Eurovision:
Making Your Mind Up 2005
Biographies
Andy Scott Lee
The past few years have seen Andy Scott Lee become as recognisable a face on the pop landscape as his equally famous sister, Lisa.
His time with 3SL first propelled him and his two brothers Steve and Anthony into the limelight but it was his subsequent success on the TV phenomenon Pop Idol which has seen Andy establish himself as solo star in his own right.
As well as singing, Andy has also been filming a pilot for MTV called Scott-Lee Unlimited which follows the whole Scott-Lee clan, Lisa and her husband Johny Shental, mum, dad, brother Anthony as well as Andy's girlfriend Michelle Heaton.
Given his background and his multi-talented family, Andy is an extremely seasoned performer and one who is incredibly comfortable in a live, highly pressured environment.
Does he feel this will give him some sort of an advantage on the night?
"My experience on Pop Idol has given me the confidence to perform
live on TV but it doesn't mean I have an edge on everybody else."
The performance element of Eurovision has become almost as important as the song itself in recent years; does he have any tricks up his sleeve on the night to try and wow the crowds?
"I'm hoping I won't need any tricks as I really believe in my song. I believe in my own ability. Although Cheryl Baker has said I could borrow her skirt if I want!"
The Eurovision Song Contest has provided us with a legion of classic songs and moments over the years, and everyone has their own stand out memories of the event.
"I think everyone would probably say their favourite all time Eurovision song was Waterloo by Abba. It was a huge hit then and is still classic today...
"I also really enjoyed the Ukrainian winner Ruslana's performance last year. She's gorgeous and looks like Catherine Zeta-Jones. The leather outfits were very nice!"
Gina G
Australian pop sensation Gina G represented Britain in the Eurovision Song Contest with Ooh Aah, Just a Little Bit back in 1996 coming in at a highly respectable seventh place.
The song rocketed to number one and remained in the top five for nearly three months, making her one of the most successful acts Britain has ever had at Eurovision.
Fast forward to 2005, and Gina is now looking to conquer Europe, and claim the Eurovision crown that some say was rightfully hers.
And it seems that the time is right with everything for her comeback falling neatly into place.
"For about three years I had been thinking about the concept of representing Britain again in Eurovision. I had always had a lot of pressure from fans to do it again; as we all agree 'we was robbed'.
"So this year, I thought, I wonder if the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ would be interested? The amazing thing was, just as I was thinking about contacting them, they contacted me. I nearly fell over!
"They asked me to compete in Making Your Mind Up... now all I have to do is win it."
And of course the competition is fierce this year, with many talented acts in the running for chance to represent the UK, so how does she rate her chances?
"Well I haven't heard the other entries, but this year I have tough competition because the competitors are well known.
"The performance is crucial if Britain is to have a chance of winning Eurovision this year. If the public votes for the song and performance, then I think I've got a good chance."
It's clear that Gina is delighted to be in the running for a return to Eurovision, and like the event’s loyal fan base is very passionate about the contest and what it stands for.
Speaking about its longevity, and the reasons why people still love it so much, Gina says: "It's such a great thing that every year Europe unites for something really positive... like music!
"It's become so iconic and has like a cultish following.
"Another great thing about it is that it has moved with the times over the last few years and become up to date; and I think this has kept it alive.
"And of course the best thing about it is Terry Wogan."
When it comes to the performance on the night of Saturday 5 March Gina is remaining tight lipped!
Javine
When it comes to performing live on stage, Javine is certainly no stranger to the pressures involved.
Having spent two years in the coveted role of Nala in the West End production of The Lion King and playing to packed houses every night, her skills were honed to perfection.
Armed with this invaluable experience she auditioned for and shot to fame on the ITV show Popstars: The Rivals.
Proving hugely popular with viewers throughout the show's run, Javine made it to the last six girl singers.
However, in a nail-biting final, Javine was not selected to be in the group that was to go on to become Girls Aloud.
But the story did not end there and the initial disappointment of not making the band has been well and truly forgotten as Javine has gone on to enjoy massive success as a solo artist in her own right.
Her debut single Real Things went straight into the charts at number four and featured on Richard X's critically acclaimed album with a cover of the Thelma Houston classic You Used To.
Javine has continued to feature in the charts with her most recent hit Don't Walk Away garnering massive radio play.
With such an extensive and wide ranging portfolio of music, it comes as no surprise that this talented singer song writer could not pass up the opportunity to be part of such a huge music event.
"Music can be what ever you want it to be and to see all these different countries coming together on one night and hearing all their different influences is a great experience.
"Ultimately one country will win which brings intensity to the whole show...
"For my performance I will be singing and dancing to the best of my ability, I will be taking the audience on a fantastic ride!"
Katie Price
Katie Price rocketed to fame as her alter ego Jordan, the nation's much loved and best known glamour model.
At the age of 18 Jordan was a fresh face in Page Three and became a regular on the nation's most well known page.
Motherhood, a stint in the jungle, and a pop star boyfriend has only added to her celebrity.
Her every move is avidly devoured by the public and now there is a new chapter in the Katie story to consume - Eurovision: Making Your Mind Up and the beginnings of a brand new musical career.
Although music as a possible career progression for Katie has been well documented in the press, the time has never been quite right.
How does she feel people will react to her newest incarnation now that time has finally arrived?
"I'm always surprising people, so I don't think there will be any change there, and as I always say – never underestimate the Pricey!"
Looking forward to 5 March, her performance is obviously going to be under a great deal of scrutiny. Does she feel that people will take her seriously?
"I want to succeed at everything I do, so I hope so. I think I have done pretty well so far, so I hope people can give me a chance to show them what I can do."
So how does she feel about the big night and just what does she think her chances are against some of the other, more experienced performers?
"I'm really looking forward to it. It is all about representing your country which I would love to do.
"The whole country getting behind and voting for someone like me would be amazing!
"I'll do my very best, and I would love to fly the flag for the UK, but if I can't fly it, then I'll wear it."
Tricolore
Stuart Pendred, Jem Sharples and Scott Ciscon collectively make up the unique concert act Tricolore.
Bringing wit, charm and distinctive vocal arrangements to their show they have performed throughout the UK, Europe and the USA.
The boys have performed alongside such notables as Sting, soul diva Beyonce and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and have entertained celebrities, statesmen, royalty and sports figures including Eric Clapton, former Prime Minister John Major, the Lord Mayor of London and the Sarah, Duchess of York to name a few.
Over the years, the Eurovision Song Contest has become renowned and adored amongst its legion of fans for over the top, kitsch, high octane performances.
At first glance, an operatic act may not seem the most obvious choice for Eurovision.
However, it's exactly this point of difference that the three lads feel work to their advantage.
"We guess being different can be a good thing at times. Our style of singing seems to be quite popular at the moment.
"But, a good song is a good song. We think we have one and we hope that people will agree."
However, the lads are aware of the importance of a fully rounded performance and a couple of them seem to have some tricks up their sleeves for the night.
Jem: "When the dance break comes in, look out for my Brotherhood of Man!"
Scott: "Since we ruled out the clothes-ripping idea early on and my Flashdance routine is a bit rusty, I might have to get Natasha Kaplinski up for a little dance."
Stuart on the other hand has rather more straightforward ideas on how he sees the performance working on the night...
"All I want is monitors that work.. I'm also hoping to remember my lines and not bump into any of the furniture."
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