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About United Kingdom...
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2004 Result
Points in Semi Final: N/A
Position in Semi Final: N/A
Points in Final: 29
Position in Final: 16th
2005 Contest: Directly qualified to Final, but only because of Big 4 status
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History (1956 to 2003)
United Kingdom's previous appearances: 46 year(s) out of 48
Years participated: 1957; 1959-
Best result: 1st (1967, 1969, 1976, 1981, 1997)
The United Kingdom is one of Eurovision's most successful nations, with 5 wins (the last in 1997, with 'Love Shine a Light') and an extraordinary 15 2nd places, including most famously Cliff Richard and 'Congratulations' in 1968, and most recently Imaani with 'Where are you?' in 1998. Only Ireland, with 7 wins, has a better record. When all countries had to sing in their native language, the UK always had the advantage of singing in English; however, since the free language rule was introduced in 1999, the UK's fortunes seem to have taken a tumble. In 1999, Precious (featuring a pre-Atomic Kitten Jenny Frost) finished a disappointing 12th with 'Say it again', though it was a rather tuneless performance and as much as it deserved. The following year, Nicki French sang 'Don't play that song again'; few people did, and it finished a lowly 16th, until then Britain's worst ever result. A year later, Lindsay D did little better, performing 'No dream impossible' - it finished 15th. It took Jessica Garlick's classy performance of 'Come back' in 2002 to restore some UK pride, gaining a well-earned 4th place. As a finalist on the talent show 'Pop Idol', one of Jessica's big advantages was her proven ability to sing live in front of a TV audience, something the UK should have remembered in 2003. Instead, the country sent male-female duo Jemini with 'Cry Baby', who - as we all know - scored nothing at all. Still, on the plus side, it at least made Nicki French feel less bad. All kinds of conspiracy theories were produced for why the UK did so badly - there were sound problems on stage, the UK lost out because of the Iraq war, and so on. In truth, however, the UK finished last because the song was dreadful and Jemini gave a bad performance. Having said that, the song was so awful, singing it off key probably made little difference. Rather undeservedly, the UK proceeds to the Final regardless, on the back of its 'Big 4' status. Much is at stake in 2004 as the UK seeks to erase the memory of last year's result.
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This year's entry
Position in Semi Final draw: N/A
Position in Final draw: 20
What I said prior to the Semi Final:
"In the wake of 2003's embarassment, the BBC put a little more effort into its national final this year. In homage to Bucks Fizz and their 1981 victory, 'A Song for Europe' was rebadged 'Making Your Mind Up', and screened at a time when people were actually watching. Fortunately, the system of letting Radio 2 listeners select the Finalists was also scrapped; given the growing importance of visual presentation at Eurovision, the idea of trying to pick a winner via the radio had always seemed absurd. 'Established artists' had been promised, with Emma Bunton and Claire from Steps mentioned as possible entrants; in the end, these failed to materialise, but the BBC at least managed to cobble together a collection of ex-TV talent show contestants. Televoting was used to select the winner, with James Fox, a former student on the BBC's 'Fame Academy', securing quite an easy victory. His winning song, 'Hold on to our love', is surprisingly good, if slightly old-fashioned - a gentle, guitar-led ballad in the same mould as 'Rock 'n' roll kids' (Ireland's 1994 winner) or 'Fly on the wings of love' (winner for Denmark in 2000). The fact that James is also a good performer, and engages well with the camera, makes the prospect of another 'nul points' very unlikely indeed. Is it a winner though?"
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What I predicted...
My prediction for Semi Final: N/A
My prediction for Final: 2nd to 6th, possible winner
What I predicted prior to the Semi Final:
"Given that the gentle charm of 'Hold on to our love' might appeal more to older audiences, the song is doing reasonably well in the various Internet fan polls. However, it's difficult to know how Europe is going to vote this year - will they go for a soulful, stripped down song by the UK or Germany; Iceland's big ballad; something more energetic from Sweden or Romania; or even something completely different from Ukraine or Albania? While the UK is certainly a contender with this song, I think there are others which are stronger. However, anything less than a top ten place will be disappointing, and don't be surprised if the UK finds itself in 2nd place once again."
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What you thought...
Final Poll Ranking: out of 36 ()
(Updated 15 May 2004; change refers to movement over final week)
In the run up to the Contest, over 5,000 visitors to this site voted for their favourite song in the Soult.com Eurovision Poll.
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What actually happened
Well, I don't think James could have done a lot more than he did. He looked suitably handsome in an attractive blue suit; he gave a decent vocal performance; and - unlike some of the other acts on the night - he appeared entirely relaxed and comfortable up there on the Eurovision stage, with no women on stilts, topless men with purple chests, or any other ridiculous gimmicks to detract from his performance. In the end, perhaps it was only the song that let him down - it came across as pleasant but plodding, yet if a Eurovision song is to pick up televotes from across the continent it needs to do much more than simply be inoffensive. This lack of excitement seemed to be reflected in the votes that the UK received - picking up between 1 and 4 points from no less than nine countries, but only really enthusing the Irish, who gave it 8. With the UK giving Ireland its only points of the evening (7 of them) in return, Greece and Cyprus' reputation as the exemplars of reciprocal voting may yet be usurped.
As for my prediction, well, that was competely wrong, obviously.
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What the bookies thought...
 | United Kingdom to win: | 15/05/04 (prior to Final) | 50-1 |
| | 13/05/04 (after Semi Final) | 33-1 |
| | 11/05/04 | 28-1 |
| | 08/05/04 | 25-1 |
| | 06/05/04 | 25-1 |
| | 04/05/04 | 20-1 |
| | 31/04/04 | 20-1 |
| | 24/04/04 | 20-1 |
| | 17/04/04 | 14-1 |
| | 07/04/04 | 10-1 |
| | 24/03/04 | 10-1 |
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Oh dear. The UK opened the betting at 10-1, before slumping rather dramatically - prior to the Final, Coral gave James Fox just a 50-1 chance of winning. After Jemini's 2003 disaster, it certainly seemed that the tradition of British bookies rating the UK as favourite - regardless of the song - was no more. Unfortunately for James, the bookies' pessimism was borne out in the UK's disappointing 16th place. Still, at least James managed to score 29 points more than Jemini.
(Odds quoted here were those offered by Coral.co.uk. 'F' indicates favourite, 'JF' joint favourite.)
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Links
 http://www.jamesfox-online.com/
 http://www.bbc.co.uk/eurovision/
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Notes (see 'History' above)
- The 1956 Contest (where each country had two songs) is counted as a single appearance;
- Countries eliminated in the 1993 preliminary heat (EE, HU, RO, SK) ARE NOT counted as making an appearance in that year's Contest;
- Countries eliminated in the 1996 preliminary heat (DE, DK, HU, IL, MK, RO, RU) ARE NOT counted as making an appearance in that year's Contest;
- Countries eliminated in the 2004, 2005 and 2006 Semi Finals ARE counted as making an appearance in that year's Contest.
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Your comments (82)
From Elena, UNITED KINGDOM
Added 18:42:27 2004-5-16
Well, to be honest, it wasn't a song that would set the stadium on fire in the first place! It was deserving of 16th place I think this year - Ukraine a very deserving winner!
Although, having seen the "vote for your neighbour" problem intensify over the last few years, who thinks we should submit a Welsh, Scottish and English song next year?! We may be able to canvass SOME votes, anyway!
From Rima Saini, UNITED KINGDOM
Added 17:56:28 2004-5-16
I totally agree with you Vanja, the Eurovision song contest is slightly mocked over here but I think it is a wonderful institution that unites Europe and goes to show how the UK are willing to make fools of themselves by entering boring, unoriginal low grade songs - no wonder James Fox hardly gained any votes last night. Ruslana of Ukraine deserved every single point.
From Albo-best, ALBANIA
Added 13:19:20 2004-5-16
OK so it wasnt the best of songs but then again why is everone making a big fuss out of this. I thought this song was very nice and it had a nice rythm! The guy was very good looking and I really liked his lyrics. At least UK escaped the last years "nil pua" palavra!
James was a very good singer last night and thumbs up for him!
From puppi, ISRAEL
Added 12:53:15 2004-5-16
This was my fav. I voted for it. The result in outrageous.
From rozczarowana strasznie, POLAND
Added 12:26:54 2004-5-16
you were best. im sorry that PL gave you only 2 points. i really like your song.
From frederick, MALTA
Added 15:9:22 2004-5-15
Altough people are saying that this is not a good song, i hope you a great goodluck! you are all great people
From kirsty, UNITED KINGDOM
Added 14:45:44 2004-5-15
James' song is quite good, but i have to admit that i like other songs better than it. Good luck anyway James!
From VANJA, SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO
Added 14:51:33 2004-5-13
PLEASE, COULD ANYONE FROM THE U.K. EXPLAIN TO ME WHY EVERYONE IN THE U.K. IS LOOKING DOWN ON THE EUROSONG CONTEST, AND EVERYONE IS MAKING A LAUGH OF IT, AND THAN AT THE END THEY (ALMOST) ALWAYS SEND A WORSE SONG TO THE CONTEST THAN MOST OF THE OTHER COUNTRIES. PLEASE DO NOT MISS UNDERSTAND ME, I LOVE UK VERY, VERY MUCH, BUT
INSTEAD OF MAKING A LAUGH OF IT, CAN YOU PLEASE SEND A PROPER SONG TO THE CONTEST AND PROVE TO US HOW GREAT YOUR POP-MUSIC IS!!!!
ANYHOW, GOOD LUCK TO UK ON SAT.
I LOVE UK!!!
From Poppy , NETHERLANDS
Added 14:28:17 2004-5-13
If this song was among the semi-finals of last night ( as it should be, uk flooded last year ), it wouldn't stand a chance to make it to the finals... The fact that it's already at the finals is the only succes it will have...disappointing for the country of pop.
From Holger, BELGIUM
Added 1:52:43 2004-5-13
This song is that poor as the total overrated "I-wanna-be-Ricky-Martin-kiss-my-ace-song" from Greece. Totaly old fashioned and out of time, just easy listening for grandmothers. The serbian or ukrain song, and the very good soul-funky-jazz-power-voice song from Germany are the only highlights in this years esc. Good luck to them!!
From Dimi Papadopoulos, UNITED KINGDOM
Added 0:26:24 2004-5-13
Disappointing...really why is it that mostly ex-Pop idol & Fame Academy contestants seem to be interested in representing the UK in Eurovision? :-s The UK can do much better than this song. Good luck anyway, I think Greece is a very good entry & I'm gonna vote for them (except if I discover another song i like more - not likely).
From Marko, SPAIN
Added 22:29:14 2004-5-11
Nida you have a poin there. You are right. They vote for countries, not music. Last year you didn't deserve to be last. And sure not this year too. I wish you good luck even though i vote for the Greek God, Sakis. But i'm sure you will be fine even without my vote.
From kristina, SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO
Added 22:22:46 2004-5-11
good luck england very fit looking
From krpan, ALBANIA
Added 22:15:47 2004-5-11
this is a very poor entry by the english i hope they dont win
From Maxo, UNITED KINGDOM
Added 17:0:3 2004-5-9
Sorry, this song doesn't do anything for me at akk. I'll be very surprised if we win with this. Many of the other entries this year are much stronger.
From Nicodemus, FINLAND
Added 20:40:3 2004-5-8
Finnish song is the winner 2004!!! Hyvä JARI! ;)
From Nida, UNITED KINGDOM
Added 22:1:32 2004-5-6
The problem with this festival is that people vote the country and not the song. UK's 2003 entry was far away from deserving the last place, to my opinion. I am eager to see what will happen this year!
From Denisi, ALBANIA
Added 22:11:2 2004-5-4
Good Luck UK...I very much hope you will not have the same luck as you did last year...Either way I am sure the Albanians wont let you down by vote means....just like Miss Europe 96 where England won the pageant in Albania...
From Marion, GERMANY
Added 14:35:15 2004-4-28
...and this guy don't feel anything inside, come on. Thats what my mother's listening to with her friends on its 60th Birthday. It just flips to one ear and comes straight out of the other. I'm really disappointed of England again. The Mothercountry of Popmuscic seems no longer interested in the Contest. : (
Gosh, thinking of Cliff, Sandy, Lulu and even Bucks Fizz could make one sad.
From Robin J, SWEDEN
Added 13:21:46 2004-4-28
hopefully it will work better this year than last year... it do reminds me alittle of "come back"... or at least they both have that small pause in the middle of the hook...
From Puppi, ISRAEL
Added 19:2:16 2004-4-27
So, both Germany and UK singers just can't wait until tonight to have their lovers by their side...I think Germany is slightly more powerful and convincing, but this is very good too...and unlike the German singer, he has the right look - for the female and gay votes. Top 10 for sure, but not a winner!
From somebody, FINLAND
Added 13:36:3 2004-4-27
sorry all James' fans, but this song isnt that great! My favourite ones are 'shake it' (Greece) n 'life is' (Fyr Macedonia). Sorry, im only being honest, wish u good luck though! :)
From Iain , BELGIUM
Added 10:15:4 2004-4-27
James is a great performer but Graham I think you are going to regret dismissing the Irish entry so much :) always do well when not expected too.
But I do hope my paddies back home give generously to the UK because without Britain in Eurovision there would be no Terry Wogan and that would be awful!
douze point Uk
From Erlend, NORWAY
Added 26/04/2004 14:21
I am so happy they opened the sovjet republic. I am so very very happy that the eastern european countries are taking part in this contest. The worst songs YEAR AFTER YEAR is the western european ones, who think they are the best, especially Germany, United Kingdom, (all of the scandinavian countries, especially sweden), france.. these songs give me a headache! they always sing in english, the text is always about love and suffers from an extreme lack of fantasy and colour and it's THE SAME pop/rock EVERY YEAR!! goes in one ear and out the other. The tradition MUST be broken, and the ones to do this is the lovely countries of the east who are NOT "stuck" in this tradition with the same bloody "catchy-tunes/abba-wannabes-seriousrockstarbelivers-boringboringboring-music"!! of course, some are fooled to belive that's what it takes to get a high score. but WRONG!! one of the western countries changed the direction last year, Belgium with Sanomi. it was so cool! this year they're back on the track with a 90's technonightmare. anyway. that's what I wanted to say. Thank you, and good luck to these boring songs, they'll need it!
From MINA, ESTONIA
Added 26/04/2004 10:43
tERVIST!!I THINK that this most beautiful and good song this year! 12 POINTS FROM ESTONIA
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United Kingdom
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