EXCLUSIVE: Eurovision legend Sonia says UK’s poor results in recent years were ‘political’ but thinks Mae Muller ‘has a good chance’
Sonia Evans has blamed the United Kingdom’s poor results in the Eurovision Song Contest in recent years on politics.
The singer, 52, memorably finished second in the 1993 contest with Better The Devil You Know and will take the stage this year to celebrate the contest being hosted in her hometown of Liverpool.
Although the UK has won the competition five times and finished second 16 times, the country’s performance in recent years has been lackluster.
Speaking to MailOnline ahead of her new Camp Viejo campaign, Sonia shared how she believes Sam Ryder, last year’s entry, has changed the fate of the UK and that she thinks Mae Muller has a good shot at victory.
“I think a lot of it was political. We just weren’t lucky,” she said. ‘We were always on the other side of the board and all the vitality just splashed out.’
Candid: Sonia Evans has blamed the UK’s poor results in the Eurovision Song Contest in recent years on politics
Contender: Sonia believes last year’s entry, Sam Ryder, has changed the fate of the UK and she thinks Mae Muller (pictured) has a good shot at victory
“Since Sam’s been around, he’s turned the whole thing upside down. He turned his approach and how positive he was about it. I did an interview with him and he’s the nicest guy.’
Mae Muller will represent the UK this year with the song I Wrote A Song and has been forced by her coach to go on voting rest ahead of Saturday’s final.
“I haven’t seen her yet, but she’s doing great. I think she has a very good chance,’ Sonia said.
“She’s fun and lively and the song is very catchy. I have a 12 year old daughter and she loves it. Fingers crossed, she’ll break it.
“You have to stay calm and focused. You have less than three minutes to impress. Relax and be on it. Look through that camera lens and connect with the audience.’
Although she was only 22 when she joined, Sonia was already an established artist with several top 20 hits to her credit.
The star said it can sometimes be risky for newer artists to take to the stage, as it can hinder their chances of future success if they get a low score.
She said, “The thing is, if you’re a stranger and you come last, that’s not the best thing in the world.
Hit: Sonia memorably finished second in the 1993 contest with Better The Devil You Know
She said, “I think a lot of it was political. We just weren’t lucky. We were always on the other side of the board and all the vitality just splashed off’
Uh Oh: Mae has been forced to go on voting rest by her coach ahead of Saturday’s final
“It’s the highest profile you can get and then you come last, it does play through your mind. I had already established my name and had nothing to prove. If you’re unknown, it’s hard to choose.’
She added, “We’ve had famous people who haven’t done very well. Look what it did for Sam. If someone is brilliant and not well known, give them a chance.’
1981 winner and former Bucks Fizz member Jay Aston isn’t so hopeful about UL’s chances this year and recently admitted she doesn’t think Mae will win.
She said, “Sam Ryder changed the whole dynamic and landscape with a phenomenal song, and he’s just such a great artist – he just has that star quality.”
“I wish Mae the best of luck, but I don’t think it’s a winner to be honest. I think she will do very well, hopefully in the top five, but I don’t think she will win unless something great happens that night.’
Campaign: Sonia ‘delivered the cheese’ to Eurivison fans as she teamed up with Campo Viejo to surprise those who missed a ticket
Sonia ‘delivered the cheese’ to Eurovision fans as she teamed up with Campo Viejo to surprise those who missed a ticket.
One lucky winner had the star perform a rendition of Better the Devil You Know on her doorstep, along with a bottle of wine and a cheese board.
Camp Viego is offering Eurovision fans a limited edition pack on sale now HERE.