Lulu says the UK should 'definitely' host Eurovision next year

Virgin Radio

27 Jun 2022, 14:03

Pop legend and former Eurovision champion Lulu has said that the UK should definitely host the competition next year.

It was an exciting year for the UK at the annual singing competition after Sam Ryder led us to near victory, just missing out to Ukraine, who won the public vote. 

Traditionally, the winning country would host the event the following year but things have been made more complicated due to the Russian invasion of the country, and it has recently been confirmed that the Ukraine would have to pull out.

In a statement from the EBU, it was expressed “with deep regret” that “given the current circumstances, the security and operational guarantees required for a broadcaster to host, organise and produce the Eurovision Song Contest under the ESC Rules cannot be fulfilled by UA:PBC.”

The statement then revealed plans to speak to the 2022 runner-up, the UK, about stepping in to hold next year’s event, and according to a former Eurovision winner, Lulu, this should absolutely happen. 

Speaking to virginradio.co.uk and other press at the LGBT Awards on Friday (24 June), she said: “We definitely should host it. Oh my god. How can I campaign for that? We got to host it. But who’s going to listen to me?”

The singer was part of a 4-way tie for winner of the competition in 1969 with her song Boom Bang A Bang, so she is something of Eurovision royalty. 

She also revealed she had her hesitations about appearing on the singing competition back then. 

She joked: “I tell you what, was I not like mad to do the Eurovision Song contest? I’m so goddamn old I can tell the truth now. It was like, ‘Oh do I really want to do it? Do I really want to be in a competition? What if I lose?’ but now I am so grateful.”

The singer added: “How many times have we just missed and lost! I mean this year is an exception because we should have walked it. I mean we did walk it, and we actually won it. But because of Ukraine, I believe, probably everyone’s opinion was that it was a blessing for them. And it was, you know, everyone wanted them to have that.”

It is not yet known where in the UK might host the event, although speculation is circulating on social media that Glasgow could be a possibility.

First Minister of Scotland, SNP Leader and MSP for Glasgow Southside, Nicola Sturgeon definitely things so and she tweeted: "We wish @Eurovision could be in Ukraine but understand that in circumstances this isn’t possible.

"However, I can think of a perfect venue on banks of the River Clyde!! @scotgov is happy to discuss with BBC, @GlasgowCC @EBU_HQ and others."