Molly Smitten-Downes to represent UK at Eurovision

Molly Smitten-Downes has been selected to represent the United Kingdom at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

The up-and-coming singer-songwriter will perform her self-penned track Children of the Universe in Copenhagen on May 10.

Earlier today (March 3) it was rumoured that Smitten-Downes, 26, from Leicester, had been chosen as the UK’s entrant –  and now the news has been confirmed by the BBC.

Smitten-Downes said in a statement: “To represent the United Kingdom in such a huge competition, not only as a singer and performer but as a songwriter, is an unbelievable honour. I hope I can do us proud.”

Smitten-Downes was spotted by the BBC’s Eurovision team after she submitted tracks to the BBC Introducing scheme and earned local radio support in her native East Midlands.

BBC executive producer Guy Freeman explained: “BBC Introducing provided us with an extraordinary range of talent to explore and in Molly we found the perfect combination of contemporary songwriting and real vocal quality.

“Her enthusiasm for the project is infectious and I’m sure that she’ll gain huge support on the journey to Copenhagen.”

Although Smitten-Downes is relatively unknown as a singer-songwriter, her voice has featured on a couple of hit singles: the 2008 update of Sash!’s Europop classic Raindrops (Encore Une Fois) and Basshunter’s 2009 top 20 hit I Will Learn to Love Again. She has supported the likes of Tinie Tempah and Jake Bugg on tour.

Among Smitten-Downes’ rivals in Copenhagen will be former X Factor finalist Ruth Lorenzo, who is representing Spain – click here to read our recent Eurovision chat with Ruth.