Olly Alexander has just released the song that will represent the UK in the 2019 Eurovision song contest, and fans are ‘dizzy’ with anticipation.
The dynamic former Years & Years lead singer, actor, and fashion icon will go to Malmö, Sweden in May to compete in the highly anticipated 68th Eurovision Song Contest with his buzzy new single Dizzy.
The song, which has received a lot of favourable feedback, has a dancy synth beat and an instantly remembered melody, both of which tend to fare well in Eurovision.
Alexander revealed the motivation for Dizzy, which he co-wrote with electronic superstar Danny L Harle, saying: ‘We started out with the name ‘Dizzy’ because it simply jumped into my brain and I liked it.’
Reflecting on the track’s lyrical complexity, he added: “The song is about feeling such an intense swell of emotion for someone that it completely turns your world upside down and inside out.”
Drawing from a rich palette of musical influences, including 80’s legends like Erasure and Pet Shop Boys, Olly and Danny crafted a rich sonic landscape worthy of representing a complex nation.
The result? A mesmerising journey through a euphoric realm of ‘endless gardens and eternal flowers,’ according to Alexander.
Fans have reacted positively since the song’s release, with many hailing it the UK’s greatest Eurovision entry in years.
One starry-eyed fan wrote on X: ‘I am in shock this is a UK entry. The PRODUCTION. Subtle reminder to those that came before not too long ago.. electro velvet.. josh dubovie.. ENGLEBURT HUMPERDINK. The UK is on an upward trajectory.’
Another chimed in: ‘LOVE THIS SONG!!! ❤️ It’s so catchy and makes you want to dance 🕺🪩 well done Olly and best of luck with Eurovision, can’t wait to see it on the night. Here’s hoping this will be our year to win.’
The online consensus has been positive so far, with many people sharing their excitement at Alexander’s involvement: ‘FANTASTIC song!! Really proud of Olly and so happy he’s representing us. Hoping for a good result this year. 🤞🤞🇬🇧 #Eurovision2024’
i am in shock this is a UK entry. The PRODUCTION. Subtle reminder to those that came before not too long ago.. electro velvet.. josh dubovie.. ENGLEBURT HUMPERDINK. The UK is on an upward trajectory.
— James (@janthonydean) March 1, 2024
LOVE THIS SONG!!! ❤️ It's so catchy and makes you want to dance 🕺🪩 well done Olly and best of luck with Eurovision, can't wait to see it on the night. Here's hoping this will be our year to win 🤞 🏆 #Eurovision2024 #ukentrytowin #OllyAlexander
— Francis (@Fezmania) March 1, 2024
https://twitter.com/slinehan1/status/1763479578021105993The United Kingdom has not won Eurovision since 1998, prompting many Brits to lament our failure to field competitors that demonstrate our established pop skill (after all, we created Ed Sheeran). ,
But the tide turned in 2022, with Sam Ryder’s Space Man finishing second in Turin, reigniting British interest in the competition.
Last year, Mae Muller’s I Wrote A Song finished 25th (out of 26), which was especially disappointing given that the UK hosted the competition in 2023.
Fans are hoping that an experienced performer like Alexander would help our prospects and appropriately represent a country with a globally significant music industry.
For Alexander’s part, he took to X to say: ‘My new song Dizzy is out now !! I wrote this song with @DannylHarle last summer, it’s about an overwhelming feeling of love for somebody that’s so intense it turns your world upside down.’
The conversation continues with Alexander expressing his long-time passion of Eurovision and his joy at the opportunity to compete. He then thanked followers for their support of his ‘gay ambitions,’ pledging to give it his all in the competition.
https://twitter.com/alexander_olly/status/1763474735499768283Dizzy ushers in a dramatic new period in Alexander’s career. With two UK number-one albums, 10 Top 40 singles, and a Brit Billion Award to his name, he has established himself as a big participant in the music business. That’s not to mention his critically lauded performance in the TV series It’s A Sin, which garnered him a BAFTA nomination for Best Lead Actor.
Alexander has had a tremendous impact on the British music landscape, from headlining arenas to collaborating with giants such as Sir Elton John and Kylie. He was recently immortalised in Madame Tussauds London, and his participation in Eurovision has established his status as a cultural figure in British pop culture.
To commemorate the release of Dizzy and prepare for Eurovision chaos, BBC One and BBC iPlayer are airing a unique special.
Eurovision 2024: Graham Meets Olly, hosted by Eurovision icon Graham Norton, promises an in-depth interview with the star. Fans will also get a sneak glimpse at the music video for Olly’s Eurovision song.
As the countdown to Eurovision begins, enthusiasm is already building. With Sweden poised to host following their triumph with Loreen’s Tattoo in 2023, and the UK guaranteed a position in the grand final due to its status as a ‘big five’ country, the stage is set for a stunning finale to the popular competition.
People are talking about Eurovision for more reasons than simply enthusiasm. Dizzy’s release comes amid controversy surrounding the tournament, with many asking for Israel’s exclusion owing to their continuing military operation against Gaza, which many have criticised as ‘inhumane.’
Alexander himself was listed as one of the signatories of an open letter condemning the country as having an ‘apartheid regime’ that ‘acts to ethnically cleanse the land.’ The letter, published by LGBTQIA+ charity Voices4London on October 20, caused some to call for Alexander’s removal from the competition.
This year’s event, presented by Swedish comedian and dancer Petra Mede and Swedish-American film actress Malin Åkerman, is usually regarded apolitical. However, many feel that Israel’s engagement in Gaza cannot be seen neutrally due to the grave circumstances.
While it is uncertain how international politics will effect Eurovision, we can be certain that it will be a must-see television event.
Mark your calendars for the semi-finals on May 7th and 9th, followed by the grand final on May 11th, which will be aired live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
With Dizzy at the helm, Olly Alexander is certain to demonstrate British dominance on the Eurovision stage and enchant viewers across the world.