She’s the UK hitmaker who, in 2014, said that she had “no desire” to compete at Eurovision because “the idea of competition scares the sh*t” out of her.
But on September 8 Paloma Faith seemed to have had a change of heart, telling her Facebook fans that she would compete — if the BBC agreed to let her oversee the process.
Responding to a question on Facebook Live, she said: “If I was asked to do Eurovision and I loved the song they wanted me to do and I could be completely in control of everything — because I am a major control freak — then I would do it.”
She made the comments about twelve minutes into the video embedded below.
Paloma, who was quick to deny rumours of her participation three years ago, has embarked on a series of new personal and professional endeavours since then.
In September 2014 she scored her first UK No. 1 with “Changing,” a collaboration with Sigma. And in 2016 she served as a judge on The Voice alongside will.i.am, Boy George and Ricky Wilson. She gave birth to her first child — a girl — a few months later.
Paloma is poised to release her fourth studio album “The Architect” later this year, and released “Crybaby” — her first single from the album — on August 31. Eurovision could, no doubt, help her popularise the album — assuming she has a killer three-minute track for the contest.
Of course I’m not doing Eurovision are you all insane?!
— Paloma Faith (@Palomafaith) February 18, 2014
To the Eurovision fans: I have NO desire2compete within my art form.The idea of competition scares the shit out of me&is not why I do this.
— Paloma Faith (@Palomafaith) February 18, 2014
She says she would do it — and it’s not a bad idea. Here are eight reasons why, provided by Australian wiwiblogger Liam.
1. Her musical style isn’t typically Eurovision
Paloma has an unconventional, eccentric style of jazz-pop, which would most definitely stand out among the ballads and Euro-pop usually heard each year. It would go down well with the audience too. Eurofans frequently moan that there are too many ballads, and she definitely knows how to write outside of that space.
2. She can sing live
In February 2014, when she performed at the Burberry Womenswear Autumn/Winter show in London, it was clear to see that not only can this girl definitely hold a note, she can steal attention away from a room full of top models. WERK. Extra marks for the bedazzled microphone obviously.
3. She can still sing upbeat music
In years with excessive ballads, dance music is the hidden gem of Eurovision because it keeps the party going. As well as her own distinctive style, Paloma has proven that she can master just about any sound. Her collaboration with Sigma, the dancetastic “Changing”, shot to the top of the UK Singles Chart.
4. She is humble
Prior to becoming a judge on The Voice, Paloma rejected the BBC’s offer to join the show, saying that she does not believe in her ability to judge others. It’s nice to be nice. And when she finally did join the show, she was just that — a breath of fresh air who loved encouraging her young charges.
5. Her personality would appeal to Eurovision fans
During an appearance on “The Graham Norton Show”, she showcased her bright and bubbly personality, and played well off comical genius Russell Brand and world class actress Emily Blunt. Her quirkiness would surely resonate with countless viewers across Europe and the world.
6. She has an undefinable presence
With uniquely charismatic acts such as Lena, Loreen and Conchita winning over the last few years, Paloma could be in with a real chance. When she performs, it’s with an air of je ne sais quoi. She is powerful, mysterious and alluring all at once, the exact recipe for a Eurovision winner!
7. She could provide some INSANE covers of Eurovision’s greatest hits
Take her cover of INXS’s “Never Tear Us Apart.” If she can cover the music of one of the greatest rock bands of all time this well, then we grant her our permission to cover Ell & Nikki, Emmelie de Forest and Dima Bilan.
8. Eurovision could make her an international superstar
Let’s face it folks, Paloma has star quality, and Eurovision may be just what she needs to finally launch an international career, just as ABBA and Celine Dion did all those years ago. She’s conquered Australia already, who’s to say she can’t conquer Europe too?
So, what do you think? Are you keen for the BBC to invite Paloma Faith to Eurovision? Do you think that she has the skills to write a Eurovision-friendly track? Which of her songs are your favourites? Let us know in the comments box below.
Paloma’s not stupid though. Scheduling and timetables can be managed. She would “bite the bullet” and do Eurovision if she thought it would get her music out to a wider audience. William: Make this happen. Make it a Wiwi miracle! 😀
She would be GREAT!!!! But unfortunately I’m not sure that the BBC would let her control everything. The song, the staging, her image etc…. but YES she would be a wonderful choice for UK!!!!
Robyn is right, regardless of the BBC, she wouldn’t be in control of what she was required to do in Eurovision fortnight. And if she decided she was above the usual routine of rehearsals and pressers, that would soon translate into negative publicity.
Bad, how can british think is possible to them to winj with something that bad. All songs posted would be out of the top 15. No UK deserve better….
Finally there’s a (somewhat) relevant, quality British artist that wants to go to Eurovision. If I were the BBC, I’d call her and give her complete artistic freedom. Why not? It’s how the Dutch broadcaster persuaded Anouk and the Common Linnets to go to Eurovision.
“then we grant her our permission to cover Ell & Nikki, Emmelie de Forest and Dima Bilan.” HHHHH, you made my day.
Cool discovery for me, thanks!
Yet UK still needs to send song that will sound as ‘Brit-‘. I don’t mind any genre, just do it, BBC.
I am a big fan of Paloma. This is exciting news for me. I would love to see her at Eurovision. And as someone else already said, i just wish she would stay truthfull to her musical style.
But i dont see this happening….BBC always goes for obscure artists with even more obscure songs….
Hm, interesting.
I welcome here participation – if she promises to keep her artistic integrity and not select something calculated that is written especially for Eurovision.
She would probably win, it would be like good old days for Rayoume Uni when the best of the best, like Cliff Richard and Olivia Newton John represented them. But BBC would never pick her- I suspect they do not want to win, or host.
I think Salvador’s win will and should encourage artists who “are not typical Eurovision” artists who sing “not typical Eurovision songs” to consider the contest.
Non-traditional music has a better time standing out over the monotony and expected of all the songs and will create a more interesting contest. This year we had an American Songbook-inspired song, a yodeling song and Gypsy chant/rap song all stand out considerably.
This was a great Facebook live session and I was so pleased when she both mentioned Eurovision and answered my other questions. I would love her to do it!
The BBC are so oblivious to these kinds of requests from artists, they actually need to be told by someone, whether it be an excessive email or an interview.
I love her… she would be an amazing choice for the UK.
Come on Paloma!!!
I’ve seen her love and she was absolutely fantastic she has such raw power and emotion in her voice even when doing upbeat songs. She’s always been my ideal entry for the UK because she has a pretty distinct sound and has so much stage presence. I really hope she gets the go ahead and UK select her
UK is so lucky than an artist that wants to do esc, also wants to take the responsibility of being in control of everything. The broadcaster should give that, what else? Does the broadcaster know better?