Years & Years: Last News

Olly Alexander has expressed his gratitude after competing in Eurovision 2024, saying that receiving zero public points was “iconic”.The Years & Years frontman represented the UK with his song ‘Dizzy’ at this year’s competition, which took place in Malmö, Sweden. He finished 18th out of 25 countries – earning 46 points from the jury, but none from the voting public.Nemo clinched victory for Switzerland at Eurovision 2024 with their track ‘The Code’.

Olly Alexander has spoken to NME about the vibe of his upcoming album ‘Polari’, inspired by the likes of Kate Bush and Pet Shop Boys. Watch our interview below.The former Eurovision entrant and Years & Years frontman was speaking to NME from the red carpet from the MTV EMAs on Sunday (November 10). The awards were held in Manchester, a much-loved spot for the singer.“My favourite thing about partying in Manchester is all the gays that are here – all the queer people,” said Alexander.

Olly Alexander has admitted that he is “ambivalent” about the Union Jack flag.The Years and Years star, who is set to perform for the UK with his song ‘Dizzy’ at the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden this Saturday (May 11), said he also found it “divisive” and “nationalist” but he wants to reclaim the flag in a “positive way”.Speaking to the media [via Metro] ahead of the contest, Alexander said: “I’ve grown up in the UK, there’s a lot that I love about the UK, maybe the people and I’m lucky to have grown up in the UK.“I too have an ambivalent relationship with the Union Jack and what that represents to people because it can feel divisive, it can feel nationalist, but it can also feel like a representation of what’s good about the UK and what makes it good – it’s the inclusivity, the diversity. I am choosing to kind of focus on those aspects of what I believe being in the UK has given me in my upbringing as well.”He continued: “I hope to reclaim the Union Jack in a positive way and when I’m going to be out there waving my flag, waving the Union Jack at the flag parade, it’s for all the good things that have come from growing up in the UK and being British and yeah, I think definitely focusing on that side of things.”It comes after Alexander recently reportedly broke down in tears during an interview when addressing the current controversies relating to Israel’s participation in this year’s competition.Alexander went on to say he supported “a ceasefire, returning the hostages, the safety and security of all people in Gaza.

Olly Alexander reportedly broke down in tears during an interview when addressing the current controversies relating to Israel’s participation in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.Alexander will represent the UK with his song ‘Dizzy’ at the grand final of the contest in Malmö, Sweden next Saturday (May 11). However, he has been subject to strong calls to boycott the competition over Israel being allowed to compete due to its ongoing war with Gaza, in the name of showing solidarity with Palestine.In a new interview with The Times, Alexander admitted he had been struggling after the interviewer noticed that he seemed out of sorts during his performance at a Eurovision pre-party in London.“Yes, I struggled that day,” he said. “I was holed up in a room trying not to have a breakdown.

Olly Alexander made a cameo appearance in last night’s episode of EastEnders (May 2) – watch below.The Years & Years frontman starred in a scene on the BBC One soap ahead of representing the UK at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden next Saturday (May 11).Alexander visited the iconic Queen Victoria pub on Albert Square, where he was introduced as a friend of Johnny Carter (played by Charlie Suff). The latter character explained that the pair “go way back”, adding: “Years and years, in fact.”The singer added: “We met in a bar in Manchester.

Pet Shop Boys have responded to the recent comparisons of their classic single ‘It’s A Sin’ to Olly Alexander’s Eurovision entry ‘Dizzy’.Alexander released the track last month ahead of the Years & Years singer representing the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden next month.‘Dizzy’ was co-written by Alexander and electronic producer Danny L Harle (Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, Caroline Polachek). Upon the track’s release, the former explained that it was “inspired by a lot of music we love from the ’80s like Erasure, Adamski and of course Pet Shop Boys”.Some listeners have pointed out similarities to Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe’s 1987 hit specifically.

Olly Alexander is set to make an appearance on EastEnders next month.The Years & Years singer is this year’s UK Eurovision Song Contest entrant, and will be visiting Walford as part of his rehearsal process.According to the BBC, Alexander will be heading to the fictional Queen Vic pub after finishing up rehearsals for his Eurovision performance nearby.Alexander has spoken about the opportunity to feature on the UK’s most popular TV soap, saying: “I’m thrilled to be making my first appearance on EastEnders and in the most iconic pub in the UK.”The It’s A Sin star continued: “I’m so happy I got to meet some true screen legends and spend time on set with the brilliant cast and crew.”Alexander shared how he had initially wanted the appearance to be kept secret from his mum: “I wanted to surprise my mum as it’s her favourite show but I guess the cat is out of the bag now, she’s gonna love it!”

Olly Alexander has confirmed that he will not boycott this year’s Eurovision, despite Israel’s inclusion, saying “it wouldn’t bring us any closer to our shared goal”.The UK’s entry in this year’s competition has faced calls to withdraw in solidarity with Palestine, but it appears that will not be happening.In a personal statement posted on his social media accounts, he said: “I wholeheartedly support action being taken to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the return of all hostages and the safety and security of all civilians in Palestine and Israel.“I know some people will choose to boycott this year’s Eurovision and I understand and respect their decision.”Queers for Palestine sent me their letter asking me to withdraw from the ESC earlier this week and I responded to them directly, I’m sharing my response here alongside this mornings collective artist statement

Olly Alexander and a number of other performers have released a joint statement about their participation in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest after calls to boycott the competition in solidarity with Palestine.Yesterday (March 28) hundreds of queer artists, individuals and organisations called on Alexander to pull out of the competition this year, after its refusal to expel Israel.Now, Alexander, alongside Ireland’s Bambie Thug, Norway’s Gåte, Portugal’s Iolanda, San Marino’s Megara, Switzerland’s Nemo, Denmark’s SABA, Lithuania’s Silvester Belt and Finland’s Windows95Man, have signed a letter outlining their response.“We want to begin by acknowledging the privilege of taking part in Eurovision,” it begins.pic.twitter.com/VBNQWwPe46— olly alexander (@alexander_olly) March 29, 2024“In light of the current situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and particularly in Gaza, and in Israel, we do not feel comfortable being silent. It is important to us to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and communicate our heartfelt wish for peace, an immediate and lasting ceasefire, and the safe return of all hostages.

Olly Alexander has shared the new solo track ‘Dizzy’, which will also serve as the UK’s official entry for Eurovision 2024. Check it out below.Released today (March 1), the track was written by Alexander in collaboration with electronic producer Danny L Harle (Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, Caroline Polachek), and looks to capture that same intoxicating rush felt when with someone new.Inspired by the club classics of the ‘00s, the song also comes alongside a new music video – capturing a head-spinning representation of the emotions described in the lyrics and blurring the line between fantasy and reality.“I wrote the song last summer with Danny L Harle, we started off with the word ‘Dizzy’ because it just popped into my head and I liked it.

Eurovision Song Contest has been revealed – you can check it out below.The 68th Eurovision will take place in Malmö, Sweden, with the Grand Final of the competition due to be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024. This week, it was announced that Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander will represent the UK.Today (December 19), Fredrik Stormby from Sweden-based design studio Green Wall Designs has been confirmed as the Lighting and Screen Content Designer for the 2024 contest.The designer will join the senior production team along with production designer FlorianWieder to help create, design and deliver “a large-scale and spectacular show to a global audience of over 160million”.Green Wall Designs, which was co-founded by Stormby, is one of the world’s leading creative studios renowned for creating captivating visual experiences in music and live entertainment.The company specialises in video, lighting and scenic elements, and worked on Loreen’s winning performance at Eurovision 2023 back in May.

Olly Alexander has said he has “got a lot of music ready to go” following the news that he’ll be representing the UK at Eurovision 2024.Earlier this week, it was announced that the Years & Years singer is set to compete in the contest next year in Malmö, Sweden – the hometown of the 2023 winner Loreen. Alexander will succeed the UK’s previous contestant Mae Muller, who finished second to last.Speaking to Magic Breakfast yesterday (December 18), the artist explained (via Music News): “The song that I have for Eurovision I made with Danny L Harle, who’s a brilliant pop producer, and we made basically a whole album.“So I’ve got a lot of music ready to go so I’m so, so excited that it’s coming.”Alexander last released an album in the form of Years & Years’ third studio effort ‘Night Call’, which arrived in early 2022.

Olly Alexander has said shares his hopes to “fly the flag for the country in the gayest way possible” when he performs as the UK’s entry at Eurovision 2024.The Years & Years singer will represent the country next year in Malmö, Sweden – the hometown of this year’s winner Loreen – as revealed during the Strictly Come Dancing final this weekend.He will succeed the UK’s previous contestant Mae Muller, who finished second to last in the 2023 competition.The artist previously shared on social media that it was “very difficult to keep quiet”, but that he has “wanted to do this for a long time.”In a statement released Saturday (December 16), the ‘King’ singer vowed to “fly the flag for the UK in the gayest way possible” and “put on an unforgettable performance”.While details about the song currently remain under wraps, Alexander has confirmed that it was co-written by Danny L Harle, who has produced Dua Lipa‘s new song ‘Houdini‘ alongside Tame Impala‘s Kevin Parker.“It’s gonna be electronic, something you can dance to,” Alexander told the BBC. “But I can’t say much more than that.“I just can’t wait to get out there and meet the fans and everyone else taking part,” he added.

Olly Alexander has been announced as the UK’s Eurovision entry for 2024.The Years & Years singer will represent the country next year in Malmö, Sweden, the hometown of this year’s winner Loreen. He will succeed the UK’s previous contestant Mae Muller, who finished second to last in the 2023 competition.On socials, Alexander said it was “very difficult to keep quiet”, but that he has “wanted to do this for a long time.”“It feels like the right moment to start releasing music under my own name”, he added.

Years & Years‘ Olly Alexander has become the latest artist to receive their own waxwork at Madame Tussauds.The singer and actor’s waxwork will debut at the London branch of the world famous attraction next month.“I’m completely overwhelmed and honestly in shock and disbelief to think I’ve been made into a figure for the iconic Madame Tussauds London!” Alexander said in a statement.“My brain simply cannot process it. Getting to be involved in the process was so cool and I feel very honoured to have been so lovingly sculpted into such a gorgeous figure – I’ve seen a sneak peek and I love it! I really can’t wait to hang out with the other figures especially Freddie Mercury, ET and Beyonce.”Tim Waters of Madame Tussauds added: “We are over the moon to be launching Olly Alexander’s first-ever Madame Tussauds figure.

Mad Cool 2023 has announced a new batch of artists additions to this year’s festival line-up. Check them out below.M.I.A will be performing on Saturday, July 8, sharing the day with acts such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ava Max, Liam Gallagher, The Prodigy, The Rose and Years & Years. Her joining the bill comes after Janelle Monáe‘s cancellation of their festival slot alongside the cancellation of her European tour.Other acts that have been added include dEUS, Maxïmo Park, Velmondo, Teo Planell, and Black Maracas.

Years & Years spoke to NME backstage at Glastonbury 2022 and told us his dream collabs, what it’s like to play ‘Night Call’ live for fans, and what message he has for fans during this “difficult” time.Olly Alexander talked to us right before performing on the Other Stage on Sunday (June 26). Today’s show marked his third time taking the stage at Worthy Farm, and his first time taking the stage solo as Years & Years.“It’s the best,” Alexander said when asked about playing new music live to fans after the pandemic. “It’s so good to be back out there because it’s such an exchange.

Years & Years and BRITs nominee Regard have shared their new single ‘Hallucination’.The track, which you can listen to below, sees the Kosovo Albanian DJ and producer laying his beats over Olly Alexander‘s falsetto vocals.“Don’t be so fake, oh/ Your love is a hallucination,” Alexander cries over the disco pop anthem.Speaking about the track, Alexander said: “I wrote Hallucination with [producer] Joel Little back in 2019. I was inspired to write it when an ex lover attempted to re-enter my life.

Yard Act and Years & Years are in a close race for this week’s UK Number One album, with just 400 sales separating them.Last Friday (January 21) saw the rising Leeds band release their debut record ‘The Overload’ as Olly Alexander dropped Years & Years’ third studio effort ‘Night Call’. Both albums were awarded four stars by NME.As the Official Charts Company reports today (January 25), Yard Act are edging closer to securing their first Number One in the UK albums chart on Friday (January 28).Should the group achieve the victory, they would become the first act of 2022 to land at the top spot with their debut full-length.Fewer than 400 sales separate Yard Act and Years & Years in the chart battle as of today.

Growing up, Olly Alexander was enthralled by the mythology and folklore of fairy tales. He grew up in the Forest of Dean, in South West England, and worked at Moonstones, a shop specializing in the sale of witches’ books and crystals.

Years & Years’ Olly Alexander has praised Lil Nas X for “completely changing the game” for LGBTQ artists.Alexander was speaking to NME for this week’s Big Read when he praised the impact that the singer/rapper has had since his 2018 breakthrough with ‘Old Town Road’.Initially reflecting on how he’s personally become “much more relaxed and at ease with myself” in recent years, Alexander said that at the start of Years & Years’ career “I was really quite scared”.“Putting the word ‘boy’ into a song – it felt like there was quite a lot of jeopardy there,” he said. “Like, it felt risky in a way that it just doesn’t now.”Noting how “times have changed” since Years & Years dropped their 2015 debut album ‘Communion’, Alexander said that he believes that he and other LGBTQ artists are benefiting from Lil Nas X’s “fearless” rise to the top.“Even just a few years ago, I’d get comments about my show like: ‘It’s not really family-friendly; we can’t broadcast this [on TV] in the daytime,’” Alexander said.