Remember Monday: The UK’s Eurovision Hopefuls

A Background in Music and Theatre

Remember Monday, consisting of Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull, and Charlotte Steele, are this year’s UK entrants for the Eurovision Song Contest. The trio, who formed their country-pop girl group after meeting in sixth form college, have a strong background in musical theatre. Their love for singing and performing was evident even during their school days, where they were known for their impromptu performances. As Holly-Anne recalls, "We were constantly singing every genre, and I guess that’s kind of what we’re still doing." Their dedication to music often took precedence over academics, with Holly-Anne joking that perfecting a cover of "My Milkshake Brings All the Boys to the Yard" was more important than preparing for A-level exams.

Building a TikTok Fanbase andPrepping for Eurovision

Remember Monday has already made waves on TikTok, amassing over half a million followers by sharing medleys of their critics’ comments and showcasing their versatility in music. Their ability to turn trolls’ insults into humorous songs has not only endeared them to fans but also demonstrated their resilience and positivity. Lauren notes, "Some people, you just won’t be their cup of tea, so we started kind of singing those insults." Their TikTok fame is likely to boost their support during the Eurovision voting.

A Heartfelt Conversation with Olly Alexander

The trio recently had a "lovely chat" with Olly Alexander, the UK’s Eurovision entrant from last year. Olly, who finished in 18th place, reached out to offer his well-wishes and share advice on navigating the pressures of the competition. Lauren describes the conversation as "lovely" and mentions that a drink date is planned. His words of encouragement are particularly meaningful, given the challenges of performing on such a large stage.

Staging and Performances: A Theatrical Spectacular

While the group admires iconic Eurovision moments, such as Bucks Fizz’s 80s skirt-ripping performance, they have no plans to replicate such gimmicks. Charlotte hints that their theatrical backgrounds will shine through in the staging, saying, "You can definitely expect some theatrics." Holly-Anne adds that they are working with "incredible people" on creative direction and styling. The girls are eager for fans to see their performance, which promises to be a visually stunning and memorable experience.

The Politics of Eurovision: A Call for Unity

Eurovision has historically been a celebration of music and unity, but political tensions often seep into the event. Last year’s competition saw references to global conflicts, and with ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, this year’s event may not be immune to such influences. However, Lauren emphasizes the importance of focusing on the contest’s core message: "Eurovision was designed to bring people together and celebrate artists from all around the world." She hopes the competition will remain centered on its peaceful, unifying mission.

Preparing for the Big Night in Basel

With an expected audience of 200 million viewers, Remember Monday is preparing to take the stage in Basel, Switzerland, alongside 36 other contestants. The group has two months to refine their performance and manage their nerves. Charlotte admits that their silence before going on stage is a telltale sign of nervousness, but they are determined to stay calm and focused. For now, they remain optimistic and excited to showcase their music and artistry on the global stage. As the competition approaches, all eyes are on Remember Monday, and fans are eagerly anticipating their moment to shine.