Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Pete Waterman to pen UK's Eurovision Song Contest entry

Press Association
Friday 29 January 2010 06:47 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Hitmaker Pete Waterman will be behind the UK entry for this year's Eurovision Song Contest, it was announced today.

The studio wizard, who launched the career of Kylie Minogue among others, follows in the footsteps of Andrew Lloyd Webber, who created the 2009 effort.

Waterman has been responsible for producing and writing more than 200 hits in the past quarter of a century.

For many years the public was asked to vote for its favourite act and song, but last year, under Lloyd Webber, TV viewers chose an act through a talent show and the composer created a specially written track.

This year's song, which Waterman will write and produce, will be performed at Eurovision 2010, being held in Oslo, Norway, in May.

Details about the selection process for the act which will perform it will be announced at a later date.

Former Pop Idol judge Waterman said: "Eurovision is one of those iconic competitions that has stood the test of time and keeps coming up with great acts, great tunes and great performances.

"Life's full of challenges and I'm relishing the opportunity to put my own stamp on this one."

Last year's UK entry, Jade Ewen - now a member of Sugababes - came fifth.

Waterman has also been behind hits for Donna Summer, Geri Halliwell, Bananarama, Steps and Rick Astley.

Phil Parsons, executive producer of Eurovision for the BBC, said: "This year, with an extremely successful pop writer, the aim is to build on the UK's success while moving on in style and doing something different.

"Pete Waterman has an incredible track record of hits that are known all around Europe so we're thrilled that he has taken on Eurovision."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in