Nicki French is no stranger to the Eurovision Song Contest and in an open conversation with the singer, she talks about how the interest has grown in the UK and how Sam Ryder has helped contribute to the hype.

Between wanting to stay up to watch the whole Eurovision as a child in the ’60s and a lifelong career, representing the UK in the 2000 Eurovision Song Contest edition, probably had a bigger impact on the singer’s life, than what she could have imagined.

Despite a result that, at least back then, was a disappointment, Nicki French’s connection to Eurovision has only grown stronger and her passion and commitment come across as clear as 12 points. The track record adds to the love and connection between the “Don’t play that song again”-singer and Eurovision:

Over the past years, she has released EPs with Eurovision covers and has been co-hosting an annual Eurovision pre-party in London, in celebration of the song contest for hardcore fans, just like herself.

With the Eurovision Song Contest finals being hosted in Liverpool and the buzz that Sam Ryder has created over the last year, Nicki decided to compile an album based on the EP’s and 2 newly recorded Eurovision covers.
The album ‘Eurovision’ was released on the 16th of April this year and Nicki explains that “We have tried to include a nice mix of older and newer songs. The reason I do it is because the fans know that I have been a genuine fan of the contest and I have always been since I was a kid” she adds.

Talking about Sam Ryder, Nicki’s enthusiasm reaches a key change as she thinks his contribution to Eurovision goes beyond a good performance. She speaks of his undeniable energy and how he has tackled the past year.
When asked if she is surprised by the results from a Gala Bingo survey released earlier this month, where Sam Ryder and “Spaceman” was voted the all-time best UK Eurovision finalist, she does not think that this is because the performance is fresh in people’s memories, but that it will be one for the books.

Nicki has noticed the buzz around the contest in the last year. The Eurovision pre-parties in London have grown from a crowd of 200 when they started out and have now maxed out with a sold-out show for a 2000 people strong crowd:
“The audience already knows the lyrics to every song and they are singing along with every artist”, getting the full Eurovision experience where co-hosting Nicki undergoes 16 (!) dress changes.
At the same time, they had about 2000 more people trying to get tickets to the show.

Nicki is not attending the Semi-finals or Grand Final in Liverpool as she has other plans but says that “Liverpool itself is so indulged in the whole Eurovision experience, in my recent visit there I could see and feel that Liverpool is 100% in support of the competition.”

Mae Muller will be representing the UK with, “I Wrote a Song” and the whole country will be behind her, says Nicki. She also shared some words of wisdom with Mae Muller and all other contestants saying, “Throughout the process, look after your voice and make sure you are okay for Saturday night. Take some time for yourself and rest when you have an opportunity. Overall enjoy the process, it’s a lifetime experience!”

Nicki French says she would love to be in Liverpool next weekend, but is hosting a Eurovision party at home, worrying if her TV will be big enough, and if she missed any of the local snacks from participating Eurovision countries, as she has invited the neighbourhood to come and join in the festivities.