FOR Years & Years the UK was seen as a joke entry at the Eurovision Song Contest.
But after Sam Ryder came second in 2022 it looked like we had finally turned a corner . . . only for Mae Muller to struggle to impress at this year’s competition in Liverpool.
Despite being a bundle of energy and throwing herself into the contest, Mae finished second to bottom with I Wrote A Song.
But fear not, the UK could once again race up the leaderboard come May 2024.
I can reveal that behind the scenes Olly Alexander is the front runner with BBC bosses to be next year’s official UK Eurovision entry.
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The Years & Years star is said to be desperate to fly the flag at the Malmo Arena in Sweden, having been a huge fan of the show all his life.
And he is going all out when it comes to the all-important song as well.
I’m told the upbeat track he has pitched to execs has been put together by Dua Lipa’s super-producer Danny L Harle.
Danny is the mastermind behind Dua’s latest hit Houdini.
He is also said to have acted as executive producer on her third studio album, set for release next year.
‘We have a great shot’
A source said: “It’s a dream come true for Olly. Things aren’t quite locked in but he is a favourite with bosses.
“Despite everyone loving Mae, it’s no secret that everyone was disappointed with how things panned out.
“Olly has said for ages he wants to have a crack at it — and after teaming up with Danny for the song he thinks we have a great shot.
“He is aware people say that no established act in their right mind would go on the show due to the UK’s track record but as far as he is concerned that’s just snobbery.”
Since breaking through in 2015 with their No1 single King, Years & Years have gone on to become one of the most successful groups in the UK.
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Meanwhile, Olly has branched out on his own, teaming up with Elton John in 2021 for track It’s A Sin.
It followed his critically acclaimed role as Ritchie Tozer in the Channel 4 drama of the same name, depicting gay life during the Aids crisis in the Eighties.
Eurovision is a notoriously prickly beast for us Brits, so if Olly does land the chance to represent us I wish him the best.
MAKING THE LIPA TO STADIUM GIGS
SHE’S had a bumper 2023 with two Grammy nominations, including Song of the Year for Dance The Night, bagged her fourth UK No1 single and appeared in the biggest film of the year, Barbie.
But next year could see Dua Lipa’s star rise even further.
I can reveal her team are eyeing up her first stadium shows in a move which would see her follow Harry Styles and make the leap from arena shows on just her second tour.
A source said: “Dua is going to be everywhere in 2024 – currently her team are looking at pencilling in her first ever stadium shows next summer.
“Her 2022 Future Nostalgia tour had 12 arena shows in the UK so a couple of massive stadium gigs is definitely possible. Her star has only grown since then.
“Right now no dates are confirmed and locked in but it’s on the cards.”
The news comes just weeks after I told how Dua is deep in talks to headline Glastonbury next June.
Earlier this year she found herself in a bidding war between Glasto and Coachella in California.
Due to exclusivity rules the singer is unable to do both shows – with insiders tipping her to play the homecoming gig.
’MAIL ORDER OUTFIT, RITA?
RITA Ora looks ready to go into battle as she takes to the stage in Manchester.
The You Only Love Me singer wore a gladiator-style skirt and matching chainmail top while performing at Hits Radio Live in the city on Saturday.
She joined Busted, James Arthur and Jax Jones, who were also on the bumper line-up.
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Never one to stay in the same place for long, she jetted off to her home country of Kosovo alongside film director husband Taika Waititi and sister Elena.
She will be back in the UK in just a few weeks to play London’s O2 Arena after being announced as part of Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball line-up.
DJ Joel’s up for the TV jungle
JOEL Corry is one of the busiest men in music – playing a new show in a new city, day in, day out.
But the Head & Heart hit-maker admits he’s keen to carve out time to branch into reality TV.
Joel, who previously made cameos on Geordie Shore alongside then-girlfriend Sophie Kasaei, says he has earmarked a couple of shows which have taken his fancy.
The DJ said: “I would love to do SAS: Who Dares Wins or I’m A Celeb. Those are the two I would choose when I have more time.
“I love my fitness so I would love to challenge myself. The Jungle would be really cool.
“I think I’d struggle with not eating and I’m scared of creepy-crawlies but I still think I would do pretty good.”
As long as it doesn’t take him away from creating bangers in the studio then I’m all for the career switch-up.
TINY Habits are getting in gear for their first UK tour next May, with the three-piece US group lined up for seven big dates.
The group – Maya Rae, Cinya Khan and Judah Mayowa – met at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and have the potential to be huge.
I watched them play last week and hearing their incredible harmonies live, with the sold-out crowd London club XOYO rapt with attention, was pretty special.
The trio covered Olivia Rodrigo’s Lacy in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge last week and their new single, Small Enough, is out now if you fancy a listen.
Jane reckons she’s got touring down to a tea
JANE McDonald has just announced a 23-date UK tour for next autumn.
But despite her success, I don’t think the cruise ship singer turned TV host will be sending each venue an epic rider ahead of her arrival.
Jane tells me that rather than fancy bottles of fizz or hand-selected flowers, all she wants on the road is a good old-fashioned cuppa.
She said: “All I have on my rider is Yorkshire tea and a kettle. No, not even biscuits really.”
Laughing, the down-to-earth star added: “Well, I hate to say this but we have got catering. That’s terrible, isn’t it.
“Oh, I’ve changed – I used to stop at the services for a sandwich and now I’ve got catering.
“I even take the kettle abroad, as it’s not the same over there.
“They never boil water, so you’ve got to take a kettle.
“Be prepared, that’s what I say.”
Last week Jane unveiled a new festive track – Believe in Christmas Eve.
But she has no intention of entering the battle for the Christmas No1 which has been dominated by LadBaby for the past five years.
Jane said of her track: “I don’t want the Christmas No1. It’s just something to sing along to.”
BEY’S FAIR HAIR FLAIR
BEYONCE is out to prove that blondes really do have more fun.
The Single Ladies singer showed off her new platinum locks at the premier of her new movie Renaissance: A Film By Beyonce in Beverly Hills.
The flick documents the star’s Renaissance World Tour – which kicked off in May and saw her play stadiums worldwide.
Beyonce was in a skin-tight metallic gown, reminiscent of the costumes from her shows. And unsurprisingly when Bey calls, the guest list was a who’s who of A-listers.
As well as Halle Berry, her Destiny’s Child bandmates were also there.
Kelly Rowland sparkled in a silver dress while Michelle Williams turned heads in a plunging black gown.
Beyonce and her family jet to London later this week for the film’s UK opening on Thursday.
