BBC Launches Search for United Kingdom Eurovision 2027 Entry in Burgas
We intend to be represented by an outstanding current British act, backed up by the very best songwriting and production talent the UK music industry has to offer,
said UK Eurovision Project Director David May as the BBC officially launched its search for the 2027 contest. With 200 days remaining until the Grand Final, the BBC and BBC Studios confirmed that preparations are underway to select the British act and song for the upcoming competition.
The 71st Eurovision Song Contest will take place at Arena Burgas in Bulgaria, following Dara’s victory in 2026 with the winning song Bangaranga.
The BBC confirmed that the semi-finals will be broadcast on May 11 and May 13, 2027, with the Grand Final following on May 15, 2027, across BBC One, iPlayer, Radio 2, and BBC Sounds.
Project Leadership and Selection Strategy
David May returns as the UK Eurovision Project Director, bringing nearly two decades of music industry experience. May previously managed Sam Ryder, who secured a second-place finish for the United Kingdom at the 2022 contest, and oversaw the UK selection process for Remember Monday in 2025 and Look Mum No Computer in 2026. Working alongside May is Andrew Cartmell, who serves as Executive Producer and Head of Delegation for the UK, marking his ninth Eurovision campaign since taking on the role in 2012.
The production team is collaborating closely with BBC Music, BBC Introducing, BBC Studios Entertainment Production, and BBC Entertainment Commissioning. Organizers are reaching out directly to British record labels, music publishers, and the independent sector to source material. We are looking for an act with tried and tested live performance experience and a song crafted in the UK by the very best home-grown talent,
May stated in the official announcement.
The BBC has relied on internal selections since 2020. Recent internal entries include James Newman in 2020 and 2021, Sam Ryder in 2022, Mae Muller in 2023, Olly Alexander in 2024, Remember Monday in 2025, and Look Mum No Computer, whose entry Eins, Zwei, Drei
placed 25th with one point from the Ukrainian jury in 2026.
Submission Deadlines and Contest Schedule
The chosen British act and song will be revealed prior to the European Broadcasting Union’s official submission deadline in March 2027. Martin Green CBE, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, stated that he was delighted to welcome Bulgaria as the host country for the 2027 event.
The United Kingdom debuted in the contest in 1957, holding the record for the most consecutive appearances and securing five total victories, the most recent arriving in 1997. The nation also holds the record for the most second-place finishes with 16 runner-up spots, though it has broken into the top ten only three times since 2000: with Jessica Garlick in 2002, Jade Ewen in 2009, and Sam Ryder in 2022.
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