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Press Releases
Your Country Needs You: Eurovision announcement
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The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ announced today that Andrew Lloyd Webber has agreed to
compose the United Kingdom entry for the Eurovision Song
Contest 2009.
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Andrew will now embark on a nationwide search for the singer
or group that will perform his song.
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Eurovision-wannabes will be invited to send their auditions to
the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ website – before the closing date of 21 November 2008.
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The search is open to all artists both amateur and
professional.
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Entrants will be scrutinised by Andrew and a
team of music industry professionals who will decide on a
shortlist of six finalists.
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He and his experienced team will
be able to pick and mix the artists in order to put together
the best acts.
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Once Andrew has seen the various artists he
will begin work with a top lyricist and record producer to
create the song for Eurovision.
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The battle to represent the UK will climax in a series of live
shows – Your Country Needs You on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One, hosted by Graham
Norton – where viewers will have the final say on who will
pick up the baton for the country in the Eurovision
extravaganza being held in Moscow next May.
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Andrew Lloyd Webber says: "In my life I have never shied away
from the impossible and this looks like the biggest mission
impossible of all time, but with the might of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ and the
British public behind me (not to mention Graham Norton) who
knows what will happen?
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"Win, lose or draw, I am looking
forward to every minute of it and I hope everyone has a fun
time along the way."
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Jay Hunt, Controller ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One, said: "I am thrilled Andrew will
be championing the country's search for a star to storm this
year's Eurovision."
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Elaine Bedell, Controller, Entertainment Commissioning, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ, said:
"I'm delighted that Andrew's agreed to step up to the mighty
challenge of restoring some pride in our musical entry to this
much-loved national event.
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"It certainly needs his passion and
vision, and we can't wait for the search to begin!"
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For entry details please go to bbc.co.uk/eurovision.
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PA/JD
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