Eurovision: UK entry James Newman speaks out about receiving zero points

‘There is no guarantee that a song you think will connect with people, will connect with people,’ said the ‘Embers’ singer

Annabel Nugent
Monday 24 May 2021 17:11 BST
Comments
James Newman represents the UK at Eurovision

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Singer James Newman has spoken out after receiving zero points in the Eurovision grand final on Saturday (22 May).

Newman represented the UK in the annual music contest over the weekend, performing his dance-bop “Embers” in a bid to be crowned winner.

His performance, however, was the only one to receive a total of zero points, with the UK finishing the night in last place.

Upon hearing the news during the live broadcast, Newman appeared to take the snub on the chin, laughing and smiling when he learned of the disappointing result.

The crowd at the Ahoy arena in Rotterdam, Netherlands – where the event was held – also cheered him on.

Days after the loss, Newman has since taken to social media to thank fans for their support following the upsetting result.

The Yorkshire-born singer wrote that he wants to “focus on the positives of this amazing experience”.

“I stood on stage and sang to hundreds of millions of people with a song that I wrote and love,” he said.

“I’ve learnt so much from the amazing people who gave everything to help me live my dream, the dancers, my choreographer, my vocal coach, everyone from my label, my manager and the BBC, and all the people behind the scenes at Eurovision and the arena.”

Newman added that “there is no guarantee that a song you think will connect with people, will connect with people”.

The 35-year-old continued to thank “all the amazing dedicated fans who have supported me through the whole thing”.

(Getty Images)

He concluded the post: “The times when it doesn’t play out how you hoped it might, teach you how to pick yourself up and be stronger x.”

Italian rock band Måneskin were crowned Eurovision 2021’s winners after their performance of “Zitti e buoni” won over viewers at home and in the arena.

However, they faced claims of on-air drug use after singer Damiano David was seen leaning forward over a table during the broadcast.

Måneskin have vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “really offensive” and “upsetting”. The group have also agreed to take a voluntary drug test to prove the accusations are false.

You can read the six biggest talking points from this weekend’s contest here.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in