Olly Alexander to Represent U.K. at 2024 Eurovision Song Contest

18 December, 2023

Olly Alexander will realize a lifelong dream next year when the solo star and Years & Years singer represents the U.K. at the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden in May 2024. “I’ve loved watching Eurovision ever since I was a little kid and I’m beyond excited to be taking part next year,” Alexander, 33, said in a statement after revealing the news during the Grand Final of BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday.

“As a young boy I always looked forward to this incredible event of unbridled joy, the wonderfully chaotic mix of musical styles, theatrical performances, heartfelt emotion and humour,” he continued of the annual international pageant of over-the-top costumes and wildly eclectic song styles that draws an audience of more than 150 million. “I really can’t believe I’m going to be a part of such a special legacy and fly the flag for the UK in the gayest way possible, it shall be an honour! I’ve wanted to do this for a long time and it feels like the right moment to start releasing music under my own name. I’m determined to give it everything I’ve got and put on an excellent and unforgettable performance for you all!”

The singer and actor (It’s a Sin) released three acclaimed albums under the name Years & Years (2015’s Communion, 2018’s Palo Santo and 2022’s Night Call), paring the project down to a solo act in March 2021 and releasing a sultry, acoustic cover of Lil Nas X’s “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” in July 2022. Alexander was recently awarded the prestigious BRIT Billion Awards for crossing the 6.5 billion global streams mark.

“Polydor, as the British home of ABBA and Loreen, have a deep connection with Sweden and Eurovision. And, we also have a deep connection with the trailblazing, cultural force that is Olly Alexander, who we have worked with for almost ten years,” said Polydor Records president Ben Mortimer in a statement. “He is quite simply an incredible talent who we are convinced will make a huge impact for the UK in this year’s competition. We are proud to be supporting him in his bid for Eurovision success.”

All three live Eurovision 2024 programs, both semi finals and the grand final, will air on BBC One on May 7, 9 and 11, with Alexander’s UK Eurovision song — written with Danny L. Harle (Dua Lipa’s “Houdini”) — to be revealed soon.

See Alexander’s post about the Eurovision spot below.