Eurovision is an annual singing spectacle that sees European nations battle it out on TV for the title of best music act. This year the competition was held in Tel Aviv, Israel and was won by Netherlands performer Duncan Laurence. The UK’s act Michael Rice came last with a devastating 16 points. But will Britain take part in Eurovision again next year if we have left the EU?
The UK suffered a crushing defeat at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. While 21-year-old Hartlepool native Michael Rice, sung his heart out for the nation he was awarded just 16 points, putting Britain at the bottom of the pile.
Did Europe PUNISH UK for Brexit in Eurovision?
Eurovision host Grahame Norton blasted the competition as “unfair” after it was revealed Michael had secured just three public votes.
During commentary of the live show, Norton said: “I hope he’s not upset because he did all he could tonight, he really did.
“Our hearts go out to Michael and the whole team who worked so, so hard on the competition this year. You can’t fault his performance tonight.
“He absolutely did not deserve that result. It was really unfair, and I hope he’s OK…He’s got his mum and his Nan here, and we will all go and give him a hug later on.”
The UK has not won Eurovision since 1997 when Katrina and the Waves led Britain to victory with Love Shine A Light.
In recent years Britain has received a battering in the competition and this year’s performance was the worst since 2010, when Great Britain won just 10 points.
The UK has failed to come higher than 15th in the competition in the past eight years and there are now viewers’ calls to boycott next year.
UK entry Michael Rice believes Brexit was partly to blame for his poor point-scoring.
He told the Sun: “I always knew I was going to come in this position because of Brexit.
“Do you know what? If it was Gary Barlow or Elton John, they still probably would have come last too.”
The All Together Now BBC talent show winner, added: “I’ve still had so much fun and I’ve not once doubted my talent or my singing.”
When is Eurovision 2020?
Eurovision 2020 will be hosted by the Netherlands following their victory this year.
The exact date of the competition is yet to be set, but it will be a date in May 2020.
Will Great Britain still take part in Eurovision next year if Brexit has happened?
Following a string of Brexit delays, Britain is now set to leave the EU on October 31.
As this is just a matter of months before Eurovision 2020, many are questioning whether Great Britain will be allowed to take part in the competition.
But Eurovision fans will be delighted to know Brexit won’t affect Eurovision at all.
Great Britain will still be able to enter Eurovision as being an EU member has no bearing on whether a country can take part in the competition or not.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is the body that decides who can enter Eurovision and has allowed non-European nations including Australia and Israel to take part.
So Britain will be able to enter after Brexit.
Following the EU referendum, the EBU released a statement which read: “The BBC is a member of the European Broadcasting Union and is, and will remain, eligible to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest.
“Just like many broadcasters from countries that are not a member of the European Union.”