LONDON — Members of Parliament will scrutinize the United Kingdom's Eurovision Song Contest performance and selection process, the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee announced following a series of disappointing results for British entrants.
The committee, chaired by Dame Caroline Dinenage, will question BBC officials and music industry experts. The UK's recent entries have frequently finished at or near the bottom of the competition. In May, Look Mum No Computer placed last with one point. Mae Muller finished second from last in 2023, and James Newman scored nul points in 2021.
Dame Caroline said the committee aims "to get to the bottom of who chooses our entrant, on what basis and whether our dismal record of achievement in recent years is the result of bad song choice, weak performance or something else."
The BBC selects the UK's representative, sometimes in collaboration with record labels or management companies. Over the past 15 years, the country has placed higher than 15th only once — when Sam Ryder finished second in 2022 with "Space Man."
The UK last won Eurovision 30 years ago when Katrina and the Waves scored 227 points with "Love Shine A Light." Many competing nations select their entries through publicly televised competitions. The UK last used this method in 2019 with "Eurovision: You Decide," but Michael Rice, the chosen act, finished last in Tel Aviv.
Dame Caroline also questioned the shortlisting process. She said, "Clearly there have been different approaches tried over the years. But who decides who makes it into that shortlist? I think all these things are worth looking at."
The inquiry is part of the committee's broader investigation into various topics. After examining evidence, the committee is expected to produce a report with recommendations for the BBC.
