Six acts came, but only one could win the UK’s Eurovision: You Decide 2018. And in the end — after a public vote and votes from an international jury of music professionals — SuRie won the night with “Storm”. Blanche and Loic Nottet’s former backing vocalist more than proved she’s ready for centre stage.

As in the previous two editions of Eurovision: You Decide, the BBC has brought in an expert panel to provide comments for each of the six competing acts after their performances. This year the panel included former X Factor contestant and TV personality Rylan, previous S Club 8 and The Saturday’s member Rochelle Humes, plus singer-songwriter and lead vocalist/guitarist of McFly Tom Fletcher.

RAYA — “Crazy”

She’s a Doncaster diva who knows a thing or two about obsession — and she’s channeled it into her number. “It’s a song we can all relate too,” she said in her voice over. “We’ve all been in a situation of love and lust — it’s kind of a universal thing, isn’t it?”

Miss Clark gave her RnB-tinged dance number even more urban swag with her hip-hop choreography, street style — black dungarees and massive platforms, and some easy-on-the-eyes dancers (who Rylan compared to “five sweaty mechanics”).

It was a competent opener, but got pushed from our collective memory as the night went on.

Liam Tamne — “Astronaut”

Liam wants to be your astronaut and he managed to convey the idea without being too literal. Standing on a platform he wore a shimmering black jacket that hinted at the stars and performed before a spiralling blue LED which resembled an intergalactic vortex. His vocals were generally on point, especially when he went all falsetto towards the end. Proving that simple can sometimes slay the day, he used his mic stand as a prop — leaning left, leaning right and creating a striking silhouette. Rylan suggested that he was a bit dead in the beginning…so suggested he amp things up earlier.

Asanda — “Legends”

Tom was totally feeling it. “It wasn’t like watching someone taking part in a contest. It was like watching a pop star….it makes such a difference when it looks like the artist is having fun.” Spot on. Asanda proved that it is possible to live up to the hype. She had the most complicated stage show, which involved a platform, thrusting choreography and effective lighting that smacked of a proper music concert. Totally unfazed, Asanda had swag but remained likeable — a difficult balance to strike and one she totally nailed.

Jaz Ellington — “You”

Rylan said he loved the song….but worried that it would get forgotten in the mix at Eurovision. And while we love Jaz we couldn’t agree more. Putting his out-of-this-world voice to the side, the performance felt very X Factor winner’s single — singer centre stage with lots of lights.

SuRie — “Storm”

Talk about coming to life! SuRie was, perhaps, the biggest grower of the night — drawing massive applause in the arena. She started off quietly working the colour blocks — pink background, turquoise dress — and sang with precision and power. Her voice mixes light with smoke and she performed with such conviction and power that surely she won over many a hater. One of the performances of the night.

Goldstone — “I Feel the Love”

Go for gold! These musical theatre queens stomped it out in gold sequins, spreading their love throughout the city (and airwaves). And while their harmonies were on point and they looked great, the performance wasn’t particularly dynamic. You got the idea after about 15 seconds.

FOLLOW ALL OUR UNITED KINGDOM NEWS

241 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
elise
elise
6 years ago

I keep listening and listening…its really catchy and is growing on me a lott!

Only thing…I only like the live one so much better. Its really nice so uplifting and happy 🙂

David F
David F
6 years ago

I wanted Legends to win before the live performance but SuRie gave this song so much life on stage it was a deserved winner on the night. Lots of positives. It’s catchy, it has a positive message, it’s fun, it’s uplifting. SuRie looked very stylish but also managed to come across as endearing. Her movements with the song felt natural on stage. Her voice was competent, great in places, though the opening needs to be stronger and there was one note that didn’t quite fly. I’m sure she can improve on that though. The main improvements would be: 1) amplify… Read more »

EuroTruthExposed
EuroTruthExposed
6 years ago

so datedly boring

E 2018
E 2018
6 years ago

Will anyone tell the BBC, to completely scrape Eurovision you decide, and to do a complete fresh new National final which Shows Europe are potential as a country and the music we are capable of. I hate to admit it but it would be great for us to have a national final in a similar way to Sweden or France where an international jury from countries like Sweden, Belarus, or Armenia judge their favourite songs, and we have a semi final process where there are more songs, and more variety to choose from. I hope the BBC take account all… Read more »

Mario C
Mario C
6 years ago

Please follow my blog and reviews of the chosen songs. Thank you !

https://marioeurovision2018.wordpress.com/2018/02/08/united-kingdom-surie-storm-5-10/

Rossiyushka
Rossiyushka
6 years ago

Apart from being very similar to some songs of Avicii (Hey Brother, Wake me Up), I like this one. With a revamp it can make it to top10

EH
EH
6 years ago
Reply to  Rossiyushka

It’s good you like the song, because being from the Uk most of us liked Asanda and Legends. But Surie was the best vocally and she can possibly improve her song ans stage performance. Anyways where are you from and hope you vote for our song just cause we really need the votes

Joe
Joe
6 years ago
Reply to  EH

She’s already said she’s working on her stage presence for Lisbon.

EH
EH
6 years ago
Reply to  Joe

I hope this doesn’t happen, but it would look so good if Surie had something like Blanches performance where the stage and the lights kept the song memorable and fun meaning they got a great 4th place, just because then her voice can really be matching with a brilliant stage presence

Amor
Amor
6 years ago

Look, Asanda’s vocals weren’t great but she could have improved in the time until May. They could have worked on her live vocals. She had everything else right, the staging (could have not made the dancers covered in shadows), the choreography, the song (which could have had a few tweaks). She would have easily have gotten the U.K in the top 10. This song needs a 90-95% revamp if they keep it the same, this song will score in the bottom 5.

King of the clouds
King of the clouds
6 years ago

It has grown on me. But I think it needs a revamp. The chorus is not that strong. I love this background voicey effects. Maybe those can be stronger in the chorus. The rest is good. Go SuRie.

Marty Mc
Marty Mc
6 years ago

Give SuRie credit, she was the best singer last night with a lovely song and appropriate lyrics. All she needs now is the country backing her, regardless of the results in May, the UK should be proud of her. Asanda had a great song but the whole package didn’t work at all. It was flat and so was her vocals. I still feel the BBC does not take the contest seriously enough. They are not in it to win it, but just to be a part of it. All you need is a great song and a great artist and… Read more »

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

What a night! Asanda was amazing, though vocally weak at times. Her live performance was great! Jaz was magic!

Tbh, I didn’t expect Surie to win, her song wasn’t the best, but her live performance was way better than expected. I’m not sure what her fate will be in Eurovision, but the song has energy.

FFS
FFS
6 years ago

The whole cheap production , that silly woman with the Swedish twat and their cheesy jokes , the crowds with the EU flags and of course the chosen song made me sick

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  FFS

LOL. What can we say? Don’t watch it next time? Or complain to the BBC?

Avat
Avat
6 years ago

I feel really sorry for UK. Such music scene and such entry/entries for Eurovision and such Swedish pride in national selection. Why Belgian broadcaster may do so well with internal selection and why BBC can’t afford at least that level? Maybe there should be an estaphet where a Scottish and Welsh broadcasters should be responsible for the choice of entry? As for the entry and wows about good live performance, well this isn’t Voice or Britain Got Talent. Song is not just bad one but even lyrics are inspired by the world hit “Hey brother” and for me it makes… Read more »

Darius
Darius
6 years ago

This entry is terrible. After the first minute it gets really annoying. I keep wondering, how can anyone vote for this?!?!? Brits made their choice, but still…one of the most powerful music industry, with so many big names, past and present…and yet, they keep on sending weak songs and no big artists. The other countries, by contrary…they send their biggest artists and their biggest names and the best songs, but no… UK wants to be very low on the scoreboard, year by year….

James
James
6 years ago
Reply to  Darius

Wasn’t Blue considered “big” considering their successful international career and they still had strong recall when they took part in 2011?

JEFFERSON LAMAS
JEFFERSON LAMAS
6 years ago

They sent a good singer live and gave life to the song! As I hated this Asanda, he does not know how to sing, it’s just Justin Timberlake, these horrible rappers, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and others who live and can not stand to sing. Good Luck SuRie!

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

So many emotions here, I don’t know where to start! Right now i’m having breakfast in a Brighton hotel, and Jaz Ellington is here also having breakfast. I said I felt his song last night, but after that I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t want to bother him, so I let him be. It’s like slowly coming back to this reality after visiting a different universe. The show was amazing. Brighton Dome is a great venue for the UK selection, and it’s like you can feel ABBA there on the stage. It’s surreal! I met so many interesting… Read more »

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Next comment doesn’t want to send. But basically, thank you to everyone, fans, singers, crew, Wiwi’s Chris and Jonathan; everyone. Thank you.

Mattias Sollerman
Mattias Sollerman
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

I think they should hand you moderator privileges.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

It would be both an honour and a frightening responsibility.

Mattias Sollerman
Mattias Sollerman
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

It’s just sad to see you having these frequent problems with posting. (I do too, but that’s just for the better.) It’s a loss for the entire community.

L'oiseau
L'oiseau
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Seeing the footage of SuRie’s performance, this is exactly the vibe I have got from the whole act, and might explain her victory.

James
James
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

I was able to catch the last half hour of the show on stream and I agree, seems like a lot of the live audience really connected to the song, more so during her reprise when many were singing along.

It was wonderful watching that unfold.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  James

Yes, it was an amazing experience. Almost religious warmth. United in our healing. 🙂

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

Testing comment. Technical problems again.

naysayer
naysayer
6 years ago

So painfully bland and generic. 🙁 Verses are a little better, but that chorus is a limp wet noodle that tastes of absolutely nothing. This has bottom 5 written all over it unless they pull off an amazing stage show or revamp. I was hoping they’d pick something competitive and get a good result, so we could finally put the endless “woe is us, Europe is mean, we’ll never do well” whining to rest. I guess that won’t be happening this year! Get ready for another round of “blame the voting blocks and Brexit, not our stale anonymous song”. Maybe… Read more »

Geo
Geo
6 years ago

Germany and Spain lost the last spot in the final. In UK the worst possible song of the 6 contenders won. Sorry, UK… After Lucie’s masterpiece last year Brits are going down….

Rich
Rich
6 years ago

I am speechless, not in a good way. Where is the transparency with the voting process. The whole affair of just revealing the result from the envelope saying who the winner is is not good enough. A percentage of the results for each artists would have been useful to see just for transparency purposes. I am seeing a lot of love for Asanda here. She clearly was the favourite before the show.. What went wrong with the voting. BBC needs to do more to show it’s a fair competition with the voting process. Who did the International jury vote for?… Read more »

LalehForWD
LalehForWD
6 years ago

LOL – the obsession of the Brits to find a WINNER and the complete rejection if they sense it’s beyond reach – again. Like a lottery. Reminds me of the epic loss to Iceland in EURO2016. British football do have solid foundation and a continuum to refer to though. The UK also have a huge and vital music industry with years of experience and expertise. Why do the BBC insist on thinking they can manage the Eurovision selection on their own? A bit underfunded and with no consistency of the format, with new optimistic aproaches every year. Would it be… Read more »

James
James
6 years ago
Reply to  LalehForWD

I think the problem lies with most major labels in Britain trying to distance themselves off from everything Eurovision so it was hard for the UK delegation to gather the talent needed to produce songs that are truly reflective of the country’s music industry, so a different approach: Songwriting camps involving local songwriting talent and abroad plus OGAE (assuming they are still part of the selection process this year too), seems like the best possible route to get the results needed to send something decent or better than the low threshold they’ve placed themselves in the past 2 decades (a.k.a.… Read more »

LalehForWD
LalehForWD
6 years ago
Reply to  James

@James
I think people can look through the Woganesque attitude if they got at least a basic grip of Eurovision. Anyway who fancy the cynicals these days? Maybe the problem indeed is BBC’s determination of full control while not really have the wit to commit. “Modern” Eurovision would likely be a goldmine for British music businesses and the possibilities can’t be unknown among the labels, just not omn BBC’s terms.

I’m not saying the recent efforts are bad. Maybe you’ll succeed this way as well and good luck.

Ari
Ari
6 years ago

There is nothing bad about it, but also nothing outstandingly great. That could be a recipe for the bottom five. Still, she was way better than this other chick. I don’t get what y’all saw in that one, it was anything but legendary.

PMC
PMC
6 years ago
Reply to  Ari

Well, there’s still three months until the ESC. You heard everything SuRie had to offer and it was average, she isn’t going to improve. Storm doesn’t need a revamp, it needs a total rewrite. On the other hand, Asanda would improve with three months practice. It would allow her to develop more stamina to carry off the dancing and the singing at the same time. I also think they made a mistake having her use a handheld microphone rather than a headset mike, some of the notes that sounded bad were not missed notes but rather rushed positioning of the… Read more »

L'oiseau
L'oiseau
6 years ago

Excuse me guys, but I don’t know what the surprise is all about… SuRie was the obvious winner. The song is not great. It is a bit outdated and too reminescent of Emmelie’s Teardrop and yes maybe a revamp could do it some good. But… It has a very timely message (references to the “Brexit feeling” are pritty obvious) and, sorry, she has a great voice. Maybe not a very contemporary one (reminiscent of that Grand Lady Annie Lennox) but a very distinctive one. She was super-competent on stage, filling it all up with her voice completely alone. I still… Read more »

mark dowd
mark dowd
6 years ago
Reply to  L'oiseau

That is such an insult to “Only Teardops”…..Denmark 2013 was a worthy winner….”Storm” feels like we are back in the 80s……it is vacuous drivel. Sung well by a very attractive performer, but she cannot save it. Bottom three beckons.

L'oiseau
L'oiseau
6 years ago
Reply to  mark dowd

I agree that Only Teardrops was a worthy winner, especially because that year was pretty bad in general. But in my humble opinion, it is not a fantastic song. I would even say the second worst winner of this decade (only topped by Azerbeijan). Indeed, “Strom” doesn’t feel very modern (as Only Teardrop, btw) but I think it has a retro/vintage vibe that can appeal to many, as we have seen from last year…

chanson
chanson
6 years ago

Wow, BBC, you do not get to make fun of San Marino when you have infinitely better resources and you still make a hash of it… I wonder if SuRie really truly likes her own song? I mean, when she went to Eurovision with Belgium, they had two excellent, modern songs that were widely praised and did very well in the end; and when SuRie actually got to be on stage, she was part of an amazing performance that’s already become kind of iconic. So no wonder she’s had a wonderful ESC experience and wanted to do it herself, but… Read more »

Eve
Eve
6 years ago
Reply to  chanson

Yeah, Lena from Germany is nice person too, but what about the song 😛

Eve
Eve
6 years ago
Reply to  Eve

I mean Levina, lol

PMC
PMC
6 years ago
Reply to  chanson

They didn’t make fun of San Marino at all, I don’t know where you got that from. I saw it more as a reference to the excitement that genuine Eurovision fans feel when Valentina gets selected, as she did last year 😉

BBC’s production on the night was pretty good, in many ways a love letter to Eurovision fans with lots of in-jokes and references. Just a shame about the chosen song.

Luke A
Luke A
6 years ago

Well I feel let down but my own country thank you people for letting us go bottom 5 again, I thought after Lucie we had things going in the right direction, I really thought we had a chance with Asanda this year I used all my votes on her and totally thought she was ready for Eurovision, think I’ll be crossing the channel this year and rooting for France, this was the most generic and boring performance out of all of them, only thing I can think why this got peoples votes was because of Surie herself

MS
MS
6 years ago

UK might need more help fr.o.m. Sweden! Whith the most importent, how to get songwriers and artist whith quallity
This is sad and I don’t understand hon Mans could accept to become host i a show whith sooo bad songs!

Dave
Dave
6 years ago

*hand

AzeriChico
AzeriChico
6 years ago

She’s an amazing performer and I like her stage presence. The song is not as good as her, but still she delivered it very well. Good luck, UK!

NickC
NickC
6 years ago

My favorite was Jaz, but I can see why Surie won. However, I also see some merit in Levina comparisons. It is a nice performance, It is a nice song, It is very unoffensive, it is pleasant to listen, you will never hate it (unless you are a mad Asanda fan), but the question is… will you pick up the phone and will you vote for it? Or if you are a jury member, will you rate it as a top 10 song?

NickC
NickC
6 years ago
Reply to  NickC

By the way, I think this NF season is showing us the important of lyrics. I think the trend started in 2014 with Conchita, continued with Mans, then Jamala, and last year with Francesco Gabbani and Salvador- all of these heavyweights had incredible lyrics. I find Surie’s lyrics very touching and deeply meaningful, as opposed to other contenders with all cringy lyrics. We witnessed the same thing In France this year (all poetic), Malta and Switzerland (with strong messages). People do not want Love Love Peace Peace anymore, they do not vote for fire, desire, wire. I think one reason… Read more »

Colin
Colin
6 years ago
Reply to  NickC

I keep saying how lyrics are an important part of the package, along with the melody, the complexity of composition, the voice, staging and charisma. That said, I really love the lyrics in SuRie’s verses and the overall message, but the chorus seems quite simple and repetitive. Jaz had stronger lyrics and overall composition IMHO, but the commentator killed his chances with the criticism of tempo. Jaz also made a vital mistake that, when he got criticized, he just shut-up and left the stage, without an eye contact with the camera.

Lawrence Gibb
Lawrence Gibb
6 years ago

I think both the sing and the performance have potential and it’s good to see an assured delivery from a seasoned performer.
As for Brexit, The British People DID NOT VOTE for it. A narrow majority of English and Welsh dragged the rest of the UK into this fiasco. The fight isn’t over yet!

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago

Well… that was unexpected! I have to admit I’m a bit dissapointed as I think there were at least 2 or 3 songs better than this one. “Storm” is ear-pleasing and enjoyable, but it sounds too much like a musical performance about self enpowerment and overpassing adversities. The song itself is basic and a bit repetitive, though the final part is really uplifting, the “lightings” look really cool and her stage presence is on point with attitude. Overall, I think the UK has a decent entry, but it won’t stand out and will get lost among the other 25 entries,… Read more »

UKLover
UKLover
6 years ago

Whyyyyyy? UK WHYYYY!!!!
You were a step in the better place last year when you revamped “Never give up on you” BUT THIS CAN NEVER BE REVAMPED TO PLEASE WELL.
Bottom 5 of the grand final it is.

Fayn
Fayn
6 years ago

Unfortunately, I think I’m getting flashbacks to ‘Perfect Life’ from last year with ‘Storm’. I still would of preferred ‘Legends’ going through even with the weaker vocal performance, but since Goldstone and Liam didn’t win, I’m satisfied.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  Fayn

Asanda’s package despite her so called ‘weak’ vocals were still better than SuRie’s entire package.

Fayn
Fayn
6 years ago
Reply to  Mark

Yeah, countries have outright won the contest with worse vocals. (Ex. Azerbaijan 2011, Russia 2009, Finland 2007) Without a generous revamp, I can’t foresee ‘Storm’ being rewarded a result outside the bottom 3, especially with the UK’s already poor record of placement whilst sending more noteworthy entries. Despite some improvement, the UK has yet to deviate from hosting what can be argued is the weakest national selection of the contest.

Fayn
Fayn
6 years ago
Reply to  Fayn

Correction: I meant Russia’s win in 2008.

Fayn
Fayn
6 years ago
Reply to  Fayn

and Finland’s in 2006. [I apologize for the multiple posts.]

Joe
Joe
6 years ago

I’m gonna say the same thing I said about Malta and Spain: this is clearly the song the people want. Just as much as the last two UK entries, there’s a feeling of post-Brexit anxiety (take a gander at all those EU flags) that makes a song about weathering the storm all the more significant. The crowd loved it, jumping and singing along. The panel, all people who knew and loved Eurovision, thought it was worthy of going to Lisbon. I knew from the start that nothing the UK sent was gonna bring the trophy home this year, but what… Read more »

fan
fan
6 years ago
Reply to  Joe

All very philosophical Joe, but would you enter a three -legged horse into a speed race, I don’t think so, so why send a lousy dated song to a song competition. SuRie did a good job with a poor song and I wish her the best of luck. But the BBC really has to get its act together and choose better songs.

James
James
6 years ago
Reply to  fan

How is it “dated”?

Joe
Joe
6 years ago
Reply to  fan

You make a good point, fan. I agree on your points. I think my problem is that I have no stakes in the competition – I’m an American, so I’ve got nobody repping for the States and no way to vote. I, more than anyone, am here for the show more than anything. I have favorites that I hope do well, as well as countries I feel close to in terms of heritage (I’ve got family in the UK and Israel, friends from Russia, and my ancestry apparently goes back to Ukraine and other parts of Eastern Europe), but I… Read more »

James
James
6 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Hear hear.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Clearly this is not the song the people wanted because the blacklash is so massive. Anyway Asanda still have more views on YouTube than SuRie. What does that say about who the people want?

Kris
Kris
6 years ago
Reply to  Mark

No….SuRie has way more views.
Asanda has 19k and SuRie has 51k.

Bdou
Bdou
6 years ago
Reply to  Kris

I think it is normal that SuRie got plenty more views than Asanda, because casual viewers (those who didn’t see the National Final) wanted to see UK’s artist for this years Eurovision.
So that’s why Asanda has less views : because she didn’t win

Jim
Jim
6 years ago

All the british contestans were bad, so it doesnt really matter who won… uk doesnt take the contest seriousy and they re gonna get what they desrve

Penguin
Penguin
6 years ago
Reply to  Jim

Agree.

Trocatroc
Trocatroc
6 years ago

Lol. Poor set design. Poor sound production. It’s disheartening (being from the UK) but it is what it is, we are now used to it. BBC do not care. Good luck to all of the other countries. <3

Jack Frost
Jack Frost
6 years ago

I don’t know why I thought that a British public who voted for Brexit could be trusted with making the right decision now, but they’ve managed to serve yet another slap in the face. In just a few months they’ll all be screaming again how Europe hates them. What a bunch of morons.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  Jack Frost

I just hope that the audience in Lisbon chants that they wanted Asanda instead when Britain performs.

Joe
Joe
6 years ago
Reply to  Mark

Jack Frost, you’re being mean, and Mark, that’d just be kinda cruel. Don’t take the love out of the love love peace peace. All deserve an equal chance on the Eurovision stage.

PMC
PMC
6 years ago
Reply to  Jack Frost

Was a 50/50 vote split between the jury and public… if only we had full transparency of the voting breakdown.

Marco
Marco
6 years ago

The whitest of them all. Like last year. Surprise.

Marco
Marco
6 years ago
Reply to  Marco

Not music, but the UK public voting, sadly

James
James
6 years ago
Reply to  Marco

Does it matter? The artist with the best live performance won.

EH
EH
6 years ago

I’m just going to wait until Italy and Sweden and Bulgaria all send their songs, then the UK will feel stupid because these countries more than likely will have great catchy songs then they probably get over 300 points from the Jury alone and the Uk end up with like 50 points from the Jury and 25 points in the Televote

fan
fan
6 years ago

The problem lies in who selected these poor unmemorable songs in the first place. Who could have selected these 6 dismal tunes?..Therein lies the blame. The BBC really have to re-analyze the judgment of the people selected to choose the 6 finalists. I am sure many superior songs were rejected, because to be honest worse than these is hard to imagine. Congrats though to Surie, by far the best of a bad bunch.

Sabrina
Sabrina
6 years ago
Reply to  fan

My thoughts exactly. The problem is in the source of the process. Picking a different song last night wouldn’t change much things.

Nickc
Nickc
6 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I agree 100% too

PMC
PMC
6 years ago
Reply to  fan

what makes you think these weren’t the best 6 songs available?

It’s not like the cream of the British music industry is clamouring to enter Eurovision.

Wheatley
Wheatley
6 years ago

I just don’t get it. If English people had a problem with bad vocals, why did they go with Surie? That high note was terrible and her vocal performance was flat out dull.I don’t see how she “elevated” the song that so many comments suggest. The song is uninspired and she is a very mediocre performer. I liked Legends as a studio version but after that performance it was a big no no for me. They should’ve gone with the best vocalist, which was Jaz, even though the song was also uninspired (at least he delivered), or even with Goldstone… Read more »

Ross
Ross
6 years ago

I was surprised at both the audience reaction and the result – I was thinking it would be Asanda or Jaz. I was rooting for Asanda because I think she had the best song most likely to make an impact at Eurovision, even if it didn’t quite come together live as well as it could have done. The bookies were out by a long shot… again! I thought Jaz might take it on the vocal alone, which was outstanding – I wasn’t disappointed that he didn’t, because the song is massively let down by its chorus. In fact, all six… Read more »

Ross
Ross
6 years ago

Glad you liked it – watching your reaction video now and agree with most of your thoughts.

Goldstone also did a really good job I thought (again, with an average song), so it was a shame they got such a lack of reaction!

Denis
Denis
6 years ago

Honestly, I get the feeling the British people don’t won’t to do well at all.
The performance is great but the song is so-so. Below average even. You forget it as soon as she finishes.Levina all over agian

Oh well, there is always next year…

Fatima
Fatima
6 years ago
Reply to  Denis

No Denis, she connected with the crowd in a way Levina never managed. People will remember that at least. On May 12 I can imagine that they’ll all be doing the arm thing and that enthusiasm will carry across to some televoters.

EH
EH
6 years ago
Reply to  Fatima

its just hoping enough people vote and we don’t get around 50 points from just the jury

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  EH

No one is voting for this song.

LJE96
LJE96
6 years ago

I think SuRie was the best on the night but Asanda would have done best for us in Lisbon. I think the reason asanda lost was because the jury vote would be quite low for her but high for SuRie

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  LJE96

The BBC is so secretive with the results that it’s worse than Belarus

Flynn
Flynn
6 years ago

I think the UK process needs refining, we need to see the full results not just an announcement of the winner and from the looks of things either there is no live auditions or the live auditions are completely different songs because there is usually at least one act that struggles to deliver the live performance. They could also maybe use a new selection committee as I’m not sure the current one really gets Eurovision As for the winner, Storms really needs a revamp, it currently sounds like a mid-00s entry, has no real impact and will flop without it.… Read more »

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  Flynn

It sounds like Levina’s song from last year.

SuRie needs to scrap the song entirely and sing something else.

Flynn
Flynn
6 years ago
Reply to  Mark

Honestly, I’m not sure a new song would even help. I’m really not convinced by SuRie’s vocals, her voice seems a little shaky and it might be the song but there just doesn’t seem to be much range or power there either and she wasn’t plagued with high energy choreography like the other girls were.

UK 2018 EH
UK 2018 EH
6 years ago
Reply to  Flynn

I’m expecting great things from Italy this year. but the UK either need to take the contest seriously, or if they don’t want to spend the money to create a good National Final, then we shouldn’t bother and just quit the contest. I mean so many countries are stepping their game up with how they choose their songs, and San Marino’s way to select their song is brilliant I must say.
either we get a complete change of how to choose the Uks song, because then we might get top 5 postion

Flynn
Flynn
6 years ago
Reply to  UK 2018 EH

I think even a change in selection would be a step in the right direction whoever is in charge of selection for the most part seems to be stuck in the past but there definitely needs to be more transparency, I’d imagine there have definitely been some strong contenders that have missed out on the final selection for awful stuff like Storm and I Feel The Love

UK 2018 EH
UK 2018 EH
6 years ago
Reply to  Flynn

and if they got rid of 6 acts every year, if their was more, we then would get a wide range of variety of different genres of songs, then maybe we will find the perfect song

Flynn
Flynn
6 years ago
Reply to  UK 2018 EH

Yeah, more songs to choose from and an international jury instead of having our own jury, since they seem biased towards certain acts. There is no way SuRie won the televote with how much backlash she’s getting.

Plus if the international juries present their votes we’ll get more transparency on the results instead of “Here’s your winner” and having to accept it

EH
EH
6 years ago
Reply to  Flynn

I always was hoping the UK would have an international jury. because it would be nice to see what countries like Azerbaijan, Armenia, Italy, or Sweden rate our songs. because then we know where we stand with the countries who are really tough when giving points

Flynn
Flynn
6 years ago
Reply to  EH

Yeah we seem to rely on like 3 or 4 countries for points and they tend to be countries who are also behind with the times like San Marino and Ireland. The juries from other countries like Azerbaijan and Sweden seem to get the televoter mindset better as well.

If we could just do something great with staging like we did with Lucie and got an international jury judging our songs we could easily get at least on the left side of board. The fact it’s only a tiny bit of extra effort is needed, is what’s most frustrating.

E
E
6 years ago
Reply to  Flynn

I’m just hoping someone can save Suries song and turn it into a masterpiece like the brilliant Blanche and city lights last year, which I think has the same catchiness and tempo is kind of the same. It needs a big big change of we have a chance of doing well

Alison
Alison
6 years ago

I’m intrigued as to what people are expecting could be done revamp wise? Last year Lucie’s nf performance was very stripped back so there was clear revamp potential but thats not the case here. I dont see what can be done with the chorus to give it more oomph. The main area for improvement imo is for her to move away from the mic stand.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  Alison

There is nothing they can do. BBC Eurovision was a sinking ship and this song is a fire canon to the haul.

Sabrina
Sabrina
6 years ago
Reply to  Alison

That’s a good question, Alison. It’s tricky, because if you change the beat to something more current, it will raise the comparisons to Levina’s track. I would try something that could give the act a “live band” vibe. This could also give her someone to interact on the stage.

Maclaren
Maclaren
6 years ago

I didn’t even bother watching this year. The BBC is obviously not aspiring to use my license fees to produce any decent show. Instead I was busy following Sanremo 2018 story which is much more exciting and rewarding

Crystal
Crystal
6 years ago

Just on song quality alone, “Legends” was the best song of the entire group. Lyrically, “Storm” reminds me of the majority of American Idol’s winners’ singles (or what we fans typically referred to as “coronation songs”), which with the exception of maybe two or three of them (“A Moment Like This” by Kelly Clarkson and “Home” by Phillip Phillips come to mind) were utter dreck (even the ones that went to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100). It sounds like it borrowed elements from “Hey Brother” by Avicii and Emilie de Forest’s “Only Teardrops”, put them together in a… Read more »

Mark C
Mark C
6 years ago

Did anyone else feel the fix was in before the start of the show when the panel kept going on about people having their favourites, that they were wrong and would be convinced on another act? Also, people are very quick to criticize Asanda for her vocals but does anyone appreciate how much more was asked of her compared to others (like SuRie for example) who just had to stand there and sing their song? There simply isn’t enough rehearsal time for You Decide for performances like ‘Legends’ to be ready in time for the televised show and so we… Read more »

UK 2018 EH
UK 2018 EH
6 years ago
Reply to  Mark C

all we need is a complete change of nf selection, and we get actually professional song writers or experts to give their critiques and praises instead of joke novelty acts and broken up pop groups

aaron
aaron
6 years ago

I loved Asanda before the show, but her vocals were way off, she was out of breath by the first chorus. That sort of song needed choreography, but she wasn’t fit enough, unfortunately, even Mans mentioned doing more Cardio (I actually thought that was a bit rude)

Charli Cheer Up
Charli Cheer Up
6 years ago
Reply to  aaron

For me, Asanda nailed her performed with Legends but fell flat with the diction. Same for RAYA though her flaw was her facial expresssion on camera. I think there was too much choreography on their performances. They both did great with the moves on stage though but sometimes a lot is not needed.

UK 2018 EH
UK 2018 EH
6 years ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

would be a miracle if the BBC did something about it, and your petition got a lot of signatures, Asanda is outstanding

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
6 years ago
Reply to  UK 2018 EH

If you could help and spread the noise about the petition that would be greatly appreciated!! 🙂