James Newman will represent the UK at this year's 'Eurovision Song Contest'.
James Newman
The BRIT Award-winning songwriter - who co-wrote Rudimental and Ella Eyre's chart-topping single 'Waiting All Night' - was set to take part in last year's competition before the event was axed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and he is "honoured" to be getting another chance.
He said in a statement: “I’m so excited and honoured to be getting a second chance at representing my country in the 'Eurovision Song Contest'.
"I haven’t stopped making new music in lockdown and I can’t wait for everyone to hear the song I’m taking to 'Eurovision' in 2021.”
James - who is hoping to add to the UK's five wins in the show's long history - also earned a number one with Calvin Harris and his younger brother John Newman's single 'Blame'.
He's worked with the likes of Ed Sheeran on 'Lay It All On Me', and has twice been nominated for a Grammy Award for co-writing Toni Braxton's 'Coping' and Kesha's 'Let 'Em Talk'.
Jo Wallace - Acting Controller of Entertainment Commissioning for the BBC - added: “We are so pleased to have James back with us and representing the United Kingdom at 'Eurovision 2021'.
"After 2020 and the cancellation of the 65th Contest, 'Eurovision' is exactly what everyone needs!”
BMG will release and publish James' entry, while BBC Studios will produce the UK's coverage of the beloved competition.
The exciting announcement comes weeks after Graham Norton - who has commentated on the show since 2009 - promised there will "definitely" be a competition this year.
He recently said: "There’s definitely going to be a 'Eurovision' this year, the competition element is going to happen.
"I think they’re ready for any eventuality. If some countries can’t travel, they can Zoom in a performance. I doubt we’ll be in a stadium full of 20,000 people."