The ultimate goal is to secure a Number 1 Single spot. Olly hopes to continue the tradition of successfully making the Official Singles Chart where other UK entries have been listed in previous years. Such as Sam Ryder, who reportedly just missed out when he was just beaten by Harry Styles’ ‘As It Was’ in 2022. According to Will Wilkin, who is the BBC’s Music Commissioning Executive, this is clearly the one and only goal:

“Our ambition is to win and for the single to go to Number 1, and for it to be another watershed moment for Eurovision for the UK.”

When interviewed on The Euro Trip podcast back in January, Wilkin said that they must prepare for the worst case scenario, however “we are going there to win it with a single that is an incredibly commercially successful single.”

Although, this does not seem to be the philosophy adopted by Olly, as when interviewed with Graham Norton, the U.K’s Eurovision commentator on March 1st, 2024, he shared that his love for Eurovision trumps the concept of whether he ‘wins’ or ‘looses’. He communicated his sincere excitement and pure admiration for the contest by stating that “even if you come last, it’s iconic.”

Upon hearing that his song got confirmed he immediately called his mom, his boyfriend, and talked to his cats about the good news! “I’ve always loved Eurovision. There’s just nothing else like Eurovision…  a chaotic mix of fun and all these different musical styles, all these amazing performances.” Graham asked Olly’s favourite Eurovision performances in the past, and they have been Loreen’s “Euphoria,” Chanel’s “SloMo,’ and his top favourite is Pastora Soler with “Quédate conmigo.” 

What was Olly’s path that led him to the prestigious Eurovision event? Olly achieved 10 UK Top 40 singles and as a member of Years & Years (a British pop band that formed in 2010) he earnt three Top 10 albums. So, it can be gathered that to have the opportunity to represent his country is more than a dream come true. 

According to Official Charts, his passion is unparalleled, as during his interview on the BRIT’s red carpet on March 2nd, he couldn’t contain his excitement: “I’m really happy it’s out, I’m excited to perform the song!” For the show he has something ‘unexpected, memorable, and enchanting’ planned. He wants his performance to leave a remarkable impression and to leave people surprised. The ingredients he believes will drive this effect are drama and emotion, which aided Olly to title the song as it is.

Eurovision is the competition known world over for bringing the harmonies, melodies, and symphonies of Europe together in one place. An opportunity to gravitate people together through the oasis of song, and one of these songs will be ‘Dizzy’ by Olly Alexander.

In addition to his music career, he is also a Bafta-nominated actor, having played the lead role in Channel 4’s impactful Aids drama, It’s A Sin. Surprisingly, the announcement of his participation was made during the final of Strictly Come Dancing, months ahead of the usual confirmation of the BBC’s Eurovision plans.

Expressing his excitement, Alexander shared, “I love Eurovision so much, it’s a dream come true. I’m just so, so excited.” He further“I really can’t believe I’m going to be a part of such a special legacy and represent the UK in the most vibrant way possible. I’m determined to give it my all and deliver an outstanding and unforgettable performance for everyone!”

The song that he will perform in Malmö next May is still a secret, but it was co-written by Alexander and Danny L Harle, who has produced successful tracks for Dua Lipa, Chic, and Charli XCX. Alexander told the BBC, “It will have an electronic sound, something that you can groove to. “Unfortunately, I can’t reveal much more than that.”I am just so excited to go out there and meet the fans and everyone else involved,” he added. “It will definitely be the most exhilarating experience of my life.”

As a seasoned performer with a dedicated fanbase, Alexander has achieved great success in the past decade with Years and Years, including five UK top ten singles and two number one albums. The band has also enjoyed popularity in Eurovision countries such as Belgium, Ireland, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

Interestingly, Harrogate, Alexander’s hometown, previously hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 1982, following the UK’s victory the year before with Bucks Fizz.

Sweden has been chosen as the host country for Eurovision 2024 following the victory of Swedish icon Loreen, who won this year’s competition with her catchy pop anthem “Tattoo.” This marks Loreen’s second Eurovision win, as she previously triumphed in 2012 with her song “Euphoria.” With this latest victory, Sweden is now tied with Ireland for the most Eurovision victories, with both countries having won the competition seven times. In contrast, the United Kingdom’s performance in Eurovision has been lackluster, with their last win dating back to 1997.

In recent years, Michael Rice and James Newman finished last in 2019 and 2021 respectively, while Mae Muller narrowly avoided the same fate this year thanks to German rock band Lord of the Lost. However, there was a glimmer of hope for the UK when Sam Ryder secured second place in Turin in 2022 with his pop-rock anthem “Spaceman.” Ryder, who is currently vying for the Christmas number one spot with his festive song “You’re Christmas To Me,” sent Alexander, the representative for Sweden, a message of good luck.

While the UK tends to send newer and lesser-known singers to Eurovision, other countries often send their biggest stars to the competition. For example, Italy was represented this year by Marco Mengoni, a highly successful balladeer with 70 platinum records to his name. In 2003, Russia put forward the globally successful pop duo Tatu, and Sweden’s Måns Zelmerlöw had three number one albums before winning Eurovision in 2015 with his song “Heroes;” However, with Olly Alexander well known for being part of  Years and Years, the UK are in a great position for seeing a winner in Olly.

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Alexander’s solo project debuted at number one and found great success within physical sales, 75% of the album’s chart sales were on physical configurations. Alexander spoke with OfficialCharts.com concerning the win, “I’m just really, really proud. Everybody who got this album and streamed it – I can’t believe it, thank you so, so, so much! We got Number 1 baby!!

Night Call is the first album to be released by Years & Years as a solo act, in March 2021 it was announced that former members Mikey Goldsworthy and Emre Turkmen would be leaving the group. The album’s lead single entitled “Starstruck” was released on 8th April 2021 and marked Years & Years’ first solo single, after the release Alexander performed the track live on various TV shows including The One Show and The Late Late Show With James Cordon. The originally formed trio earned their first UK number one album with their 2015 debut album Communion. The band’s second studio album Palo Santo was released on 6th July 2018 via Polydor Records and peaked at number three within the UK charts.

Similar to Night Call, this week’s number two album also experienced success within physical sales. The Overload by Leeds punk rockers Yard Act has been named the fastest-selling debut album on vinyl for a band within this century. Furthermore, the album has reached number one within the Physical Albums charts, Official Vinyl Albums Chart and Official Record Store Chart.

Music fans were left devastated last week when news confirming the death of Meat Loaf circulated. The Rock Icon held great influence within the music industry and his tragic loss is seen within this week’s charts. Three of the artist’s albums have placed within the top 40, the singer’s debut album Bat Out Of Hell landed at number three and also became this week’s most downloaded album. The singer’s greatest hits album, Hits Out Of Hell, placed at number five and has been named as this week’s most-streamed album and the 1993 release Bat Out Of Hell 2: Back Into Hell has placed at number twenty-four.

At number four this week is Ed Sheeran’s most recent release, Equals has previously spent three weeks at number one but has remained within the top five. Elsewhere within this week’s charts, Aurora has sired her first UK top 10 chart placement with her third album The Gods We Can Touch. The Norwegian pop star’s album was released on 21st January 2022 and has debuted this week at number eight.

When asked about the collaboration, Years & Years’ Olly Alexander said: “Working with Kylie was a literal dream come true. Her music has consistently inspired me since I was a kid, she is a true icon I am pinching myself this actually happened!!”

On her social media Minogue added “I had so much fun channeling my inner Olly in this video – felt like a KING,” Then she posted on Twitter about the involvement of Jodie Harsh “Thank you to the ICON Jodie Harsh for this incredible remix of ‘A Second To Midnight’,”

Thank you to the ICON @jodieharsh for this incredible remix of A Second To Midnight @yearsandyears which is out NOW, have a great NYE Lovers! https://t.co/GiEb1tQjNU pic.twitter.com/UMyBD4mFqq

— Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue) December 31, 2021

In celebration of the New Year, Minogue and Years & Years have released an official remix of the track.  “A Second To Midnight (Jodie Harsh Remix)” can be listened to at the link below.

Writing on Instagram, Harsh said: “Couldn’t get to the final day of 2021 without a special musical treat! My remix of ‘A Second To Midnight’ is out everywhere NOW! I loved making this so much – hope it gets you dancing way into the new year.”

 

 

 

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Earlier this year, Years & Years’ also collaborated with Kylie for a joint remix of “Starstruck”. The original song was released in April. Alexander then followed this up with a piano arrangement of another Minogue song “Love At First Sight”.

In addition to this, Minogue also joined Years & Years to celebrate the new year with a performance on BBC’s One’s The Big New Years & Years Eve Party with Kylie and Pet Shop Boys. For those who missed it, you can watch the show on BBC iPlayer.

this is your night call join me for a moment in the stars to get exclusive access before the tickets are set live, pre-order from the official store before 5pm on the 2nd November if you’ve already pre-ordered you’ll get automatic access https://t.co/p3Oh1QPaKO pic.twitter.com/YpLv902C2q

— Years & Years (@yearsandyears) October 29, 2021

Years & Years used to be a synth-pop trio made out with singer Olly Alexander, bassist Mikey Goldsworthy and keyboardist Emre Turkmen. The split in 2015, after releasing a single “King” that reached No 1 spot in UK Charts.
In April this year, Alexander announced that the band now will be a solo project. He put some highlights with regards to split saying: “I’ll tell you the honest truth of what happened was is; me, Mikey and Emre met, like, ten years ago“.
“We’ve been in this band for a decade, and in that time, we’ve just kind of grown apart musically, right. We kind of stopped making music together, and when we announced that I was going to be Olly Years & Years, it had kind of been a long time coming if that makes sense” he added.
Along with the album announcement, Alexander shared a new single “Crave” and a video for it. You can watch the video below.

Speaking about the upcoming album Alexander said: “I’ve been writing all the songs for this new album, and Emre’s working on other stuff, he’s got his family to raise and so it’s just an honest thing. We didn’t fall out, we’re all mates and stuff, it’s definitely different but I’m really excited as well to kind of do my thing this time“.
Asked why did he choose to stay with the band name and not release music under his own name, he commented: “These songs I’ve written like ten years ago, some of them, I don’t want to let them go, I still want to do it, so I felt like, this is just felt right to stay as Years & Years I think“.
Last month Years & Years collaborated with Kylie Minogue on a single “A Second To Midnight”. He has also been recently announced as a headliner at next year Glasgow festival – Colourboxx that will take place in June 2022.
Years and Years UK and Ireland tour will begin in May in Brighton and will end up in June in Glasgow. Tickets to the tour are available here from 9 am on the 5th of November.
See full dates of Years & Years 2022 Tour below:

19/05/22 – Centre – Brighton
20/05 – International Centre – Bournemouth
21/05 – Resorts World Arena – Birmingham
26/05 – Wembley Arena – London
28/05 – AO Arena – Manchester

24/06 – National Museum of Ireland – Dublin
25/06 – Colourboxx Festival at Bellahouston Park – Glasgow

The Years & Years singer and sole member, Olly Alexander, has taken to his Instagram page to post the news to fans.

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The ‘It’s a Sin’ singer has put his unique spin on the original release’s lead single, the singer has taken a different approach than the original which features a big stadium-esque feel. Alexander has infused the song with a dance influence, modernising the feel-good hit for a new generation, whilst keeping the heart thumping appeal which made the single a hymn for self love a decade ago. Alexander’s version is one of four covers in which Gaga has shared with her fans ahead of the album release. Fans will remember that this is not Alexander’s first cover, he famously won the nation’s hearts with his cover performed at this year’s Brit awards.

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Gaga’s single was originally released on 11th February 2011, the single quickly became an anthem of empowerment and freedom within the LGBTQIA+ community. The single was not only received with critical acclaim but also reached number three within the UK charts and went on to sell over 10.49 million units worldwide. The single was the lead release from the singer’s album, and now after a decade, the LP is being reconceived for new and old fans. The singer’s re-worked release will see the hit-makers second studio album not only reimagined but will also include the album’s original tracks.

Alexander will be one of many artists in which will be contributing covers to the anniversary edition. Six further artists will provide their own spin on several of the original album’s tracks. The artists will not only be proofing their musical prowess but will also be representing and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. Artists which have already supplied their own renditions include Kylie Minogue’s cover of the album’s fifth single, ‘Marry The Night’ and country musician Orville Peck’s cover of the album’s title track ‘Born This Way’, repackaged as ‘Born This Way (The Country Road Version)‘.

American rapper, Big Freedia is also among the star-studded list, the artist has covered the album’s second single ‘Judas’, originally released on 15th April 2011. Two more tracks will also be covered on the reimagined album, ‘Highway Unicorn (Road to Love)‘ and the album’s fourth single ‘Yoü and I’, originally released on 23rd August 2011. The artists responsible for these covers are yet to be announced, as well as further details concerning the release.

Click here to download and stream the cover.

Sir John has taken to social media to announce the news, the music icon has posted on his Instagram page to give fans information concerning the special event.

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The celebration, titled ‘YouTube Pride 2021’, will be formatted as a multi-hour event held over five hours where each entertainer will host their party on their own YouTube channel. Sir John and Furnish’s party will be in support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the charity founded by Sir John in 1992 which supplies medical and emotional support for people living with HIV and AIDS.

Other charities in which the ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ singer’s event will support include the Trevor Project and Akt, a charity that helps combat homelessness for LGBTQ+ youth. Both charities are associated with ‘YouTube Pride 2021’ and will be the recipient of the donations and profits made from the event.

The various hosts’ parties will be a collective mix of performances, musical guests and fun challenges, whilst raising money for the charities connected to the event. Viewers will also have the chance to take part, all are encouraged to send videos, message, questions for the hosts and their own personal pride stories. The video or audio clips will be uploaded to a microsite, the system has been set up by the producers for the event at JA Films.

The full list of special musical guests includes Gigi Gorgeous, Denali Foxx, Elle of the Mills, KingOfReads, Kim Chi, Monet X Change, Jade Fox, Jackson Bird, PatrickStarr, Alannized, Peppermint, the Fitness Marshall, Tyler Oakley and model and activist Munroe Bergdorf. The other hosts joining Sir Elton John and David Furnish for the event include Demi Lovato whose steam will start at 4 pm, starting at 3 pm will be Trixie Mattel, Daniel Howell will host his event at 1 pm. Joining the star-studded roster of hosts will be Years & Years singer Olly Alexander with Mawaan Rizwan, the comedian and actor known for his stand-up career as well as his writing on Netflix series ‘Sex Education’.

Alexander recently stole the show at this year’s Brit awards with his duet with Sir Elton John, the pair performed a cover of the Pet Shop Boys hit ‘It’s a Sin’. Alexander and Rizwan will be hosting a virtual pride party for the event, the duo’s virtual celebration will mark the reopening of East London starting from 8 Pm. The duo’s event will be streamed from a Victorian pub that has transformed into the perfect party venue, viewers will get to view the different rooms and also participate from the comfort of their living rooms.

Viewers at home will be treated to an hour full of comedy, music and fun along with a fan Q&A and exclusive performances by Alexander and guests. The duo’s party hour will be in support of the charities Akt and The Trevor Project, a non-profit focused on the prevention of suicide within the LGBTQ+ community.

The event will not only celebrate all aspects of love and community but is also set to raise an incredible amount of money for the associated charities. During June, any money donated to The Trevor Project will also be matched by YouTube.

The ‘Years & Years’ singer spoke to the newspaper The Daily Star’s Wired column about the life-changing moment.

“Elton phoned me and asked if I would be up for doing a special performance for the BRITs. When I was on stage with him, I thought back to being a little kid watching him at the BRIT Awards and I thought, ‘I just can’t believe I’m doing this.’”

Sir Elton John and Olly Alexander’s appearance at the Brit Awards saw the duo perform a duet, covering the Pet Shop Boys 1987 hit ‘It’s a Sin’. The duet has already become legendary, for the artist’s performance as well as the cause and message in which it supported. The pair’s duet was in support of Sir Elton John’s AIDs Foundation and has also been released as a single in support of the Foundation.

The ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ singer set up the foundation in 1992 and since then the organisation has provided support for prevention, provided support services and has formed education programs to support people living with HIV and AIDS. Since its inception, the foundation has raised millions to support programs and people within fifty-five countries.

The song choice may have been influenced by multi-talented Alexander’s star turn in the TV series with the same name, ‘It’s a Sin’. In the Channel 4 show, which aired in January 2021, the actor plays Russell T Davies, a leading role that has gained 30-year-old Alexander respect from his peers as well as critics. The show, which is set in the 1980s and 1990s, depicts the effect in which the AIDs epidemic had within the gay community.

Sir Elton John’s husband David Furnish and chair of Sir Elton John’s AIDS Foundation, gave an emotional and touching speech to introduce the performance, where he compared the current COVID-19 pandemic to the AIDs crisis within 1981.

“When a new virus broke out in 2020, the whole world reacted immediately. Governments took action, cities closed down, scientists created vaccines, and we all talked about it night and day. Quite rightly, given the pain and suffering which has been reaped on so many people the world over. But when the same thing happened in 1981, there was silence. That was the year HIV arrived, but people with HIV and AIDs were treated with ignorance, fear, shame, and stigma. That silence allowed AIDs to grow into the greatest disease affecting our planet. But we fought back. Campaigners and activists and allies shouted down the silence and demanded to be heard. We refused to let men, women, and children die in shame, and by fighting together, we’ve changed the world.”

The studio single is available to stream and download on all platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and YouTube. Proceeds from the sale of the single will go towards the Elton John Aids Foundation.

Click here to listen to the single.

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The dance-pop group has gained popularity over the last five years with hits like ‘King’, ‘Shine’ and ‘If You’re Over Me’. Now after some weeks of teasing, ‘Starstruck’ is finally here. The vibrant new single was previewed on Tik Tok last month by Alexander who launched a dance challenge to the track. 

Speaking to NME, Alexander recently revealed that he has scrapped an entire albums’ worth of songs when the coronavirus pandemic hit last year. Alexander also revealed how his starring role in Russell T Davis 1980’s AIDS crisis drama It’s A Sin influenced the music he was working on. Alexander described the shows impact as leading him to “make lots of upbeat, euphoric dance tunes”. Alexander added that “Although I don’t think its going to sound 80s, I’m trying to channel that energy and dancefloor transcendence”. ‘Starstruck’ channels that dancefloor energy in a bop that is guaranteed to be a huge summer anthem.

Alexander remarked that “‘Starstruck’ is about the rush you get when you’re with somebody you’re really into, it’s about holding on to a good feeling and not letting go Like most of us I’ve spent the past year at home, and I wanted to create something super positive and fun for people (and myself) to bop along to”. Alongside the announcement, Alexander provided a sneak peek of the music video which sees him doing what dancing around in cloud pajamas and a spotted dressing gown.  The accompanying music video is due to be released on April 11.

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Years and Years’ last release was 2018 ‘Palo Santo’, which received generally favourable reviews and was widely praised by critics. Although details of a third album release are yet to be announced the release of the first single has us excited for more.

Starstruck is available to stream now.

Posting on Instagram, the group wrote: “There’s been some changes that we want to fill you in on. This upcoming new album has been an Olly endeavour and we’ve decided that Years & Years will continue as an Olly solo project. The three of us are still good friends. Mikey will be part of the Y&Y family and play with us live and Emre will focus on being a writer/producer. These past twelve months have been crazy for us all and we want to thank you for the love and support you’ve given us over the years (& years).”

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Fans were quick to voice their support for the band’s decision.

Dontshakethatswift posted: “OMG kings we still love you and are very excited for olly’s album.”

Monpetitpitti wrote: “Discovered your music just recently…love you and your music so much though. I am sure whatever you do or decide it will be the right thing.”

Sophiellie added: “You’ve all made some amazing music together let’s see what this can bring to the table can’t wait!!”

Years & Years formed in 2010, and released their debut single I Wish I Knew in 2012. They were named BBC Sound of 2015, and released their UK number one debut album Communion later that same year. Their singles King and Shine reached number one and number two in the Uk Top 40 respectively. Their second album, Palo Santa, came out in 2018.

Alexander was recently praised for his role in Russel T Davies’ 2021 television drama It’s A Sin. He is also outspoken on LGBTQ+ rights – he said at Glastonbury in 2019: “The only reason that I’m even able to be up here talking about my gay self is because of all the people who have come before me, that fought for the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.”