Our Favourite Entries for the UK Who Didn’t Win

Let’s take a trip down memory lane at the best UK entries for the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) before the competition is held for the 67th time this year. The UK will be appearing for the 66th time this year (2023) as it missed the second year of the ESC competition. The country has made its mark on the competition as it has won five times, came second many times and has had the most top-five finishes. 

The United Kingdom will be hosting the 2023 competition in Liverpool and look for yet another title to go along with their 16 runner-up finishes. Before getting all excited about who’ll be representing the country this year, let’s appreciate those who’ve done it best in previous years.

The First-Ever Entry From the UK into the ESC

The United Kingdom first entered the ESC in 1957 represented by Patricia Bredin. She entered the competition with the song, "All". The song was only one minute, 52 seconds, which had been the shortest song in the competition for 58 years.

Though Patricia didn’t win the competition that year, she represented the UK well. She earned the seventh spot in with six points. The trophy was taken by Netherlands’ Corry Brokken who scored 31 points on the song, Net als toen. 

Which Was the First Entry to Win the Eurovision Song Contest?

The United Kingdom first won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1967. It was represented by the talented singer, Sandie Shaw, with the beautiful song, Puppet on a String. 

Sandie’s performance of the song scored 47 votes, beating the runner-up, Ireland, by an impressive 22 points. Puppet on a String became a hit and stayed in the top charts for a while. 

Other UK Winning Performances

After the first win, the UK has never looked back. Soon after 1967 in 1969, Lulu’s Boom Bang-A-Bang won the country a second Eurovision trophy. Its other three wins were once in the 70s, 80s and 90s. Below are more details on the other four wins after Sandie Shaw’s Puppet on a String.

Boom Bang-A-Bang - Lulu (1969)

The 60s ended well for the UK as it won in 1969. This second win was, however, a tie with the Netherlands, France and Spain. The song was co-written by artists, Alan Moorhouse and Peter Warne. Lulu had a sterling performance of two minutes, 22 seconds.

Save Your Kisses For Me - Brotherhood of Man (1976)

The 1976 UK entry was by the Brotherhood of Man. This four-person band performed their catchy happy goodbye song, Save Your Kisses For Me. The band won with 164 points and the song did very well after the ESC performance as it became the top selling Eurovision winning song winner of all time.

Making Your Mind Up - Bucks Fizz (1981)

In 1981, the Bucks Fizz, another UK band, won the ESC. They performed Making Your Mind Up and got 136 points for it. Their vibrant performance of the song made it popular not only in the UK, but also all around Europe. On top of that, their costumes and the part where they rip their skirts off during the performance are one of the most memorable Eurovision moments.

Love Shine A Light - Katrina and the Waves (1997)

The fifth and the last time the UK won the competition was in 1997. Another band, Katrina and the Waves showed up and represented the country. They performed their lungs out singing Love Shine A Light. This got them 227 points and the runner-up was Ireland with 157 points.

Who Represented the UK in the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest?

In 2022, the United Kingdom was represented by Sam Ryder. He sang Space Man and came second with 466 points. After 25 years of not winning, this song lifted the UK citizens spirits and brought back their hope of winning the Eurovision.

Though it wasn't a winning song, it brought the needed change of genre to better represent the UK. From the long list of dance-pop songs performed by UK artists in the ESC, to a powerhouse performance of the pop-rock anthem. The latter of Space Man leans more to the UK music heritage of legendary classic rock music by the likes of Elton John and Queen, to name just a couple. . 

Our Favourite Entries for the UK Who Didn’t Win

The UK may have won only five times, but there are many performances that people continue to tune into ever since they were performed in the ESC. From all the rich performances by UK artists, there are many that people were rooting for but never won. 

Though they didn’t win the competition, they were locked into our hearts and have become our favourites. These include the 1995, 1998 and 2008 performances by Love City Groove, Imaani and Andy Abraham, respectively.

Love City Groove - Love City Groove (1995)

Love City Groove performed a cool pop-rap song titled Love City Groove. This is a jam that one can’t help but nod their head to when listening. However, maybe it was far too cool and modern for that time in the Eurovision. The trio came in 10th with 76 points.

Where Are You - Imaani (1998)

Imaani performed Where Are You in the 43rd ESC held in Birmingham, in the United Kingdom. The singer gave the performance of her life and scored 166 points putting her in second place. Imani effortlessly performed this soulful title, putting the UK back on the map after some time of not being on the spotlight. Though she didn’t win the contest, her performance was certainly a win for the UK.

Even If - Andy Abraham (2008)

Andy Abraham gave his all to represent the United Kingdom in the 2008 Eurovision competition. However, he unfortunately didn’t get many votes, as his song came last. The song is funky with a pinch of soul and R&B inflicted in it. It’s a jam and his dance moves make it even more entertaining even if ESC voters did not see it that way. 

Who Is Representing the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023?

Mae Miller’s I Wrote a Song is representing the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest for 2023. The pop star co-wrote this song and it’s an exciting one. Like the 2022 performance, it’s quite different from the previous UK entries. Mae is also an artist who is sure to give the audience a fashionable experience they will not soon forget. 

Since this year’s ESC will be held in Liverpool, here in the UK, we’re expecting nothing less than a win. This is especially more so with the talented pop star who’s bringing a more relevant and trendy performance to the competition. 

Can You Bet on the UK Winning Eurovision in 2024?

Yes, you can. While so far the bookmakers have been favouring Sweden for this year's win with odds of 4/9 at William Hill. However, you can still check to see who offers the best odds for the UK to win the Eurovision outright. Check your favourite bookmaker site to see what they have to offer.