In a candid address ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, Graham Norton has taken a firm stand against the perennial complaints regarding the UK's entry, a pop trio named Remember Monday. Set to perform their catchy anthem "What the Hell Just Happened?" at the grand final in Basel, Switzerland, on Saturday, 17 May, Norton acknowledged the existence of a faction within the Eurovision fandom that watches the event not purely for enjoyment, but rather as a spectacle for critique.
“Speaking on his chat show, Norton described these viewers as enjoying the competition through 'hate watching', remarking, 'They might be a slightly dysfunctional part of our family, but they are still part of the Eurovision family. No one talks to them at Christmas, but they’re there.' This sentiment reflects a deeper, often humorous recognition of the complex relationship many viewers have with the annual event, where critiques sometimes overshadow genuine enthusiasm.
This year, Eurovision will feature 37 entries, with the UK hopefuls bringing an upbeat, theatrical approach reminiscent of iconic acts like Queen. However, this style has garnered mixed reviews. While Remember Monday aims to convey a sense of joy and relatability through their performance, some critics argue that the execution leans towards a "twee" and overly contrived interpretation of the genre. This struggle is not new—a pattern of underachievement has plagued UK entries in recent years, with the notable exception of Sam Ryder's success in 2022. The challenge remains to find a balance between the contest's signature camp and genuine creativity.
Impressively, the members of Remember Monday—Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull, and Charlotte Steele—are not novices to performance. They first crossed paths at college in Farnham, Surrey, and have since cultivated a repertoire that includes a mix of original songs and covers. Their entry for Eurovision was co-written by the trio alongside a team of notable songwriters, further highlighting their commitment to delivering something personal and authentic.
In an intriguing twist, the excitement surrounding Eurovision this year is paired with a special crossover event involving the beloved "Doctor Who" series. The show will air an episode during the Eurovision weekend, featuring a fictional Interstellar Song Contest where characters encounter chaos and sabotage. This high-production endeavour is a testament to the show’s cultural significance, merging beloved elements of British entertainment with global music trends. Ncuti Gatwa, who plays the Doctor, will even be announcing the UK’s jury scores during the grand final, underscoring the collaboration between these popular franchises.
Thus, Eurovision 2025 stands at a crossroads of tradition and innovation, with the entry from Remember Monday embodying both the spirit and the playful absurdity for which the contest is known. As the event draws near, fans and critics alike will be keen to see whether the UK can transform this-year's hopeful narrative into tangible success on the international stage.
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Source: Noah Wire Services