It’s been a long wait. But the United Kingdom’s Michael Rice has finally dropped a music video for his Eurovision 2019 entry “Bigger Than Us”.
He first announced the video after his performance at last Sunday’s London Eurovision Party, delighting fans who feared a video wasn’t happening. However, the day has arrived.
Michael Rice “Bigger Than Us” (Official Music Video)
The clip starts with a huge shot of Michael walking across some plains at dusk before we become emerged in the narrative. A young girl starts at a new school and sits next to a boy (played by Michael’s actual brother, aww!). Later at lunchtime, all the other kids have someone to play with, except her. She sits alone.
We then move to a scene where the children are learning about space at school, something she and young-Michael connect over. They fast become best friends and bond over astronauts, stars and planets. It’s very cute and wholesome. However, it soon gets rather sad.
The girl’s parents come to pick her up. They happen to be two dads. They are chatting with her and the boy, when his parent’s turn up. They start shouting at her parents. It’s assumed at this point they don’t agree with the LGBT+ parenting and want to keep the boy away from them. Not cool.
Not able to play with each other, the two children cook up a plan. Once they go to bed, they sneak out and meet at the observatory to look at the stars. When their respective parents realise they aren’t in bed a mad panic ensues. The girl’s parents find them at the observatory first. His mum and dad then arrive and thank her parents — completing the circle of the story arc.
The music video was produced by Laurell Barker — one of the co-writers on “Bigger Than Us”. It was directed, shot, and edited by Tim Langley. The storyline was a joint effort based on Laurell’s concept but tweaked by Michael, Tim, and Frazer Mac. Frazer worked with Laurell on Switzerland’s entry “She Got Me” and also plays one of the video’s gay dads.
Something different for The UK
This is a story-based video, something the United Kingdom hasn’t delivered in well over a decade. Usually, the videos are based on nice camera angles and effects with no backstory. For example, last year, whilst SuRie rocked some incredible fringing, there wasn’t much reference to the actual song (other than some serious optimism on the face of our heroine). Lucie Jones had an artistic clip with her among the stars, and Joe & Jake brought concert vibes to a warehouse.
The change in tactics could be to do with the BBC’s new delegation team. Or it could be sheer faith in Michael’s abilities to get the UK its best result for a long time. After all, unless Michael gets a top ten result, the best result of the 2010s will be Blue’s 11th place way back in 2011.
Michael Rice staging at Eurovision 2019
The BBC has a habit of translating the essence of its music videos onto the Eurovision stage. So could we see something from this video in Michael’s Tel Aviv staging? Examples of late are the purple lighting, drummers and a gig-vibe from Joe & Jake making an appearance on stage at Stockholm, Lucie’s stars being the sole focus of that rather magnificent show in Kyiv (albeit much better quality at the contest), and even SuRie’s video had diamond shapes behind her in her video. You can see these comparisons here:
Either way, we really can’t wait to see what the BBC team come up with for “Bigger Than Us”. Michael has said previously there won’t be any pyro, so this does leave the mind wondering what it actually will be as a large pyro curtain was the obvious shout. Maybe the kids will enact their story on stage, much like Ireland’s Ryan O’Shaughnessy did very successfully last year in Lisbon? Or maybe the UK has an entirely new trick up its sleeve?
What do you think of Michael’s music video? Did the story make your heart absolutely melt? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
I played the ‘nasty’ father in this. Proud to be a part of it. Good luck, Michael!
Where was the observatory in the video please?
Can’t stand these “big” shouty , (as if) emotional ballads with children running holding hands and all those silly hidden messages …. vomit ! And yes , I’m from the U.K.
This song is so underrated! I have it in my top 10, way higher than… sweden. LOL.
The video is nice, the same sex parents a bit unnecessary, but still a beautiful story.
Well done you are great this year , don’t be bias towards the country . Please vote .
Maybe im delusional but i want UK in top 10 this year or at least top 15, i just really like Michael as an artist and as lovely person and he sales the song very well, good luck UK:)
Michael is a wonderful fun guy , very likeable and normal. he is a great ambassador for the UK. He’s os always smiling and lovely.
I decided that I really like the song and that’s because of the video because it provides an actual context. I would like to know a bit about the religious element in the video, if it is just “staged” to make a point, or for “real”.
Michael, I look forward to your performance and best of luck.
Religion?? What’s it got to do with it?
A part of the video is filmed in a school and there is a cross on the wall and above it the words “Love, Compassion, Trust and Togetherness” in stylized letters the kind one can find in a church (Gothic style maybe?). And another cross on another wall. And it’s got everything to do with accepting sexual diversity because religion is not traditionally open to sexual diversity – except some “elements” who think its ok to prey, NOT PRAY)on/for the vulnerable.
Maybe but could just be a coincidence as its Michaels old school I think or the one his brother is at now.
Probably just one of those things. Could be Michael’s old school, not necessarily specifically chosen for religious purposes. Besides only religion I saw was a cross and a quote. Not shocking in UK schools.
Michael’s old school theory sounds sweet.
The way I see it, it works in two ways:
1. Actual faith schools in the UK have such wall backgrounds, for real. So it might just be part of the actual location, and a happy coincidence.
2. It is a subtle reference to the three primary schools in Birmingham where LGBT education has recently been suspended due to complaints from parents, on religious grounds.
But no doubt Laurell Barker will be reading these comments and will elaborate soon… (cue) 🙂
Hey you! It’s me again…
I don’t need your games, game over!
Not yet: It’s BIGGER than us, it’s bigger than you and me.
This chain seems to have no end, so I’m walking out before it’s to late (for love).
Is it too late for love?
We Got Love
Love Shine a Light
Someone’s trying to be Ireland 2018
Are kids allowed to perform as dancers on the Eurovision stage?
And off topic, as backing vocalists?
The minimum age limit is 16. So no kids allowed.
Nobody under 16 is allowed to perform on ESC stage. Romania had a boy who was their inspiration in 2015 and he had to cheer them on from the seat.
I am wondering on how this rule resonates on the background team? Can a 12-year-old, for example, write a song to be performed by a 20-year-old? Of course, I know that those cases would be rare, but is it a theoretical possibility?
Very interesting :3
”the child could not be present in the contest officially.” – Since when are composers presented on stage anyway? And if you mean ”in backstage”, then sure they could, as families of performers sometimes do, regardless of age. Sure, less likely for someone of that age to be able to write it, but then again: a) there are some talented kids (Mozart, for instance) and b) there are some poorly written ESC songs anyway.
I was wondering on the legal aspect only (which, even if possible, would of course have to include the permission of the guardian).
been watching esc since 1964 and the writers used to be featured on stage after a win.
Parts of the video are a little forced but overall, I think this was excellently done. As a parent of a universe-obsessed little girl, have to admit, this touched on the feels a little!
At a time when there has been loads of debate on LGBT rights in the UK – for those that live in the UK, you’ve probably heard of schools’ intentions to teach about different relationships & not only str8 ones and the backlash it has caused from a few people – I find this video quite refreshing and its timing cleverly done. And to clarify, I am not saying that every song/staging should be pro LGBT to stand out/get sympathy votes. I just like how this particular one was made.
That backlash situation is tragic and atrocious. Same-sex relationships, luckily, are not criminalized anymore in the UK, same-sex couples are legally allowed to have children – surrogate, adoption. So religious minorities that live in a society that accepts non-traditional families don’t allow their own children the opportunity to learn about about this new realities. Or they are afraid their children are gay and learn it’s OK to be gay.
The problem of non-acceptance is with the parents, not the kids. The UK is generally in the ridiculous situation of having a generation of very smart youth being messed up by a generation of not-so-smart intolerant adults.
My kids met my transgendered friends way back when they were quite young. They grew up with rainbow. was never afraid to have them mix with our lovely friends . They have no issues with anything as a result adults now (both my sons are straight) they are accepting of everyone. Its not a problem and they are open and loving to all LBGT and others classed as different/ disabled and minorities. Just the human race.
Agreed. For the UK’s Eurovision video to actually mean something beyond the obvious “we don’t want to host the contest next year” is an incredible achievement. Bravo to everyone involved. It obviously wasn’t “bigger than them”, after all.
he has the same problem with Lucy in 2015: Great voice, but terrible performer. This akward hand moves he does on stage should go if he wants to bid for a good placing.
The amount of false information in this comment…
I think you’ll find it’s 2017 not 2015. 2015 should be blotted from UK Eurovision memory
he explains in the interview with William why he is like that. It’s his personality, how he feels when performing. Feeling the song and being himself. I guess he could iron out some excessive movements but I like the way he performs.
At least quote the right year 2017, and I dont agree he is showing true emotion most of the time but if you look at his recent live performances there is no sign of the awkward hand movements.
Hes nailing it right now and is doing the UK proud
uk= worst country in esc, always sending awful songs even tho they have a great music industry… this shows that they dont take esc seriously and they totally deserve their tragic results
btw the mv is awful and the song is definitely getting a bottom five placement
I have never ever in my life heard this statement, truly eye-opening words of wisdom.
There’s always someone like you isn’t there? I think you’ll find that there are many countries that do far worse than the UK.
Jim = Russian bot
IMO overall, they send bad songs, but if they want to they can do “better”, they do. Blue did OK, Jade Evens? did OK. They have a strong music industry but there is the big money issue. A bad result could affect future popularity and revenue? Who knows.
The UK may not have been good at Eurovision for a long time fair enough, however when they have some of the most wins (and the record for 2nd places) at the contest it really shows your bias against them. To wish ill against them in the contest is very immature
Curious question. What country are you from?
Um we did win 5 times . what makes it bad is the bbc is in charge of Eurovision. Their indifference and stuffy nature (i hate the bbc, its long since lost its way and is biased, past its sell by date entity ) is what screws us over > think ITV is an ebu member let them provide a vehicle for raising a good ESC entry. However, I love Michael’s entry its the best in a long time.
Wow someone picked his grapes far to early as they are completely sour. Maybe your name is dim Jim…….
As much as opinions going on Laurell Barker’s participation, this is a brilliant idea and execution of a music video, especially from UK which usually goes low-effort, as mentioned above. Starting from now, I’ve become more curious about the staging, it could be a continuation of their story, it could be Michael with his girl, anything goes less predictable for UK now.
The bo in the video is Michael’s younger brother. Really enjoying the video.
Well done everyone who worked on this. Great work.
Honestly I don’t know what this song will do in Tel Aviv, but even if it finishes 26th I think those who worked on this video can be very proud of it. Enjoy the contest. 🙂
And we’re talking about you, Mr. Bean, and the love you’re trying to find.
Tell them, raise your voice and say it loudly 😛
I’m in the mirror, so freaking bitter, but I’ve gotta get through.
The video adds meaning to the song which is important A and having the personal elements of Michaels brother makes it seem really personal- I could see this top 10 with juries – the televote? I’m not so confident
My partner is from the north east . It was quiet nostalgic knowing the area.
I cannot believe Michael and his team took my advice (or much more likely, came to the same conclusion themselves) and made a touching context to make the lyrics more lively and relatable. I actually felt this right away! Best UK video ever, probably. Good luck!
love this