We’ve stepped into Eurovision week once again and even though the UK has a secured spot in the final, it’s been quite some time, precisely since 1997, that we tasted victory in the song contest.
This year, the UK is pinning its hopes on Mae Muller, our Eurovision 2023 representative. Following in the footsteps of Sam Ryder, who claimed an impressive second place in Turin last year, marking the UK’s best position in over 20 years, Muller has some sizable shoes to fill.
However, this year comes with a home-field advantage for Muller, as the UK fills in for Ukraine as the host, with Liverpool proudly staging the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. Whether you’re fortunate enough to witness her performance live at the Grand Final in the M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool this Saturday, or tuning in from the comfort of your home, here’s a comprehensive lowdown on the pop sensation.
Who exactly is Mae Muller, her age, and nationality?
Holly Mae Muller, better known by her stage name Mae Muller, is a 25-year-old London-born British national. Despite her British roots, she does have a German lineage and has stated her intention to acquire a German passport in a recent interview.
Muller was brought up in a Jewish family in Kentish Town. In a bold move against anti-Semitism in the music industry, she shared a story about her grandfather who escaped Nazi Germany at the age of 12 and found refuge in the UK.
Already boasting a significant stint in the music industry, Muller penned her first song at the tender age of eight. Her first taste of celebrity came when she featured in Mika’s Grace Kelly video at nine. A publishing deal landed in her lap while she was still a teenager working at a pub. Since then, she has released two EPs, amassed over 2 billion streams, and clocked millions of views on YouTube and TikTok. Muller even shared the stage with Little Mix on a stadium tour.
Her most prominent hit so far is the platinum-selling single Better Days, a joint venture with NEIKED and Polo G, which managed to climb into the top 10 in the US in 2021.
What is Mae Muller’s Eurovision song and how was she selected to represent the UK?
I Wrote A Song, Mae Muller’s entry for the UK at Eurovision, is a catchy post-breakup tune. It has been praised as ‘Dua Lipa-esque electronic pop’ and ‘slick, polished, revengeful pop music’ by critics.
Upon its release in March, the song secured a spot in the UK Top 40, becoming the first Eurovision song to achieve this feat during the release week since 2011.
The song is a collaborative effort between Muller, Lewis Thompson – a Brit Award nominated songwriter, and Karen Poole from Alisha’s Attic, who has composed songs for renowned artists such as Kylie Minogue, Lily Allen, and David Guetta.
Muller was handpicked to represent the United Kingdom in the contest by the BBC and global management and music publishing company TaP Music, which represents a star-studded roster including Lana del Rey, Ellie Goulding, London Grammar, Dermot Kennedy, and Mabel. This is the same team that backed Ryder and his song Space Man last year.
As they embarked on their hunt for this year’s act, Ben Mawson and Ed Millett at TaP Music expressed: “Last year we were driven to shift the UK and Eurovision narrative towards a more positive direction. We emphasized the core essence of Eurovision – discovering a remarkable artist, an unforgettable song, and an incredible personality. Sam Ryder exceeded our expectations, finishing second in the competition and then soaring to a number 1 single. This year, we aim to keep the positive momentum going with Mae Muller.”
Whether or not Muller will manage to bring the UK’s Eurovision dry spell to an end remains to be seen. However, with her talent and an upbeat break-up anthem to back her up, she’s surely a strong contender in this year’s contest. Regardless of the outcome, Mae Muller is a name to watch out for in the music industry.
Don’t miss out on her performance this Saturday at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, or catch her live on television from the comfort of your home, and join in the excitement of Eurovision 2023.
