07/03/2013

Bonnie Tyler Takes UK To Eurovision

'80s pop icon Bonnie Tyler will represent the UK at the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest.

The 61-year-old Welsh singer is best known for her 1983 hit, Total Eclipse Of The Heart.

She said she was "honoured" to be asked, adding: "I promise to give this everything that I've got for the UK!" she said in a statement.

Ms Tyler is to perform the song Believe in Me at the event in Malamo, Sweden, on 18 May. The song was written by American songwriter Desmond Child with British songwriters Lauren Christy and Christopher Braide. Mr Child has worked with Bonnie Tyler throughout her career.

120m viewers are expected to tune in to the event.

"I am truly honoured and delighted to be able to represent my country at Eurovision, and especially with such a fabulous song," the singer said.

Last year, the UK finished an embarrassing second from last, with an entry by Engelbert Humperdinck; Love Will Set You Free.

The UK last won Eurovision in 1997, when it was represented by Katrina and the Waves with their song Love Shine a Light.

Tyler is the first Welsh act to represent the UK at Eurovision since James Fox in 2004, whose song, Hold On to Our Love, finished in 16th place.

(IT)

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