UK Eurovision 2023: Where Did Remember Monday Go Wrong?

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 19, 2025

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UK Eurovision 2023: Where Did Remember Monday Go Wrong?

The UK's Eurovision 2023 entry, "I Wrote a Song," performed by Mae Muller, finished in second-to-last place, sparking widespread disappointment and prompting many to reflect on the UK's Eurovision strategy. But while Mae Muller gave a solid performance, the question remains: what went wrong for the pre-contest favourite, Remember Monday? Their song, "I Wrote a Song," was initially tipped for victory, but ultimately failed to capture the hearts (and votes) of Europe. Let's delve into the potential reasons behind this unexpected stumble.

The Pre-Contest Hype and its Fallout

Remember Monday (later shortened to just "Monday" for the Eurovision stage) enjoyed significant pre-contest buzz. Bookmakers placed them highly, suggesting a strong chance of success. This generated considerable anticipation, potentially setting the bar unrealistically high. The pressure cooker environment of Eurovision, with its intense scrutiny and high stakes, can be incredibly daunting, and failing to meet sky-high expectations can be devastating.

The Song Itself: A Matter of Taste?

While "I Wrote a Song" is catchy and undeniably well-produced, its appeal may have been limited. Eurovision is notoriously fickle; a song that connects with one jury might completely miss the mark with another. The song's slightly cynical, self-aware lyrics might not have resonated with the broad emotional palette of the Eurovision audience, who often favor more overtly emotional or celebratory anthems.

• Lack of Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Compared to other entries, "I Wrote a Song" might have lacked a distinct USP. Many other songs boasted more memorable melodies, unique instrumentation, or powerful vocal performances that helped them stand out from the pack.

• Genre Limitations: The song's genre – a blend of pop and alt-pop – might not have been perfectly suited to the Eurovision stage. Historically, upbeat, anthemic pop songs with broad appeal have often fared better.

The Performance: Stage Presence and Visuals

While Mae Muller delivered a competent performance, some critics felt it lacked the explosive energy and stage presence often associated with Eurovision winners. The staging, too, might not have been sufficiently captivating to fully engage viewers. In the highly visual world of Eurovision, a strong performance is crucial, and this could have been an area where Remember Monday fell short.

The Voting System: A Complex Equation

The Eurovision voting system is a complex beast. It combines jury votes and public votes, creating a dynamic and unpredictable outcome. While Remember Monday might have garnered some support from juries, it clearly failed to generate sufficient public votes to propel them higher up the leaderboard. Understanding the nuances of the voting system is critical to Eurovision success, and any strategic missteps could have significantly impacted the final result.

Lessons Learned for Future UK Entries

The disappointing performance of Remember Monday underscores the need for the UK to carefully consider its Eurovision strategy. This includes:

• Song Selection: A more carefully curated song selection process, potentially involving wider public input, could help identify songs with broader appeal.
• Stagecraft and Performance: Investing in high-quality staging, choreography, and vocal coaching is vital to create a memorable and impactful performance.
• Understanding the Eurovision Audience: Thorough market research to better understand the preferences of the diverse Eurovision audience is essential.

The UK’s Eurovision journey is a long and winding road. While 2023 may not have been the year for Remember Monday, the experience provides valuable lessons for future entries. Only time will tell if the UK can learn from its mistakes and finally reclaim a top spot in the Eurovision Song Contest. What are your thoughts? Share your opinions in the comments below.