots about whether we win or not. They just want us to participate to have a bit of fun and a laugh. If everybody else takes it so seriously that they object to that then it's Eurovision's loss and everybody will be begging of us to come back, like they were Italy .

 

[MrJadeEwen]

Re: UNITED KINGDOM 2011

To me, it doesn't look like the BBC is trying at all which is where my point comes in. Those years of the 'Making Your Mind Up' NF format were clearly not doing the trick yet they still stuck to them. You'd think they would rethink strategy after coming in last in 2003. I don't expect the UK to be amazing all of the time but if last year is anything to go by, they clearly arent putting in any effort. For me, not every entry in the 2010 contest final for example was outstanding, but the moment the UK came on it was hard to believe that something so poor and amateurish could be sent on their behalf. If the BBC truly cared, they would've dumped that song as soon as they heard it.

I hope this year something better comes along but I can't say I'm optimistic.

The BBC back then had a different Boss, things have longed changed, eurovision manager sacked and all the rest of it. 2010 fell through as they were going for someone like Gary Barlow and didn't have the money to pay (according to rumours) so went for a cliché 80s europop song to grab as many viewers as possible and start focussing this year. Adam's right noone here cares if we win or not it's more a programme to have a laugh at. Still you writing you wish for them to withdraw is ridiculous. The BBC are far from stupid and if they felt ESC was a waste of time & money they wouldn't be still entering. The BBC are happy with the show so hows about you show some consideration or e-mail your thoughts on withdrawings to the BBC and leave it out here. It's not cool to say any country should withdraw just shows the "baby-in-a-pram" type attitude :/

The BBC will try harder this year, from rumours they've got a good name with a record label. I'd be very surprised to see us on the bottom spot again.

 

[MyHeartIsYours]

Re: UNITED KINGDOM 2011

Still you writing you wish for them to withdraw is ridiculous. The BBC are far from stupid and if they felt ESC was a waste of time & money they wouldn't be still entering. The BBC are happy with the show so hows about you show some consideration or e-mail your thoughts on withdrawings to the BBC and leave it out here. It's not cool to say any country should withdraw just shows the "baby-in-a-pram" type attitude :/

Agree, it's actually offensive :|.

 

[GRE]

Re: UNITED KINGDOM 2011

Ι think this song fits perfect to her,it would be awsome to perform something similar in Eurovision!

 

[Julie]

Re: UNITED KINGDOM 2011

Lovely song! She is a very good singer!

What about the mass-media's interest around Eurovision in United Kindom?
Is ES considerated an important show or not?
Is possible to see the entire show on english television?

In Italy the show is almost unknown... but now the italian public is starting to be curious...what about UK?

 

[MyHeartIsYours]

Re: UNITED KINGDOM 2011

The mass-media's interest - Usually restricted to the 'What to watch' section of TV magazines and newspapers on the morning of the 3 contests and sometimes on the News on Saturday morning. Then on the Sunday, we have articles in virtually every newspaper saying whether we did good or badly, if badly, then they moan about voting biases etc. That's pretty much it. The only years I can remember with genuine media interest are 2009 and even more so 2007. Jade and Scooch were in the media from the day of the national final to the actual contest, in magazines, tv shows, etc.

Important or not? - Sadly fairly unimportant outside of fan circles. As I said before, people watch Eurovision to have a laugh, not for the quality of the music. Having said that, a lot of people are fans in-denial, as it were (a lot of people watch it and take it seriously but wont admit to it ).

Watching the show - The National Final and Eurovision Grand Final are shown on BBC One with our host/commentator being Graham Norton (hilarious man ). The two semi finals are on BBC Three with the hosts being Paddy O'Connell and a female co-host.

I hope that answers your questions. Hopefully interest will grow in Italy!!

 

[MrJadeEwen]

Re: UNITED KINGDOM 2011

If you mentioned the word "eurovision" to anyone in UK they'd know what it was. Some people would recall Bucks Fizz or Brotherhood of man. Most of the younger generation see it as a massive party and entertainment

& that song is awesome Julie, hopefully we'll get the details of which songs she wants in the UK NF

 

[AlekS]

Re: UNITED KINGDOM 2011

@Adam, Graham is awesome, I liked him even before he started hosting your NF.

Ι think this song fits perfect to her,it would be awsome to perform something similar in Eurovision!

ditto. I would voted for something like that.

 

[Julie]

Re: UNITED KINGDOM 2011

Thank you for your answers!
I was curious about the show and its importance in other countries...
I'm still amaze to read that Italy is come back!
Italian television has ever said that the show was too expensive, no money!.... and bla bla bla...

I don't know about what will be...
Italy still loves this kind of show...the italian television will spend a lot of money on the italian music festival (the Sanremo Festival) in February, a very loved show in Italy every year, with many different italian singer (classical and modern, young end old) in race.
Many singers try to be admitted to the show, becouse it is like a fabulous showcase to be noticed and to sell their new album!
All the televisions talk about the "Sanremo week", newspapers, radio....
And everybody knows the show... and watch it, even if they say no )
Perhaps, this year italian television has decided to try to repeat this success in ES...there are two or three young singer very talented, with a great fan base (young boys and girls, but also adults and older people) which could be able to appeal a lot of public!
We will see! Bye!

 

[evilperson]

Re: UNITED KINGDOM 2011

The BBC back then had a different Boss, things have longed changed, eurovision manager sacked and all the rest of it. 2010 fell through as they were going for someone like Gary Barlow and didn't have the money to pay (according to rumours) so went for a cliché 80s europop song to grab as many viewers as possible and start focussing this year. Adam's right noone here cares if we win or not it's more a programme to have a laugh at. Still you writing you wish for them to withdraw is ridiculous. The BBC are far from stupid and if they felt ESC was a waste of time & money they wouldn't be still entering. The BBC are happy with the show so hows about you show some consideration or e-mail your thoughts on withdrawings to the BBC and leave it out here. It's not cool to say any country should withdraw just shows the "baby-in-a-pram" type attitude :/

The BBC will try harder this year, from rumours they've got a good name with a record label. I'd be very surprised to see us on the bottom spot again.

I know what the UK did in 2010, still compared to other countries, they put very little thought into ESC. The ratings dipped quite a bit from 2009 to 2010 as a result of that if we are taking ratings into consideration. What I said is if the BBC has no plans to shape up and send a decent entry then the UK should withdraw and I stand by that. For me personally, below average songs and singers from a country like the UK is disgraceful and while that might not be the sentiment within the UK borders, this is my opinion from someone who may not know the British attitude towards ESC. The program is a competition and if your going to be that person who doesn't even give it a shot then what is the point? It's sort of like going to the Olympics with the aim of losing.

Anyways my thoughts on the UK withdrawing are my own and this is a public forum where I am allowed to share them. You are absolutely entitled not to agree with me but you are not in the position to tell me what I should and shouldn't write here especially since it fits the scope of this thread.

 

[MyHeartIsYours]

Re: UNITED KINGDOM 2011

@Adam, Graham is awesome, I liked him even before he started hosting your NF.

Omg yeah! I never laugh so much as during his shows, I absolutely love them!

I think that it would be a good idea for Alan Carr to join him as a co-host! It'd be really camp but absolutely hilarious!!

 

[MyHeartIsYours]

Re: UNITED KINGDOM 2011

with the aim of losing.

For me, and most people I think, it's the aim of having a bit of fun. We dont and Im sure the BBC dont start of by thinking, "right, we've gotta loose this now!" That's not how it is. Nor is it like "right, we're gonna go and win this". It's like lets go and have parties, laughter and get-togethers watching a special event that's on once a year. Im a fan and that's the way I look at it too .
Believe me, you cant get upset when you're in the United Kingdom about coming last at Eurovision cuz it happens virtually every year .

 

[evilperson]

Re: UNITED KINGDOM 2011

^I'm not trying to upset anyone by what I'm saying. I'm glad its fun but I'm speaking based on my own understanding. Last year, I was in charge of around approximately 45 British exchange students at my University in Canada and while I didn't bring ESC up explicitly, the general opinion amongst them all was that its a ridiculous event that the UK has no chances at succeeding in. Though this same group of people introduced me to X-Factor which doesnt seem all that different from ESC to me so who knows.

I genuinely do hope the UK send something great this year, just no 80s throwback music please!

 

[CiprianZisu]

Re: UNITED KINGDOM 2011

it makes no sense the richest c ountry in europe doesnt want to win
they could if they made better effort to