Are you from Liverpool and surrounding areas? Could you provide engaging alternative commentary for the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final this year? That’s certainly what the BBC in the county of Merseyside are asking, as they are searching for their ‘Voice of Eurovision’.
The local BBC station will supply another choice for your commentary needs on the night, with a Scouse (Liverpudlian) view on the show up until the interval. They have announced today that you do not need prior experience in media. All you need is a love for Eurovision, and of course, Liverpool!
This opportunity is part of the BBC’s New Voices campaign, to find their next broadcasting superstars, giving those a chance who may not have had one before. This isn’t the only way the BBC try to unearth great talent. Their Introducing programme is constantly hunting for the best musical talent out there. The initiative has helped launch careers of Ed Sheeran, Florence & The Machine and George Ezra.
How to apply to BBC Merseyside’s Voice of Eurovision
Do you think you have what it takes, and are available for production between May 11th-13th? Then you can apply on the BBC’s Website here until 22:00 GMT on March 12th. You will need to create an audition tape for the judges, which should include the following:
- 200 words on why you should be selected
- Up to 40 seconds of your own commentary introducing Chanel, Mahmood and Blanco, Sam Ryder or Subwoolfer (possibly like what you’d expect during a postcard).
- You’ll also need to say the following line; “Please be aware that the performance you’re about to watch contains strobe lighting and the voting lines will only be open after the final performance.”
There is a lot of information on the site to help you prepare your audition in accordance with what the judges want and expect. Key focuses will include “a passion for and connection with Merseyside, Liverpool or Ukraine”. They will also look at how your voice sounds with evidence of personality, and suitability to provide a Scouse commentary.
The team behind this movement at the BBC will be holding sessions across Merseyside with information and practical help for those needing assistance to make their tape. You can find the team at the following locations:
- 6 – 10 February: The Strand Shopping Centre, Bootle, Sefton
- 13 – 17 February: Pyramids Shopping Centre, Birkenhead, Wirral
- Saturday 18 February: Greatie Market, Liverpool
- 20 – 24 February: Church Square, St Helens
- 27 February – 3 March: Kirkby Shopping Centre, Knowsley
- Saturday 4 March: Granby Street Market, Toxteth Liverpool
If you are planning to audition, really take your time to look at the Frequently Asked Questions. There’s so much information on there that will help you!
We’re really excited that the BBC are bringing fans in and potentially give them a career-changing opportunity! Will you be auditioning? We wish you all the luck in the world, fingers crossed!!
Enjoy the match. Good luck to the applicants.
Wait – does this mean I can watch an alternate BBC feed on line without having to endure the awful smugness and sometimes outright meanness of Graham Norton???? Count me in!
If not, I’ll probably watch the Swedish feed again. And I don’t speak Swedish.
Mel C. Take it or leave it.
This one is for someone who doesn’t have experience, to give someone a start in their career 🙂
Exciting stuff!
making the most of this opportunity!
I wish the BBC had used the Introducing platform more in the last decade. Like wouldn’t it have been great in 2010 and onwards if they used it to make a new national final, that received lots of positive attention and interest?
Unrelated question, but do we think we’ll have one Liverpudlian host? I could suggest John Bishop, Mel C, Chris McCausland or Noel Buchanan!
That would be a good idea to have one of the British hosts be from Liverpool itself. John Bishop is a name familiar to me because he appeared in Doctor Who as a character named Dan Lewis. I’m still hoping that somebody associated with Doctor Who, mainly David Tennant, be the spokesperson for the UK jury. That’s my wish because this year is the 16th anniversary of Doctor Who. That, or a legendary person from Liverpool, like one of the two living members of the Beatles, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr.
Funny to hear what reaction it would get in the hall, as the UK’s points will now be announced from Salford. The Liverpool Manchester rivalry! I have a hunch Paul McCartney may be invited to be in the audience.
Noel was a typo! I mean Neil, from Art Attack.
Shucks, I live in Kent.
I love this initiative. 🙂
Good luck to the applicants.
Me too, I love that the BBC give people opportunities who might not have had them previously, with New Voices. It’s a great programme.
I’d do it, but I’m from the US.
Are you sure you can’t fake a Liverpudlian accent for the audition? 😉
If you’ve never heard a Scouse (Liverpool) accent before, I highly recommend googling, it’s unique!