Eurovision, what the fudge???

[randy-andy]

I was just wondering why we (being the united kingdom) dont ever use singers or groups that are already established in the country?? More than a few times we just use people that are less then rubbish! Why cant we use peoplw that we know are great like other countries do! Cheers for listening to my rant :)

[No,Knowledge]

andy don't worry about it ,just keep sinking the vodka mate.

[mushroom25]

if you win the competition, you get to stage next year's show, leaving the home television network with expenses larger than the most profligate MP.

If you field a cr@p performer, you reduce the risk. Here's an example of life imitating art, in this case "Father Ted".

[craft1948]

..........I didn't know the Duke of York was an ABer....jolly good show.....

[Buenchico]

For a slightly more reasoned answer than those above:

Most of the UK's 'big name acts' regard Eurovision as the 'kiss of death' and wouldn't touch it with a bargepole. It simply doesn't carry any 'street cred' in this country. Can you really see Oasis agreeing to perform?

Additionally, the top British bands (and solo performers) demand massive performance fees and seek strict control over their recorded output. Very few of them would agree to performing a song (which they might hate) solely because it had been voted for by television viewers.

In most other parts of Europe, the top performers are usually little known outside of their own countries. They don't command the same performance fees as the top British bands and they're not in the same position of being able to take control of their recorded output.

Chris

[Ice.Maiden]

What about Justin Hawkins in Helsinki?
Who?? OK - pass.

[angiealf]

Celine Dion was a little known singer from Canada when she entered for Switzerland. Look at her now - a global star.

[No,Knowledge]

and a pain in anus

[brionon]

Never ? Never heard of Cliff Richard ?

[Postdog]

Oh it just ain't the same now Katie Boyle don't do it.

[tiggerblue10]

Katrina and the Waves were established.

[Ian Oldfield]

Hi ,
established artists always used to do Eurovision in the
60s&70s, just Google up the list, the Beeb decided it wanted a change,
anyway the contest has never been any good since they let all those foriegn countries in. LOL.