Lorraine Kelly Eurovision 2019 comments

She’s one of Britain’s biggest television personalities, loved for her sunny demeanour and friendly persona. However, Lorraine Kelly has caused outrage amongst Euro-fans with her weekly column in The Sun.

The theatrical artist (for tax purposes) writes of a “daft Eurovision bias” and an “annual humiliation” for the United Kingdom.

Lorraine Kelly on Eurovision 2019

The breakfast TV star begins:

“I knew we had no chance of winning thanks to a combination of Brexit, a desire to cut us Brits down to size — and because we fail to treat the whole shebang as a “serious” song contest, but instead revel in its deliciously bonkers campness”.

Her attention quickly turns to Michael Rice’s last-place finish. While acknowledging his “lacklustre staging” and “fairly average song”, she argues that the “Bigger Than Us” singer was a victim of “soul-sucking” and “frankly vindictive” voting.

She struggles to fathom that the Hartlepool native might be worse than “a woman from Australia warbling on a pogo stick”, “pound-shop heavy metal clowns from Iceland” and a “creepy couple from Slovenia who looked like serial killers”.

According to Kelly, “Arcade” doesn’t even belong on “a rip-off album by a Coldplay tribute band”. Interestingly, Duncan Laurence is at #67 on the official British charts. Michael Rice is not inside the top 100.

However, she did have a soft spot for one non-British song — John Lundvick’s “Too Late For Love”. She claims the Melodifestivalen winner was “robbed”. Until she gets evidence to the contrary, she is blaming racism.

“I’m convinced the reason Sweden didn’t win is because John happens to be black. It’s a bloody disgrace but, until it’s proven otherwise, this was down to parts of Europe exhibiting worrying signs of racism”.

Lorraine Kelly’s Eurovision verdict

Lorraine “reluctantly” concludes that the UK should quit the contest to “avoid being ritually humiliated every year”.

She is convinced that not even “Robbie Williams and Adele singing a montage of their most successful hits” could avoid last-place”. Alas, her theory can never be tested since the greatest hits of both stars would predate the 1 September rule. And even if they did, it’s unlikely that a satisfactory medley could be squeezed inside three minutes.

Yet in the next paragraph, she suggests that the BBC should send a known name.

“If the BBC won’t go all out for an established artist singing a song that’s already a proven hit to give us a chance of not being humiliated, then let’s hang on to a bit of dignity and step away”.

However, despite calling for a Eurovision Brexit, Kelly still wants to watch the contest.

“We could continue to enjoy the spectacle and cheer our favourite acts without the embarrassment of the poor “plucky Brit” being led like a lamb to the slaughter”.

The column shares the sentiments Lorraine expressed on her eponymous chat show last week.

Needless to say, Twitter has not reacted positively to her comments.

Social Media Reactions to Lorraine Kelly

What do you think of Lorraine Kelly’s comments? Do you agree with her? Let us know in the comments below.

Follow all of our UK Eurovision news.

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[…] yet another “annual humiliation” — Lorraine Kelly’s words, not ours — in Tel Aviv, the UK is hoping to get back on track with acclaimed singer-songwriter James […]

Malin
Malin
4 years ago

From Sweden and I really like John. Have enjoyed his performance on “Ännu mera allsång på Skansen “ tonight.. but I think Duncan was the right winner and Mohamod ended on a fair secound place. It hasn’t crossed my mind that that rase was the reason that he got less votes from the public. He is so very Swedish in his behaviour so I don’t see the colour of his skin. Although rest of Europe don’t se him as typical Swedish … I don’t think that was the reason. I think that it is more likely many are tired of… Read more »

IStan
IStan
4 years ago

They might not be one-on-one parallels, but this year’s second place holder is a half-Egyptian R’n’B singer who goes by his Arabic surname, who was 3rd in Televoting and 4th in Juries. Like others said, there is always some degree of racism, but with artists like Mahmood, they prove racial minorities can do well in the contest. People more often than not vote in spite (or maybe sometimes even because) of differences.
The Sweden and UK (more the latter) debacles themselves meanwhile prove they need to get their acts up.

Mark
Mark
4 years ago

Robbie Williams and Adele suck ass

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago
Reply to  Mark

Was that in “The Sun” as well? If so, I really wanna see the pics.

Lee
Lee
4 years ago

To be honest, Michael’s performance was weak in comparsion to the national final. I was so disappointed that I decided to not vote. My boyfriend couldn’t remember his performance (he was the only one he couldn’t remember).

Fun or ban?
Fun or ban?
4 years ago

This is such good idea! Good bye!

Laurentiu
Laurentiu
4 years ago

Sweden should have won because he (John Lundvik) is Black and he wrote UK’s entry! Don’t you understand, people? Don’t you respond to that argument?

An American ESC Fan
An American ESC Fan
4 years ago

She may be right for the UK to pull out for a year or two (or they can always switch broadcasters since the BBC could not care less). Especially considering that a few recent winners/high placers have been able to win after a hiatus (Ukraine, Portugal, Italy…) However, it’s also important to note that while a brief hiatus can help, it’s not always needed. I mean, the Netherlands completely and totally flopped at Eurovision for 9 years straight, but then Anouk came in 2013, and her result led to the Netherlands making a total 360, which in turn led to… Read more »

finn barr
finn barr
4 years ago

Lorraine talking about other people producing trash is a bit hard to swallow from a woman who has produced nothing but total trash telly for just about as long as anyone can bear to remember.

Jubi
4 years ago

oh little british person….

finn barr
finn barr
4 years ago
Reply to  Jubi

Scottish actually.

Jo.
Jo.
4 years ago

her column is a weekly humiliation.

ben yo
ben yo
4 years ago

At one point Lorraine is right. The majority of British viewers seem to take the contest not seriously enough by considering it a daft, camp freakshow to take the piss off every year, yet at the same time being ultra offended if the own nation doesn´t win. Of course to this contradiction the Big 5 are most likely to fall for, as they don´t have to put an extraordinary effort to reach the Final. Germany, Spain, France up to two years ago, their ego was bigger to win then to proudly and humbly present a song that might actually delight… Read more »

finn barr
finn barr
4 years ago
Reply to  ben yo

I think anyone who thinks it isn’t a daft, camp freakshow is at least slightly kidding themselves.

ben yo
ben yo
4 years ago
Reply to  finn barr

Why not, but then why being so schizophrenic and becoming so bitter? Lorraine, get a month´s supply of snickers.

Yaa
Yaa
4 years ago

British diaspora in Ireland

Cecile Cloutier
Cecile Cloutier
4 years ago

As a Yank who is a bit of an Anglophile, it pisses me off that Britain plays it safe every year. Why not send something nuts? More people are talking about Conan Osiris and his boldness than the British entry! I’d rather you guys sent another Scooch than just more blandness. You have a zillion great DJs and singers. And you send…this guy. To use an Americanism, hit for the fences. You might fail, but it would be interesting!

Tusan
4 years ago

At this point I must think its intentional. They just dont want to win.

finn barr
finn barr
4 years ago
Reply to  Tusan

They don’t want to win, but nobody wants to come last.

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago

A little bit harsh. Michael is a nice down to earth guy and a good singer.

American ESC FAN
American ESC FAN
4 years ago

Its not about the singer but rather the song… they all keep saying that even with Ed Sheeran they would end last… yes he would with a mediocre song and bland stage.

Matt
Matt
4 years ago

Leaving Eurovision until they achieve Brexit isn’t the worst idea, IMO. Portugal won they year after they took a hiatus. Maybe the BBC will decide during the time off if they really care about winning or not.

Princess Peregrine
Princess Peregrine
4 years ago

I agree. We should have pulled out after 2005. Having a hiatus is no bad thing. It certainly did Italy the world of good.

Sal
Sal
4 years ago

Not just Italy. Israel won (98′) after a 2-year absence, Portugal won after a hiatus, same with Ukraine… Russia, following a pretty miserable record in the 90’s, came back after a 2-year absence in 2000 scoring 2nd place (and far better results overall in the 00’s), same case with Greece returning in 2001 after a 2-year break, Cyprus took a hiatus and has been qualifying every year since it came back… I don’t know, it could be a coincidence but I think it rather gives the broadcaster more “hunger” for success when they take some time off… Unrelated to the… Read more »

DuncanLee
DuncanLee
4 years ago

Leona Lewis 2020 please!

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
4 years ago
Reply to  DuncanLee

No. She became a has-been rather too quickly and asn’t been out of the spotlight long enough. The better bet would be to pick someone with name recognition, who never reached the heights she reached in 2007, only to burn out like Vanilla Ice.

keith mawson
keith mawson
4 years ago

Well said Robyn

Europe
Europe
4 years ago

Why would EUROPE vote for the UK when they want to leave it. Choose your pick and stop looking for sympathy, although I would agree with the UK leaving Eurovision. They don’t have the spirit of the contest in their mindsets anymore, especially with brexit. Take some years off and come back.

keith mawson
keith mawson
4 years ago
Reply to  Europe

Rubbish , We are not leaving europe just the EU.

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
4 years ago

The UK will not pull out its ludicrous to think so, the reasons why the falls short every year or the majority of years since 1999 is the following 1. BBC sees the contest as a cheap source of entertainment, you get 10 hrs of entertainment (National Final and Eurovision Live Shows included) for a small amount every year and pull around 7.25-9.5 million viewers every time. 2. The BBC simply does not give a flying f-k about the contest anymore and they haven’t since Jemini got nul points in Riga (2003) why else would they have started to send… Read more »

Make Eurovision Sanremo Again
Make Eurovision Sanremo Again
4 years ago

neighbourly sympathy vote

Make Eurovision Sanremo Again
Make Eurovision Sanremo Again
4 years ago

Jebus Christmas, she didn’t hold back! So much for her “sunny” demeanour. The height of rudeness.

Justice
Justice
4 years ago

Please don’t make them learn from Dutch staging, tho. Only song-wise.

Justice
Justice
4 years ago

It’s self-humiliation, you granny. Everybody who is honest and sane knew the UK were going to finish last BECAUSE their song and act were once again atrocious.

Ulf
Ulf
4 years ago

CANCEL YOU DECIDE SHOW!
It’s so pointless!
I would rather have 1 really good song than 10 mehhish songs!

Cecile Cloutier
Cecile Cloutier
4 years ago
Reply to  Ulf

THIS.

blondboybc
blondboybc
4 years ago

Wah, wah, cry me a river. If she’s looking for sympathy, look in the dictionary, hun!

Giuli
Giuli
4 years ago

Australia would be the parent that shows how to play monopoly.

Miguel
Miguel
4 years ago

Oh my….
What shocks me the most about this whole article is “her weekly column in The Sun”.
The Sun actually pays her weekly for articles such as this?
You could hire me instead!

keith mawson
keith mawson
4 years ago
Reply to  Miguel

Absolute gutter paper

Fatima
Fatima
4 years ago
Reply to  Miguel

Well, no “The Sun” explains it all. Because she’s basically saying the same as the paper’s other columnists, Ally Ross (www.thesun.co.uk/news/opinion/9116059/eurovision-graham-norton-happy-madonna/) and Rod Liddle. We already know they have an anti-Europe and anti-BBC agenda.

esc stan
esc stan
4 years ago

This woman is CANCELLED

Vincent
Vincent
4 years ago

That’s also blockvoting!!!!1

no just kidding :p

poe-tay-toe-chips
poe-tay-toe-chips
4 years ago

all i’m hearing is “i’m a sore loser” over and over again

Colin
Colin
4 years ago

In my honest opinion, ”Bigger Than Us” was far from being the weakest song in the finals (hello, Belarus) or the weakest performance (hello, San Marino), but I can see that it was little people’s first choice either. It was very safe and I can see most viewers saying ”That’s nice”, but then voting on something they feel passionate about. In this kind of contest, being best for a niche group is better than being only okay for most people. Look at Iceland, Australia or Norway! They slayed and deserved to. If UK actually dares to send something authentic, out… Read more »

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago
Reply to  Colin

The song was boring and repetitive – the staging was unimaginative and dull. Michael Rice is for sure a talented vocalist, but he looked out of his depth compared to several professional contestants. Last place is not surprising, and was predicted by many – they really have nothing to complain about.

blondboybc
blondboybc
4 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Doesn’t say much for the Swedish composer who also competed in the ESC this year, does it?

tom
tom
4 years ago
Reply to  blondboybc

sweden had better song

Cecile Cloutier
Cecile Cloutier
4 years ago
Reply to  Colin

But people are talking about Portugal. Talking about Eurovision would get people interested again.

Roy Moreno
Roy Moreno
4 years ago

Was she trying to say stupid words over and over again?
And obviously she would love John out of all of them, he co-wrote the UK’s entry and it seems like she only loves her country’s entries
Plus, racism? Seriously?
Austria 2018? Estonia 2001?
Let alone that a 5th place is not bad at all and that Europe is tired of Sweden’s pop songs

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago
Reply to  Roy Moreno

Racism does of course exist, and the fact there are so few people of color in the winners category is disappointing – but I don’t think it played a large part in Sweden’s result this year.

Roy Moreno
Roy Moreno
4 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Of course Racism exists, but come on, it’s Eurovision
If you bring something really good, you would win the contest
How many black singers have taken place? I don’t think that many did
Plus, again, it’s about the song, not the artist’s skin colour

keith mawson
keith mawson
4 years ago
Reply to  Roy Moreno

She is turning into a whiner like Bloody Wogan

Someone
Someone
4 years ago

Ugh, I’m so sick of people like talk show hosts here in the UK where they blame everything on europe and politics. yes it does play a part but if you have a good song and staging you will do well. Our song this year did deserve to come last, the running order, the staging and the song killed the chances this year and thats what you get, last place. If the BBC actually sent a good song we would not have this problem.

Alex
Alex
4 years ago
Reply to  Someone

Nope sadly, all the talk is just negative. The week after Eurovision is just all hosts (like the annoying Lorraine) blaming politics on why we do bad instead of actually looking at what was wrong with the actual song and staging itself

Tusan
4 years ago
Reply to  Alex

So I assume after Brexit the consensus will be that you could never win cause you betrayed the whole continent. It`s always easier to blame someone else for our own mistakes.

Fatima
Fatima
4 years ago
Reply to  Someone

Good question. No all we get is this sort of stuff. I believe even Lucie Jones blamed Brexit for finishing 17th in 2017.

Yaa
Yaa
4 years ago
Reply to  Fatima

In her case I think it may have been, because Brexit was the heated topic of the moment, and a very nasty one,, and her song was all about “never giving up on you”, it was comical, sadly, because she was more than great, beautiful song, voice and staging, true emotion, a gem. Imo she would’ve been top 10 in another year. But 2019 is a different story.

Geo
Geo
4 years ago

They should definitely withdraw, they only send trash entries year after year just because they’re in the Big 5 and automatic qualifiers. Oh well, tough luck UK! This is the curse, otherwise…without being automatic qualifier you wouldn’t even pass the semifinal. Don’t worry though, Ola Sand and Bjorkman will reward you and put you to sing last in the final, like they usually do with Big 5 countries, as a reward (performing from the 26th slot in the grand final):
2014 UK
2015 Italy
2017 France
2018 Italy
2019 Spain

Max
Max
4 years ago
Reply to  Geo

No money no contest

Rasmus
Rasmus
4 years ago
Reply to  Geo

Who cares about the runnig order? Fans are always bitching and you will never be happy. It would be fun if all of EBU members were russian, georgian, San marinese,Azerbaijani. Would it be better? Its the countries that cheated the most. I trust Björkman and Sand 1000% more.

pinkisnotacolour
pinkisnotacolour
4 years ago

Blaming Brexit for the result is just ridiculous. People don’t vote for a song for the simple reason that they like some other song/s better. Maybe the UK should try a different approach, like they do in Italy for instance. Sanremo exists outside of Eurovision and they’re just looking for a great Italian song and then the winner gets a ticket to Eurovision if they want it. I sometimes feel like maybe the UK try too hard to send songs they think would fit Eurovision and the end result can be a bit boring. Just look for a great song… Read more »

keith mawson
keith mawson
4 years ago

We won 5 times and we are not exactly hard done by, so many countries left to get that honor. A real fan will vote for the songs they love over the country mostly.

Catgalliz
Catgalliz
4 years ago

Quite agree! Plus, neither Arcade nor Soldi were written for ESC.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago

What can I say? She has her opinion. So does The Sun newspaper, and so do the British public as a whole. There is nothing positive to say about the UK at Eurovision currently. I wish I could say that “the only way is up” if we decide to stay in, but that’s not actually true – we could have scored even worse. Ugh.

Jake
Jake
4 years ago

Today everyone can write nonsenses and get attention on Internet, shame.

Anton Aronsson
4 years ago

BBC calls: Hi Lorraine, Do you want to represent Eurovision in 2020
Lorraine: No they won’t vote for me because they will be racist to my scottish accent 🙁

keith mawson
keith mawson
4 years ago
Reply to  Anton Aronsson

and she can’t sing to save her life. What comes out of her mouth is barely legible in any case.

Anton Aronsson
4 years ago

As long as she works for ITV, She can’t change anything!!
Hahah

Elliot
Elliot
4 years ago

Maybe not a complete withdrawal.
But I don’t think a 1 year break would hurt.
Alternatively, England, Scotland, and Wales should enter separately

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago
Reply to  Elliot

I think that’s a great idea – I think it would be great to hear some more ethnic music from different parts of the UK – not forgetting Northern Ireland too.

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago
Reply to  Elliot

Alternative entries by England, Scotland, Wales is a lovely idea! I would enjoy that a lot. Northern Ireland – I really don’t know what to say about that – I REALLY DON’T KNOW.
Having read the title of the post I was going to suggest that a year break is something for the UK to consider. They way I see it, the UK puts the tiniest effort in Eurovision.

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago
Reply to  Whisker

I really, really, really, really, really, really hope that you are not equating Northern Ireland to the one we must not name, because that would be intensely stupid and quite offensive having read your other posts on this site.

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago
Reply to  Kosey

I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. None whatsoever. I am not equating NI to anything. What I meant was that I don’t know how NI inclusion would play out – and that is all I meant. No need to read between the lines and make assumption. What is “the we must not name”? Explain.

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago
Reply to  Whisker

There have already been two winning acts from Northern Ireland (1970 & 1992) and one winning composer (1967), I think that’s more than Scotland or Wales. Maybe Kosey thought you were comparing Northern Ireland to P*stine…they are both disputed territories with a history of segregation, so…?

Cecile Cloutier
Cecile Cloutier
4 years ago
Reply to  Elliot

I love this idea.

Alexo
Alexo
4 years ago

When did everyone in the UK become Eurovision experts all of a sudden? When literally some of these dicks haven’t seen the contest since at least 2007. This hussie had the audacity to say Europe is racist when she’s in a country which voted BREXIT and because Sweden didn’t win. They called Arcade boring and thought that more campy songs should won. They are cancelled

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago
Reply to  Alexo

In what way is Brexit racist? Be careful, don’t bring politics into Eurovision!

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago
Reply to  Kosey

Is that a rhetorical question? Racism and xenophobia played a large part in bringing about Brexit.

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

I think there is a legitimate difference between patriotism and racism.

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago
Reply to  Kosey

There may be, but racism and ignorance played a part – I’m not saying that all Brexit voters are racist or that there are not legitimate reasons to be anti-EU – the referendum result was not based on fact or logic, though.

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

How did ignorance play a part? That seems a bit judgmental? I believe the vast majority of people knew exactly what they were voting for and why. Plus, please enlighten me as to when there has ever been an election result based on fact and logic?

Steve
Steve
4 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

You don’t even know what you are talking about. Most people who voted leave where fed up with EU dictating to them plus how is it racist to be concerned about immigration. Most don’t see this as a problem but the infrastructure is not put in place to deal with this. And for you to state ignorance is irony when your post is ignorant in itself. Wind your neck in. By the way our County which I am proud of is less racist than a lot of other European countries. I think we should leave this contest as we don’t… Read more »

keith mawson
keith mawson
4 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

There are 1000’s of reasons why we are leaving. Our beef is with EU structure and operations and lopsided behaviour , those are just a few.

tatiana
tatiana
4 years ago

Damn right they would’ve placed last if they brought Robbie Williams lol. Also did that reporter guy forget that the UK jury actually gave North Macedonia 12 pts?

keith mawson
keith mawson
4 years ago
Reply to  tatiana

Rylan, the guy from UK Jury is dyed in the wool superfan of ESC for much of his life, why have ago at him ?

Kredential
Kredential
4 years ago

ok

Grftn
Grftn
4 years ago

The only reason why the UK ended last is that their song and staging were one of the (if not THE) weakest this year. Sorry!

Wendela
Wendela
4 years ago

years and years 2020 please

Alexo
Alexo
4 years ago
Reply to  Wendela

No, Florence and the Machine

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago
Reply to  Alexo

We already had her this year – see Greece

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
4 years ago
Reply to  Kosey

Katerine actually reminded me of Alison Moyet.

Ben ESC
Ben ESC
4 years ago

Lorraine’s article is the most wrong thing I have ever read, she obviously knows nothing about eurovision and is just giving her opinion, and whilst we can’t actually say her opinion is wrong, it definitely opposes the opinion of millions around Europe

Polegend Godgarina
4 years ago

this clown really thought the uk would escape the bottom with that tragedy of an entry huh ?

James
James
4 years ago

Sweden didn’t escape getting dragged down by televotes this year either.

EmmelieDarlineFrancesco Fan
EmmelieDarlineFrancesco Fan
4 years ago

We actually have had some decent songs in our selections that could have done better (maybe not top 10!) such as Until Tomorrow, Freedom Hearts (although the revamp of Never Give Up On You was a big improvement on the original) and Legends. Holly’s Bigger Than Us also may have done better as it has more going for it and is less generic. We need to focus more on song quality and potential… vocals can be worked on before Eurovision and low budget You Decide staging worked on or changed. I know it’s important a song works live but it… Read more »

Colin
Colin
4 years ago

I think both ”Legends” and ”You” could have placed really high in the finals, making 2018 the only year which would have mostly all ACs place well, and deservingly so. However, they (again) decided to send the most impactful performance instead of the best song. SuRie was amazing, but the song was quite median.

andycule
andycule
4 years ago

The British song simply SUCKED OK?? Whats all the whining about? And the very mediocre Swedish number got so MANY votes due to Europes political correctness and BECAUSE they were black.Lots of bs in this article.The Slovenian couple were CUTE!!

Joseph Mendy
Joseph Mendy
4 years ago
Reply to  andycule

You are pure DISRESPECTFUL