Eurovision: You Decide! Who are the contestants vying to become the UK’s entry?

With the Eurovision Song Contest now just three(!) months away, the time has come once again for the Great British public to decide who we’ll be sending to Lisbon this year for our annual musical drubbing.

The people of the UK (always so trustworthy when it comes to a national vote) and a panel of music industry experts will vote for their winner on BBC Two on Wednesday night (February 7) as Eurovision: You Decide returns for another year.

With six contestants including a former Eurovision back-up singer and two stars of The Voice vying for a shot at the crown in May, there’s a lot to consider before tonight’s show, hosted by Mel Geidroyc and 2015 Eurovision winner Mans Zelmerlow.

Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s lambs to the slaughter – sorry, entrants…

Asanda – ‘Legends’

Bookies’ favourite Asanda famously made it to the final of Britain’s Got Talent in 2013 as an 11-year-old. Now 16, will her experience on the big stage help propel her all the way to Portugal?

“I love the Eurovision Song Contest as it is a way of showcasing talent and performances of different artists and musicians from all around the world,” she says.

“It’s a great platform to show the world what the UK can do!”

Given our previous form in the competition and with the impending doom of Brexit looming, we’re not sure that’s entirely good thing babes.

Goldstone – ‘I Feel the Love’

Formed in 2013, trio Amie, Helen and Rhiannon would be the first girl group to represent the UK at Eurovision since Precious in 1999.

Should they make it that far, they’ll be hoping to reach the (now) heady heights of 12th which that group managed with their track ‘Say It Again’.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, who you love or where you come from. We can always come together and unite,” the girls say, adding that the message of their song is “love don’t hate”.

If that doesn’t sound like a plea directly to the people of Europe we don’t know what is.

Jaz Ellington – ‘You’

You might recognise Jaz Ellington from his appearance on The Voice in 2012, where he made it all the way to the semi-finals under the mentorship of will.i.am.

The Londoner says before going on stage he likes to “spend some time in prayer”, which is probably the most sensible pre-Eurovision strategy we’ve heard from a contestant in years.

There’s more than one reality TV connection to Jaz’s soulful entry ‘You’, though: It was actually co-written by former X Factor star Laure White, whose shock exit from the show in week five proved so shocking that it was raised in parliament.

If only the nation took Eurovision as seriously, eh?

SuRie – ‘Storms’

Does Eurovision veteran SuRie have the insider knowledge to take Britain to the top? (Fine, top two-thirds then).

The Royal Academy of Music graduate has two Eurovision appearances as part of Team Belgium under her belt already, as a a backing vocalist and dancer for Loïc Nottet at Eurovision 2015 in Vienna, and as as Musical Director fo Blanche’s ‘City Lights’ in Kiev last year (that song was robbed, FYI).

Both of those songs came a respectable fourth, so could SuRie repeat the feat? Let’s hope her solo attempt is more Robbie than Gary. 

Liam Tamne – ‘Astronaut’

Another alumnus of The Voice, Liam blew the judges away in 2013 with his audition performance of Kate Bush’s ‘This Woman’s Work’.

Already a seasoned West End pro, Liam has an impressive roster of theatre credits, with appearance as Raoul in Phantom of the Opera and Link Larkin in Hairspray.

Liam says his song ‘Astronaut’ is “relatable and emotional because “we all need someone to pick us up and help us through times in our lives that are so challenging and sad.”

Let us know you’ve got lined up to be there in Lisbon on May 12, sweetie. 

RAYA – ‘Crazy’

RAYA is a singer, performer and DJ from London who has previously danced for Little Mix, so at least you know the girl’s got taste.

Her track ‘Crazy’ is not in fact a musical reflection on the requirements of entering Eurovision under a Union Jack flag, but instead a song about “falling into that trap of obsessing over someone”.

RAYA admits she used to suck her thump relgiously until just last year – here’s hoping there won’t be relapse come results night in Lisbon should she be your pick tonight…

Eurovision: You Decide airs tonight at 7.30pm on BBC Two.