On Saturday, the British Eurovision delegation arose from its annual slumber to break the news that the UK’s entry for Rotterdam would be released on Thursday 27 February. Then, on Tuesday, the BBC released a snowy teaser.
The silent clip, which shows a wintery forest akin to the ones in the music videos for Austria’s 2017 and 2018 entries, doesn’t give away much. However, it has seen anticipation for the upcoming release reach new highs. Especially, following the hype that had begun building up around the singer John Newman since the night before.
By Tuesday afternoon, many fans were all but convinced that the multi-time chart-topper would be flying the Union Jack next May.
BBC Eurovision 2020 teaser
— BBC Eurovision?? (@bbceurovision) February 25, 2020
United Kingdom at Eurovision 2020 — John Newman
Throughout Monday night and into Tuesday morning, momentum began to grow behind a theory that John Newman is the United Kingdom’s chosen act.
It’s difficult to pinpoint where the social media buzz first started. Some are attributing it to a couple of Eurovision-related journalists suddenly following John. Others seem to be pointing towards Instagram.
Regardless, the buzz intensified when Newman sent out a flurry of tweets on Tuesday morning.
- “It’s a family affair”
- “Nearly time for a head to head that’s been coming a while”
- “Huge week incoming”
- “Sush sush whispers. Im locked loaded and ready hahaha”
- “I’m ready take me into next week like……”
Only the last two tweets remain online at the time of writing.
Now, these tweets might mean nothing to the average person. But Eurovision fans are renowned sleuths. Many are taking the “huge week” to refer to the aftermath of his song release. Although, the mention of “next week” is a bit of a curveball.
The “family affair” is being taken to refer to John’s brother James Newman. He’s a renowned songwriter who has penned massive hits for John and other artists, including Jess Glynne, Little Mix and Ed Sheeran. He also co-wrote Ireland’s Eurovision 2017 entry.
James’ involvement would put a convenient bow on this parcel of guesswork. Because, while John is singed to the Island record label, James has a deal with BMG. And, as announced last autumn, BMG is partnering with the BBC to select the UK’s Eurovision 2020 entry.
Of course, this could all come to nothing. Earlier this season, fans had a field day joining the dots between the social media mutterings of several other established singers, including X Factor stars Sam Bailey and Fleur East. Both women subsequently confirmed that they were not entering in 2020.
Twitter reactions
Wait, so it's John Newman that is rumoured for UK #eurovision?
Tbh, I don't care if it's him or some other known singer. I'm just hoping for a great song so UK fans can support their entry 100% again. They are great fans!
It's what they deserve ?
Go UK ? Reveal that bop ? pic.twitter.com/UaXN6kqaxQ
— EuroGuy #teamHurricane ?? (@EuroGuyXX) February 25, 2020
If the rumour is true and it is John Newman doing Eurovision for the UK this year it would be the most relevant name competing for the UK in a generation. It could be an “Anouk moment” for the UK. ?
— Neil MacInnes (@Neilis2cool) February 25, 2020
Looking extremely likely that John Newman is, or is involved with, our UK Eurovision artist for 2020 ?
That, or he’s just casually trolling eurofans since the BBC announcement of an announcement.. https://t.co/TWWUh2dx3h
— Lewis J 815? ???? (@LewisJ815) February 25, 2020
If the rumours are true that John Newman is representing us at Eurovision (he’s even trending on Twitter now ?) I’m just thinking about how his song Fire In Me would have been a good Eurovision song
— Laura Dixon ??????? (@LauraSianDixon) February 25, 2020
We should aim for James Newman and be ecstatic if we get John Newman ? no shade, James has a killer voice but John has the industry clout! #eurovision
— AC (@CardwellA92) February 25, 2020
Who is John Newman?
John Newman was one of the most successful British male vocalists of the earlier part of the last decade. Between 2012 and 2014 he enjoyed three number one singles — “Feel The Love” (with Rudimental), “Love Me Again” and “Blame” (with Calvin Harris). The 29-year-old has four Brit nominations and an Ivor Novello nod to his name. However, his career has been hindered by health issues.
He has twice been diagnosed with brain tumors. He underwent surgery in 2012 and 2016. He has also battled with his mental health.
Do you think the Twitter sleuths have cracked it? Would John be a good choice? Or will the UK go with someone else? Let us know in the comments.
[…] building around John Newman, brother of James Newman. The “Love Me Again” hitmaker posted a series of cryptic tweets (that have since been deleted), which some interpreted as being linked to the UK Eurovision announcement on […]
I won’t get my hopes too high but I’m looking forward to tomorrow. Will it be a pleasant surprise for once?
It must be Billie Eilish. Bond movies often include scenes in snowy locations. She has composed two songs for Bond, one was refused and it’s gonna be used for Eurovision. You’re welcome.
Billie would not go to Eurovision even if she was held hostage. A quick way to ruin a career.
I’d love it to be Sam Fender…probably not him and he’s probably not who everyone would want….but that would be my hope 🙂
He’s got good successful songs, great productions behind him, though he can’t really sing.
Would he actually do it. He’s still reasonably current and many people would say that by entering the contest could mark the end of his career. I think he would be a good choice as he can certainly sing live.
.
Lucie Jones landing her first leading role in a West End production (Waitress) last summer was a turning point for the UK and ESC. She proved that if you give a good performance and can get a decent result your long term career doesn’t need to suffer.
Of course. her acting skills played a larger part in getting her the role, but it demonstrates that the production thought she’d be an asset rather than a liability after Eurovision.
The decent result amounted to 12 paltry televotes.. Not great evidence of widespread European support..
He isnt that current.. the last relevant song with him was “Blame” back in 2014. He has a great voice but ever since his album Tribute in 2013 he has been on the decline
I’m not going to get my hopes up because the same thing happens every year – our expectations get too high and we are left very disappointed once the BBC reveals their plans. A new direction is a good thing and could signal something good but we all had the same thoughts when a NS returned and look how that turned out. The rumoured names sound very promising but until then, I’m not expecting anything.
It’s being put on Radio 1, which signals they’re aiming for younger audience. BMG. Possibilities other than him. Ella Henderson – returned to music recently and could have something already made and ready to fling out. Lianne La Havas – BBC Eurovision and ESC followed her on twitter earlier in the week. Duffy – already was rumoured to be returning to music this year and spoke today to BBC News about being kidnapped and raped. Mabel – probably not, but she is growing in the UK and could help cement her internationally JLS – rumoured to have considered getting back… Read more »
Duffy’s whole story is absolutely horrific. It’s great that she took the time to recuperate and using Eurovision as a comeback could be a really powerful resurgence, the rare British music industry veteran entering Eurovision triumphantly. I will say though that if Lianne La Havas has been followed by those two very specific accounts I’d count that as a big ol’ signal that something might be up. She’d be great too! And man, imagine if the ultimate pipe dream was achieved and we could finally put the theory of “we could send Adele and still do badly” to the test?… Read more »
Good point, we can still argue against the Adele theory (just about) with the fact that Andrew Lloyd Webber placed fifth.
Mabel just released a new song that’s well over three minutes. I think we can rule her out, although being half Swedish, I suspect she has a more sophisticated understanding of the contest than most British acts would.
Your Lianne La Havas point isn’t quite correct, neither of those accounts follow her on Twitter
Song is gonna be a melfest reject again… can’t wait lol
You know this for a fact then? Source please if your so Adamant.
I don’t know about any of the rumors, I just hope it’s an upbeat song. Something fun that fans will remember, even if it doesn’t win.
Meanwhile, I’m just sitting here thinking it will be Ella Henderson, Sigala, Foxes or dutchkid.
It would be great, but don’t forget A SONG. It’s the most important thing.
Owh I should also put some other rumours to bed… No, it is not me! 🙂 LOL
If it is John Newman, he is an amazing choice.
If it isn’t John Newman, who else could it be amongst all that snow and trees?
Only other video I know that looks like that shot is Morland’s Skin.
Already wrote Norway’s entry this year, that oughta keep him busy.
It could also mean that he might’ve co-written the entry but it will be interpreted by another singer other than himself. Rumors are too good to be true at this point.
I actually wouldn’t mind it! “Love Me Agian is still such a bop!
Though I need more to go on than vague tweets. For all we know he might just be announcing a new tour or album or songs..
Quite unfair to say he’s been flopping for years considering he’s undergone surgeries for his brain tumours. I’d think music wouldn’t have been his priority at that point in time
I know him from his guest vocal on Feel the Love. That’s a great song.
Just the fact that they are teasing and building this up proves that they mean serious business this time. I’m actually really excited and looking forward to the reveal now!
Interesting if it is him, and also great for United Kingdom at Eurovision. I’m a big fan of his.
He would be a realistic choice, been a few years since his biggest hits, but still not long away from the scene to be forgotten or become irrelevant. It could be him.
But I don’t know. We’ll see on Thursday.
Best of luck to my neighbours in UK though, I sense a renaissance coming for them and Ireland in the 2020s or the could just be getting caught up in the hype of these countries hyping up their entry 😀
I don’t believe it’s him, but I would love him to represent the U.K. I do wonder if it’s his brother as a vocalist…
For a while, I’ve believed that John Newman would be an excellent choice to represent us at Eurovision. If we’d sent him to Stockholm in 2016 with ‘All My Heart’, I’ve no doubt we would’ve done much better than we did with Joe & Jake, as much as I liked their song. I’ve been quietly confident that the deal between the BBC and BMG would be fruitful, and if we are indeed having John represent us in Rotterdam, then I think it shows we’re taking the Contest seriously for the first time in years. It’s worth mentioning that on Saturday,… Read more »
Er, Blame was co-written by John, James and Calvin Harris – it’s just as much his song as Calvin’s.
Given the recent run at Eurovision, to secure John Newman is a major coup, I just hope that is an upbeat, modern track which I am confident BMG and BBC can deliver. Furthermore, people need to stop being so negative, this is the first sign of initiative and innovation that the BBC/UK has shown in the contest in a good decade, so please lighten up.
Hear, hear!
Agreed. John Newman can do ballads, but his strengths lie in strong & upbeat songs, and I think this is a direction worth pursuing for the UK this year.
Or maybe Serhat :))
Cheer up, UK. If you don’t support your own act, why would other countries bother? UK has some really good composers and musicians and you put in some major part of the money in this contest. This contest is a real gift. I hope you end up top ten this year. I know you can do it!
Im not familiar with him so will check out his music. I’m guessing her and his brother can write songs too. No deal for a melfest reject. Apart from one or two songs I dont rate Melfest this year or even the last few. year.
Lol you are judging before the SONG has even been revealed, your a joke!
People are being way too excited over whatever the UK is going to send. I doubt it’s going to be some spectacular Euphoria-style song that going to win the entire contest. Besides even if the UK does come up with a good song it still doesn’t guarantee an excellent result. Just ask Molly Smitten-Downes and Lucie Jones. Also sending a big name doesn’t guarantee an excellent result either. Just ask Cascada and Darude.
I really hope UK will bring this year something solid and valuable. It’s very upsetting to watch every year a lame British song during the Final, knowing some far-better songs didn’t pass the Semi. Bring it on, Graham!
anything goes wrong they can just blame on the night
Exactly! You don’t do your homework and put the blame on your neighbour: he took my pen, mum! It’s time to stop the well known Terry Wogan’s crying (RIP), and to be objective and mature!
I mean I think it was a play on words. One of John Newman’s songs called Blame has the lyric “just blame it on the night” . But the point still stands that they need to stop using excuses for their poor results, even if some weren’t necessarily deserved and they need to send songs that are good and have the potential to do well.
sorry for interruption but according to the 12XAL; Samira Efendi will represent Azerbaijan with an ethnic song
coming for blood…as expected
I hope their song will be Azerbaijani Turkish -even once- I want to see them participate with a song in their own language
Send. Something. In. Azerbaijani! But lol at the fact that apparently a couple of Dutch guys wrote it. Remember how the Azeris were bellyaching about the final result and Chingiz said the staging wasn’t that good? Yeah, now he’s covered “Arcade” live (and forgot the words) and the Dutch are going to help with their entry. The Netherlands are the new Sweden! (Also, this could/could’ve been a big year for Dutch folks: Stefania was born and raised in the Netherlands, one of Latvia’s candidates – ANNNA – is half-Dutch, Iva the potential Icelandic entrant is half-Dutch, and now the Dutch… Read more »
If Iceland’s IVA gets through her final , she is part Dutch as well.
Did Samira Efendi represent Azerbaijan in the “Europa Song Contest” on YouTube a while back? Or, am I remembering a different singer?
She represented Azerbaijan in Silk Way Star Music Contest in Kazakhstan.
That’s her:
https://youtu.be/ydSRajFaw5Y
That’s an ethnic pop song, which is originally Uzbek.
And this one is a more slow, ehtnic song:
https://youtu.be/lks0stosphY
Thanks, I remember now. Fantastic mid-range voice, and a very special stage presence. 🙂
‘You will be dealt with’…what is ESC to you, the friggin’ Mafia? Get a grip you fool. You enjoy grinding another country into the dirt clearly, which is really quite sad.
It would be great if such a famous person would represent UK and I like couple of his song very much (Blame!!), but at the end it’s gonna be about the song, not the artist. Based on the trailer it looks like it’s gonna be a ballad, maybe something similar as Dying to Try, I don’t think in that case famous artist would pull it off. The song should be a hit, then it would have some chance. Even if it’s too typical, radio-friendly, generic pop it wouldn’t get too many votes, because for some reason people are not eager… Read more »
I think we’d something new for Eurovision with John Newman. I think it would definitely be a sign that the BBC are taking things seriously which people have been asking for for ages… I’ll think the same if it ends up being JLS as well
JLS maybe to a slightly lesser extent, it could just be Blue 2.0. It’s a solo man though, so not too bothered about it being them now.
Considering that the UK have been sending singers who aren’t really professional singers…this would be AMAZING.
…again. Sorry, I promised that I wouldn’t allow myself to get excited. 😉
Duncan Laurence didn’t release any original single before Arcade….
Good luck in the contest brothers and sisters from UK – hope you get a good result this year. Only one question – if he is “one of the most successful British male vocalists” why have I never heard something from him here in Germany. Could be that I live under a rock and the hype bypassed me! I promise – I will look for more informations because he seems to be a good pick.
I doubt I’d have heard of your top singers from Germany… not everyone has to be global to be a successful talent
Love me again was everywhere back in 2013.
Love me again was Top 10 in Germany just like everywhere else in Europe. It went platinum there.
It was more the song, and not his name, like usually with hits
In the Netherlands I heard Love you again a billion times a day on the radio. It was quite well known here and even now sometimes they play it on the radio. And not only on the radio but also in stores and restaurants
I doubt it will be him. But if we are going down the tweets route, he also said a change is gonna come. Could be a change in uk results?
Are there any other rumoured artists with somewhat of a basis? 🙂
I know Robbie Williams and James Blunt expressed a desire to do ESC at one time.
I am sceptical of the ‘insider’ who claims to know. Co-writers doesn’t really mean anything nowadays, I mean it could have been co-written by Thomas G:Son would wrote a ‘very popular’ song, Euphoria. I really hope it’s him, not his brother James, it would just be the whole boring, standing still ballad vibe that has not worked for the UK. Deep down I am just hoping the UK take the risk they have failed to do for YEARS and send a pop song, or even moderately upbeat. I am not averse to something slower, but I want something unique and… Read more »
One thing is sure : it will be a solo act , and from the walk in that video looks like to be a male artist.
Bonnie Tyler 2.0 flop and anyway never heard of this guy before. John who ?
Wow, you haven’t heard of him so that must automatically makes him a nobody…okaaaaaay. You haven’t even heard the song yet and already calling it a flop?!
John Newman! Are u deaf? #love
It could also be Lewis Capaldi
God please no he’s the definition of Basic
Some thoughts: I would definitely want it to be John Newman because he is a talent. He also hasn’t had the best few years because of the tumours and the mental health struggles so this opportunity could be great for him and his career – especially because if it’s him the song would definitely be better than what the UK has been serving up in You Decide over the last 4 years. Something with some soul and hopefully danceable even if it won’t be a Fuego, Toy or She Got Me. Other names circulating are his brother James Newman and… Read more »
The video basically confirmed it’s a man. I found someone zoomed in and clarified it, it’s definitely a man, I’ll try and find the post.
No Duffy comeback then!
I love John Newman! Would be so cool but I will wait until Thursday until I get too excited…
It could also be Marina Diamandis. The teaser looks like her clip for ‘Handmaid Heaven’.
I wouldn’t want her to represent us
And why not ?
Ok, UK. Marina would DEFINATELY go way better than usual UK entries. What do you think would represent you better?
I ADORE Marina. She’d ve great for the UK though I think she’s happy where she is right now.
I think some good points were made. These are indications that he‘s the chosen one.
I was thinking Olly Murs would be another contender because he‘s been rocking his slimmer post-body on Instagram these days.
Olly Murs would be a very good pick too and his name is known by many people in Europe.
Olly Murs would be amazing for us if we sent him! We can dream I suppose.
I’d be sad for John Newman if he’s the picked one. He’ll be such a flop, Eurovision is a curse for famous British artists…. That’s the curse for being a part of Big 5
Oh yes. Italy. One of the big five. They’ve done sooo badly in recent years.
Famous artists flop if they’re in the Big 5? Yeah, Italy would like a word with you.
Was Jade Ewen ‘that’ popular back in 2009? I guess not.
Blue scoring 11th in 2011 is probably the best example in terms of such a worldwide hit group not hitting Top 10, then again the song was nowhere near good.
But, Blue from 2011 came 5th place in televotes 🙂
To be fair for the UK, they weren’t last in neither the jury nor televote rankings (Spain and Germany placed last on those counts respectively).
No, Israel bottomed out the jury ranking sadly
I need to know now, please!