Eurovision 2023 is just around the corner as the hit song contest is set to take place in Liverpool. The Ukrainian entry Kalush Orchestra won last year’s competition so it should take place in the victors’ home country but it’s not possible due to conflict with Russia.
That said, every year fans eagerly anticipate the announcement of who will represent their country in the competition, an honour which falls to Mae Muller from London this year. While we congratulate her achievement, we still can’t help but wonder… Which Scottish artist would be up for it?
It wouldn’t be the first time either as Glasgow-born popstar Lulu famously represented the nation in Eurovision 1969 with her hit song “Boom-bang-a-bang”. That’s why we asked you, our Scotsman readers, who the ‘Ultimate Scottish Eurovision entry would be’ and you offered some - largely nostalgic - answers.
As voted by all of you, here are 13 Scottish artists that would be perfect for Eurovision.
It wouldn’t be the first time either as Glasgow-born popstar Lulu famously represented the nation in Eurovision 1969 with her hit song “Boom-bang-a-bang”. That’s why we asked you, our Scotsman readers, who the ‘Ultimate Scottish Eurovision entry would be’ and you offered some - largely nostalgic - answers.
5. B.A. Robertson
The Glasgow-born singer songwriter was popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s for his charming pop music that featured hilarious lyrics. One Scotsman reader recommended the song “We Have a Dream” which was released as a special single for the Scotland national football team and their 1982 World Cup Campaign. Photo: YouTube Screenshot via Tony P
6. Deacon Blue
Formed in Glasgow during 1985, the Scottish pop rock band ‘Deacon Blue’ would be a legendary feature on any Eurovision song contest. With vocalists Lorraine McIntosh and Ricky Ross, James Prime on the keyboard and drummer Dougie Vipond, a performance of their popular track ‘Dignity’ would go down a treat. Photo: chrisboland on Flickr
7. The Rhythmic State
The Rhythmic State is a Scottish hardcore dance band that was formed in Craigshill (Livingston) back in 1992 by Andy Cocozza or Nic Williams. One of our readers recommended their track ‘Soap on a Rope’ for their Eurovision song entry, whether or not that’s the best they’ve got on offer we leave to you to decide. Photo: Submitted
8. Julie Fowlis
It is often debated whether or not countries should sing in their native language or in English at the Eurovision song contest. So, with three native languages on our belt, Scotland could make a powerful contribution to the debate with talented musicians like Julie Fowlis who sing in Scottish Gaelic. She’s credited as the ‘singing voice’ of Merida from Disney’s Brave. Photo: Andrew Matthews