British broadcaster BBC have revealed all of their radio programming for Eurovision 2021, including the grand final on BBC Radio 2, hosted by Ken Bruce, live from Wogan House in London, on Saturday 22nd May at 8pm GMT. Speaking of Eurovision this year, Ken has said: “I can’t find the words to describe how I feel to be presenting my 33rd Eurovision! I’ve been broadcasting my daily show from a turret in Bruce Towers, but finally – after over 13 months away – I’ll be returning to the seat of Radio 2, Wogan House, for the live final. Good luck to James Newman – the Radio 2 listeners are behind you every step of the way!”
Laura Busson, Radio 2 Commissioning Executive has also had something to say on BBC Radio 2’s Eurovision coverage: “Radio 2 is full of pride to be the radio home of Eurovision once again this year. Across our shows and on BBC Sounds we’ll be bringing listeners all the excitement of the build-up, the semi-finals, the dress rehearsals and the show itself – presided over by our King of Eurovision, Ken Bruce.”
But apart from Ken Bruce’s annual live final on BBC Radio 2, what other content will BBC Radio be providing us with in the run up to Rotterdam?
Eurovision One Hit Wonders:
In the weeks leading up the Eurovision 2021 final, OJ Borg will be playing his very own “Eurovision One Hit Wonders” on BBC Radio 2, featuring some of the contests best one hit wonders that charted in the United Kingdom. He will also be speaking with Sally Ann Triplett, who was a member of Prima Donna (3rd place in 1980 with “Love Enough For Two”) and one half of Bardo (7th place in 1982 with “One Step Further.”)
Tracks Of My Years:
James Newman will be picking the “Tracks Of My Years” on The Ken Bruce Show on BBC Radio 2 from the 17th-20th May. He will also be a guest on Ken Bruce’s Eurovision Preview Special, where they will be joined by reigning Eurovision champion, Duncan Laurence as well as two of the shows presenters, Jan Smit and Edsilia Rombley. Ken will later be looking ahead at some of the favourites from this years contest alongside self-confessed Eurovision super fan, Paddy O’Connel from 9.30am-12pm on Friday 21st May.
The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, The Steve Wright Show and The Sara Cox Show:
On The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, Zoe will be joined by Eurovision superfan Richie Anderson as he supports James Newmans Eurovision bid from 6:30-9:30 GMT on BBC Radio 2. Scott Mills and Rylan Clark-Neal will join Steve Wright on his radio show as the three of them look ahead to the two Eurovision semi finals. On Thursday 20th May from 17:00-19:00 GMT, The Sara Cox show sees a “Eurovision themed First & Last”, where Sara will chat to listeners about their memories of the first and last Eurovision contests they attended.
On the day of the Eurovision 2021 grand final, Saturday May 22nd, television and radio host Dermot O’Leary will be speaking to two times Eurovision winner, Johnny Logan from 08:00-10:00 GMT.
Television presenter Claudia Winkleman will be speaking to James Newman from 10:00-13:00 GMT live from Rotterdam ahead of the final.
Ken Bruce will be revealing “The UK’s All Time Eurovision Top 50” by counting down the top 50 favourite Eurovision entries as voted for by UK fans. This will be available on BBC Sounds from 18th May and on BBC Radio 2 from 13:00-15:00 GMT.
Rylan and Scott’s Eurovision Party will see the semi final commentators speaking to commentators from other countries and speaking with American radio DJ, actress and singer, Michelle Visage from 15:00-18:00 GMT.
Sophie Ellis Bextor’s Eurovision Kitchen Disco will be providing the perfect warm up to the Eurovision final from 18:00-20:00 GMT.
And to mark the end of the BBCs Eurovision 2021 coverage, Richie Anderson’s Eurovision After Party will continue on the celebration for those who want to carry on partying. It will go on until 02:00 GMT.
Are you excited for the BBCs Eurovision 2021 coverage? Which radio show will you be tuning into? Let us know in the comments below!
