May 6th 2024.
Olly Alexander, the lead singer of Years and Years, has recently revealed in an interview that he has mixed feelings about the Union Jack. As he prepares to represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest, he opens up about his thoughts on the flag and its symbolism.
The 33-year-old singer will be performing his song "Dizzy" at the competition, following in the footsteps of other UK artists such as Mae Muller and Sam Ryder. However, controversy has already surrounded the event due to the ongoing war in Israel and some fans have called for a boycott. While Olly has rejected this call, he has joined with other contestants in an open letter expressing their belief in the unifying power of music.
Despite this, Olly admits he has a complicated relationship with the Union Jack, acknowledging that for some it can be divisive and nationalistic. However, he also sees it as a representation of the good things about the UK, such as its inclusivity and diversity. He explains that he is choosing to focus on these positive aspects and reclaim the flag in a more inclusive way.
As a queer artist, Olly also reflects on the historical significance of Eurovision for the LGBTQ+ community and how it has been embraced by queer performers. However, he has also faced hate and backlash for his identity on social media. He finds support and camaraderie with his fellow contestants, as they all understand the pressure and scrutiny of being in the spotlight.
When it comes to his performance, Olly plans on being unapologetically himself and provoking discussion and intrigue. He believes that taking a safe approach to the competition is not the way to go and that being a bit controversial can make for a strong performance. And while he has nerves going into the final, he is proud of himself for just being able to take part and is not focusing on where he may place in the competition.
Despite not being favored in the odds, Olly sees just being a part of Eurovision as a win. He loves his song and is grateful for the platform it has given him to perform in front of a large audience. And while he admits he is drawn into the drama of the odds, he knows that anything can happen on the night of the final and is just happy to be a part of it all. The Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals and Grand Final will be aired on BBC One and iPlayer.
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