Folk or AI Could Be the UK's Eurovision Game-Changer

Why the UK Keeps Missing the Mark

When the UK fails to make an impact at Eurovision, it's not just a matter of musical taste—it's a reflection of how we approach national representation. I've been following the contest closely over the years, and one thing has become painfully clear: our song choices are too often derivative, safe, and uninspired. The country that once gave us the likes of Celine Dion and Cliff Richard seems to have lost its way in the modern era.

“The UK's Eurovision 2026 entry, Look Mum No Computer, on stage in Vienna, Austria in May this year.”

— Photograph: Christian Bruna/Getty Images

This is not to say that the UK hasn't had its moments. There have been songs that resonated with audiences, even if they didn't win. But when we consider the long-term trajectory of our national musical identity, the pattern becomes alarming. We're not just underperforming—we're systematically ignoring what makes us unique.

Reclaiming Our Folk Heritage

I've been thinking about the letters published in response to recent commentary on the UK's Eurovision failures. Tim Thornton's suggestion to tap into our folk tradition hits close to home. It's not just a nostalgic gesture—it's a strategic one.

The success of Ukraine's entry in recent years, which blended traditional folk elements with contemporary pop, serves as a powerful example. We should be drawing from the same wellspring of storytelling and melody that has defined British music for generations. Whether it's Welsh, Cornish, or Scots traditions, our diversity is a strength, not a weakness.

In fact, we have an opportunity here to show Europe something fresh, authentic, and culturally rich. It's time to stop treating Eurovision as a mere vanity project and start viewing it as a platform for showcasing British creativity at its finest.

AI: A Double-Edged Sword

Linda Karlsen's humorous yet perceptive observation about the potential role of AI in choosing a winning song is worth considering. It may sound absurd, but let's examine what it could mean. AI has already begun to influence music creation and composition in ways that are both exciting and concerning.

As an investigative journalist, I've seen how technology can amplify human creativity—but also how it can displace it. If we were to rely on AI for songwriting or selection, we'd be essentially outsourcing the cultural voice of the nation to a machine. The implications go beyond music; they touch on identity and sovereignty.

Yet, in an era where AI is increasingly shaping public discourse, perhaps there's value in exploring its potential. But not as a replacement for human artistry. Rather, as a tool that can enhance it. Could a collaborative approach be possible—where AI helps identify trends or structures, while humans contribute emotion and meaning?

Reimagining the Process

The idea of a cross-party committee looking into the UK's Eurovision failures is already laughable in its premise. MPs, for all their good intentions, rarely understand what makes music resonate with people on a deep level. The problem isn't one of politics—it's one of cultural misalignment.

Instead of trying to fix the system from the outside, we should be pushing for more inclusive, creative processes. That means involving artists, historians, folklorists, and cultural experts—people who truly understand what it means to represent Britain through music.

We must also recognize that Eurovision is not just a contest—it's a celebration of European unity through music. By being too conservative in our choices, we're letting down both ourselves and the continent we claim to share.

The Future: A New Vision

Ultimately, the solution isn't about choosing between folk or AI; it's about recognizing that both can coexist. Folk traditions give us a grounded sense of who we are. AI offers new possibilities for creation and dissemination. But the key is balance.

I propose that future UK entries be crafted with a dual focus: rooted in cultural authenticity, but open to technological innovation. The result would not only be more compelling—it would also challenge the status quo of how we think about national representation on the world stage.

It's time for the UK to take a stand and show Europe—and the world—that we're not just a nation of history books or parliamentary debates. We are a nation of stories, melodies, and meaning. It's time to tell them better.