The group, formed in 2000 and have to date sold over 13 million records, will perform their self-penned song I Can, in front of an estimated 125 million viewers worldwide at May’s show which takes place in Dusseldorf on Saturday 14 May.
Blue formed in 2000 and have to date sold over 13 million records, won two Brit Awards and had 40 No. 1 singles worldwide including huge success across Italy, France and Germany. After a four-year hiatus, the band reformed for a string of summer gigs in 2009, before starting to work on new material in 2010.
The BBC says the group are will shortly film one-hour documentary programme whcih will air on BBC One in Aprilshowing their preparation for the contest.
BBC Head of Entertainment and Events Katie Taylor says: “We’re enormously pleased to have found an act that not only meets but exceeds all the criteria for a great entry. Blue are the perfect choice and we’re so proud to have them representing us at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.”
Eurovision Executive Producer Phil Parsons says: “I’m thrilled that Blue will represent the UK this year. We have a highly credible act who have .had a string of smash hits in this country and they’ve also been hugely successful around Europe too. There’s a lot of genuine affection for them here and abroad. They’re real pop stars who have superb vocal ability, have great on stage presence and can really deliver on the night in Dusseldorf. That’s why Britain’s backing Blue!”
Commenting on the announcement, James said: “when the BBC approached us it seemed a great way to mark the occasion and also to be part of something which is still a British Institution.”