BBC announces major change about Eurovision 2027 UK act

The hunt for the UK’s next Eurovision act is underway – but the BBC has said our 2027 entry will not be an unrepresented unknown artist.

Instead, the search will be for an ‘outstanding current British act’, who will hopefully be able to pull the UK’s competition out of the doldrums.

The countdown to the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest is on, with 200 days to go until the singing extravaganza returns, this time in Burgas, Bulgaria, after Dara’s victory this year with Bangaranga.

The BBC and BBC Studios have today fired the starting klaxon on their search for an artist and song to represent the UK.

They have said the focus will be on ‘presenting the very best of contemporary British music to millions of viewers across Europe and beyond’.

The rifle through the music scene is being headed up by David May, manager of 2022 runner-up Sam Ryder, who has come closest to topping the Eurovision leaderboard for the UK in recent years.

In the official announcement from the BBC, May said: ‘We intend to be represented by an outstanding current British act, backed up by the very best songwriting and production talent the UK music industry has to offer.

‘We are looking for an act with tried and tested live performance experience and a song crafted in the UK by the very best home-grown talent. 

‘I saw first-hand in 2022 what one performance at Eurovision can do for an artist’s career. The opportunity is still very much there and it’s time the United Kingdom reached the top of the Eurovision scoreboard once again.’

The search will draw on the BBC’s music expertise and networks, reaching across the UK’s music labels, publishers and the world of ‘exciting emerging talent’. 

The UK boasts a decent record at Eurovision before 2000, but this century the Union Jack has come plumb last six times, most recently at this year’s competition in Austria. 

The 2026 entry was Look Mum No Computer, who scored a total of one point on the leaderboard for the track Eins, Zwei, Drei.

The UK has tried to put forward an established name in the past, with former Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander entering in 2024 with his song Dizzy. But the UK finished 18th with 46 jury points and none in the public vote.

The BBC’s chosen act and song will be announced ahead of the European Broadcasting Union’s submission deadline in March 2027.

The Eurovision Grand Final will be broadcast on BBC One, iPlayer, Radio 2 and BBC Sounds on May 15 2027.