The Eurovision Song Contest is set for a return filled with excitement and anticipation as countries across Europe prepare to showcase their musical talents in a competition often dubbed pop’s World Cup. Among the most anticipated entrants this year is the UK’s representative, an all-female pop trio named Remember Monday, who will perform their song “What the Hell Just Happened?” at the 69th edition of the contest, taking place in Basel, Switzerland, from 13 to 17 May.

Remember Monday, composed of best friends Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull, and Charlotte Steel, marks a significant return to the Eurovision stage as they are the first girl group to represent the UK in over 25 years. The last girl group to carry the country’s hopes was Precious, who finished 12th in the 1999 contest. The band first gained public attention on “The Voice UK” in 2019, reaching the quarter-finals. Recently, they revealed that their journey in music has garnered a substantial following, boasting over half a million followers and 11.3 million likes on TikTok.

Their upcoming performance aims to improve on the UK’s recent track record at Eurovision, which has seen largely disappointing positions, including Olly Alexander’s 18th place last year with his song “Dizzy.” Speak of the band’s song, The Independent’s Roisin O’Connor described it as a “throwback to carefree times,” encapsulating the aftermath of a fun night out. Co-written by accomplished songwriters who have worked with major acts like Little Mix, “What the Hell Just Happened?” is presented as an energetic and catchy pop track, positioning the group for potential success.

Scott Mills, hosting the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, provided some advice to the trio, suggesting they might want to isolate themselves during the pre-Eurovision excitement to avoid distractions, particularly from fellow presenter Rylan Clark, who expressed enthusiasm about a night out with the group. Mills highlighted the importance of staying focused, drawing from his own past experiences during the competition.

The 2025 contest will be held in a context marked by both musical talent and the social-political backdrop, as last year’s competition faced significant controversy due to Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which cast a shadow over the event and led to boycotts and political displays from various artists. The previous winner, Nemo from Switzerland, achieved victory in 2024 with his entry “The Code”.

As the competition approaches, artists from across Europe are revealing their entries, generating buzz among fans. Notably, Malta’s entrant Miriana Conte faced setbacks when her song “Kant” was barred due to a concern over its lyrics, while contestants from other countries continue to push creative boundaries, including Go-Jo from Australia, whose song “Milkshake Man” has quickly captured fan attention.

As Remember Monday prepares to step onto the Eurovision stage, they will carry the hopes of a nation eager for a turnaround in their contest fortunes, aiming not only to entertain but also to resonate with audiences across Europe.

Source: Noah Wire Services