Lee Dwayne, originally from Northallerton, has put himself forward to be the next UK candidate for Eurovision 2027, and despite the UK’s rocky track record at the contest, he isn’t put off.
The 35-year-old says he has nominated a song, the “strongest” he’s written, and is now waiting to hear whether he will be heading to Bulgaria next May.
“There is a lot of secrecy at the moment, and to be honest, I’m loving the mystery,” he said.
“I am not the one representing, but I am an option, and that is phenomenal.
“There are some amazing musicians here in the North East, so I thought I’d have a go myself.
“It’s all a bit of fun.
“Eurovision puts you through programmes to help candidates cope with the pressure, they know how it can affect certain people, but I’m not put off.”
(Image: STUART BOULTON)
Lee can’t discuss details of the song he hs put forward, but fancies his chances at being chosen.
He added: “It’s a brilliant opportunity, and I couldn’t think of a stronger song I’ve written.
“There is an agreement to not present my song in any way, whether it be on social media, releases, online, or live.
“Let’s see what the future brings, and I hope I can continue to bring smiles to people’s faces.
“Nothing might come of this understandably, but everything has a start.
Lee credits his dad, a huge fan of music, for giving him the bug.
His earliest musical memories include listening to the 1988 ‘Best Of’ album of Merseyside-founded electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) in his dad’s car on cassette.
His interest grew from there, and he wrote his first song in 2010 using a childrens’ keyboard.
Lee’s first official release was ‘The Beginning’, a demo collaboration of nine songs in 2023.
“It displayed how I have changed and progressed throughout my ideas and experience.”
He later released singles ‘Trying to Catch Your Eye’ and ‘Slow Down’ in 2024, and a charity CD in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society Charity before taking a break from music.
He returned in 2025 and released an album, ‘Sic Parvis Magna’, earlier this year, which roughly translates as “greatness from small beginnings”.