Brits have cast their votes for the finest UK Eurovision songs in history. While many in the UK fantasise about musical titans like Ed Sheeran, Adele, or Harry Styles championing the nation at the renowned contest, aficionados are abuzz with speculation that Remember Monday might end the 28-year winless streak.
A poll revealed 38 per cent of Brits ardently follow the Eurovision Song Contest, watching it every year or almost annually. With the finale looming on Saturday, Brits have rated historical UK Eurovision entries with memorable numbers including Lulu’s 1969 ‘Boom Bang-a-Bang’, and 1993’s near-victor ‘Better the Devil You Know’ by Sonia.
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Cliff Richard’s ‘Congratulations’ from 1968 and Katrina and the Waves’ 1997 winner ‘Love Shine a Light’ rounded off the top five among 2,000 adults surveyed. However, taking centre stage as Britain’s most cherished hits are Bucks Fizz with ‘Making Your Mind Up’, Sam Ryder’s ‘Space Man’, and ‘Save Your Kisses for Me’ by Brotherhood of Man, reports the Daily Star.
Cheryl Baker, part of the winning Bucks Fizz ensemble in 1981, couldn’t hide her delight at topping the chart: “That’s fantastic! It’s amazing it was 44 years ago that we won. My favourite was Sandie Shaw with ‘Puppet on a String’, and I was so excited when I got to meet her.”
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Cheryl Baker has expressed her deep honour and gratitude at the legacy left by Bucks Fizz, telling fans it’s a true privilege to be remembered as the best of British Eurovision acts. While attending the WhichBingo Awards, she shared her views on the UK’s current Eurovision entry, Remember Monday, saying, “I’ve never picked a winning song yet. I think the girls are fantastic, and the song is really good.”
She mused, “I know the bookies are only giving it a 1% chance – but you never know. I love what the girls wear, it’s almost theatrical, and historical in a way – it could be something from Bridgerton. But they’re up against Sweden and they put everything in – it’s not just the song and the singing, it’s all in the production.”
Reflecting on the timeless appeal of ‘Making Your Mind Up’, Cheryl shared her hope that the song will remain beloved for decades, “I’d like to think Making Your Mind Up will still be popular in another 44 years. The bit they always show on the telly is when the skirts come off, as simple as that was it made that performance, and that moment is what stuck in people’s memories.”
A study into Eurovision successes highlighted that the secret to winning encompasses a catchy chorus, an unforgettable hook melody, and a powerful vocal performance.
WhichBingo spokesperson, Charlie Shakespeare, commented: “We’re backing Remember Monday to go all the way, but how cool would it be if Ed Sheeran stepped out for Britain one year?”
“As our research shows, there’s a few different factors which go into a knockout Eurovision performance. If they can stick close to them, there’s no reason Britain can’t go all the way.”
TOP 10 BRIT EUROVISION ENTRIES
- Bucks Fizz – “Making Your Mind Up”
- Sam Ryder – “Space Man”
- Brotherhood of Man – “Save Your Kisses for Me”
- Cliff Richard – “Congratulations”
- Katrina and the Waves – “Love Shine a Light”
- Lulu – “Boom Bang-a-Bang”
- Sonia – “Better the Devil You Know”
- Olivia Newton-John – “Long Live Love”
- Bonnie Tyler – “Believe in Me”
- Cliff Richard – “Power to All Our Friends”