In a week’s time, James Newman will be flying off to Rotterdam for his Eurovision 2021 rehearsals in the Ahoy arena. Before he goes, the British singer has taken the opportunity to perform his entry “Embers” live on CBBC morning TV show Saturday Mash-Up!.
This is the first full live performance of “Embers” that James has given on a British TV show.
James Newman performs “Embers” live on Saturday Mash-Up!
Saturday Mash-Up! is a children’s morning entertainment programme that features a mixture of games, quizzes, cartoons and more. Each week there are a few special guests on the show, which this Saturday included James Newman as well as Chelcee Grimes, who will commentate on the Eurovision 2021 semi-finals on BBC4 this year.
Towards the end of the show, James took to the microphone in order to perform his Eurovision 2021 entry “Embers”. James was joined by two backing singers and all three were separated in line with social distancing measures.
James largely stood in place for the performance, which gave him chance to deliver a solid vocal presentation. The energy and life of the song was still showcased through the camera cuts and with James bouncing along to the beat. The other guests and hosts of the show can also be seen dancing along at various points.
Visibly smiling throughout, James clearly has fun performing “Embers”. In a post on Instagram after the show, the British singer said: “Thank you for a really fun morning performing my single #embers on #saturdaymashup @cbbc loved it!”.
There are natural limitations with performing in a TV studio while maintaining social distancing, so not too much should be read into the staging aspect per se. Lee Smithurst, part of the UK’s delegation team, previously revealed that James’ stage show for Rotterdam will be directed by Jerry Reeve and Tom Denning – they’ve previously worked with artists such as John Legend, Jonas Brothers and Taylor Swift. So no doubt bigger things are to come.
Before the performance, James Newman also had a quick conversation with the show’s host Joe Tasker. James announced that he’ll be releasing a new single after Eurovision and then a full album later on in the year.
Meanwhile, Chelcee Grimes also got involved with segments of Saturday Mash-Up!. She was voted by the audience at home to be put under questioning and slimed for every wrong answer she gave. If you’d like to get to know the UK’s new Eurovision commentator a bit more, while watching her get increasingly covered with slime, you can watch here.
What do you make of James Newman’s live performance of “Embers”? Do you think it’s a good sign of things to come in Rotterdam? Let us know in the comments below!
His voice is incredible! I like the song! cute guy! top 20 even top 15..
He is amazing and talented but i agree that he lacks of stage charisma and i’d prefer him to be just the writer and not the artist.
I think the UK hasn’t sent a talented performer/artist with the exception of Blue and Lucie Jones.
Fair play but I wonder if this is an element of “vanity project” for him. Probably losing out on a Top 10 hit if recorded by say his brother, James Arthur, Becky Hill for example.
Blue, Lucie, Molly, Jade. just 4 near decent entrants from the past 20 years. Surie too but her song was so basic and bland.
I mean it’s fairly reflective of British music so I can’t really fault them in that regard!
this is a song juries will really appreciate. televoters may give them 30-50 points, so not much. top 15 is within quite easy reach though i believe
I would be quite happy with that as it doesn’t deserve to finish beneath that, I would take 15th but, I do think that a Top 10 isn’t laughably unachievable, Top 5 however now, that’s a reach. It won’t win but, given how’s behind the staging this year this will finish better than the UK has finished in recent years
This song will hinge on the staging for sure…I actually can’t wait for the rehearsals given that so many internally selected songs and slick music videos will finally make way for real on stage performances
He was a bit off key at the very beginning but then it was nice. Tbh I like this song, it is 10th in my top and I think it is perfect to close the final. Hope he will finish in the top 15 but it will need a very strong staging. The song is nothing without the right atmosphere.
No chance tho, the competition this year is too good. It may finish around 16 if lucky but I would guess 18-20
Thanks to The Netherlands and Germany , he won’t get the last place.. His place will be 24th or 23th lucky him
Why do you think the Netherlands will place that low?
i don’t think many people will vote for it
He is soooo likeable. Hope he will do well and i think, with the right staging, it can do top 12.
It’s a kids tv show, you shouldn’t expect to much
I liked this! The main thing here for me was that James looked like he was having fun, and the backing singers (particularly the guy) looked joyful too. He has lovely tones in his voice, I hope he can work on his breathing though because he sounded breathless while he was moving.
The song’s imagery is ripe for fiery magical staging with performers alongside James. Fire jugglers that get close ups every time he says ‘embers’ maybe? The staging is key, he deserves something awesome—and maybe then he wouldn’t need to move, he can focus on singing.
The host is quite cute…reminds me of Priyanka
The song got top-10 potential, question is if he can let loose and dance more etc…
I was so pumped after seeing James on the Spain pre party with his acoustic version. That was amazing! And then this. OMG what a let down. Dressed badly – a sack of spuds dressed in my Grandad’s shirt. Still dad dancing but with a few choreographed mic leans thrown in for good measure. Not good! Worst of all, his eyes are squinted through most of the performance. That means there was no connection with the camera or to the audience watching at home. If felt disconected, got board so easily watching him. James is a decent song writer. His… Read more »
i love his voice, so good live and he is very likeable. I am rooting for UK!!
However, isn’t it disappointing that his first live performance is on a children’s morning entertainment programme??
I mean cmon BBC, you can do better! Book him some slots on major TV shows to promote the entry.
Italy have San Remo. Sweden have Melodifestivalen. The UK have Saturday Mash-Up! And we wonder why we’re 23rd.
At least he has escaped This Time with Alan Partridge! The song is OK, however, James…..
Exactly. Then, they blame Brexit and not their lack of effort to promote the song within the country and make it a hit there before they ask Europe to vote for it!
Needs lots of dancers and lots of flashing lights – this is a party track, it needs to feel like a party. James can stand still and focus on his singing but lots of other people on stage need to be moving around a lot.
i heard that he has a strong team for staging (a team behind Dua Lipa and other british stars), fingers crossed!
Was that a completely live main vocal?
There is clearly backing track.
If the staging is of the breath-taking 2017 Lucie Jones level then I’d expect this to really surprise and do well, another top 15