Eurovision 1981 – Bucks Fizz – Making your mind up
Cheryl Baker has declared Eurovision a “big woke fest” for its inclusive nature and defended UK entrant Mae Muller over criticism for political comments.
Muller will be representing the UK at tonight’s live final of the song contest in Liverpool, performing track I Wrote A Song in the hopes of taking home the trophy.
However shortly after she was announced as the entrant, she faced backlash for unearthed tweets declaring she “hated the country” during the government’s row over free school meals.
While Muller has said she doesn’t regret the comments and takes exception to them being taken out of context, critics labelled her “too woke” for the contest and shouldn’t be representing us.
However, previous Eurovision winner Cheryl Baker – who brought the UK to victory in 1981 as part of Bucks Fizz – says being critical of her is entirely missing what Eurovision represents.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, in association with Ice 36, Baker said: “I mean, that’s the whole point of Eurovision! It’s the coming together of everybody – no matter what race, colour, religion, sexuality… that’s the beauty of Eurovision.
“It is a big woke fest, isn’t it? Anything and everybody is welcome. That’s what I love about it.”
“There’s no animosity, there’s no jealousy. There’s no racism. It’s just a wonderful big coming together, a great big melting pot of colours, creeds, religions, sexuality, it’s everyone coming together just for the music and for the joy of the Eurovision,” she continued.
“It’s a wonderful thing is Eurovision, and it’s a healer.”
“It is woke. So I’m glad it’s woke! Not that I really know what woke means,” adds Baker. “But if it means that we all accept each other for who we are and what we are no matter what – what you are, what you look like, where you come from.
“If it means that everyone is accepting everybody else. I think that’s a pretty blooming great thing personally.”
As for Muller, Baker encouraged the singer to shake off the negativity as best she can, and focus on the positives of her Eurovision experience.
“I know on Twitter and stuff there have been some stupid misremarks and things. Just, you know, you’re always gonna get the haters,” said Baker.
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“You’re always gonna get these weirdos who say stupid things because they think it’s, you know, because they get a reaction. Just ignore it. Just blow it aside.”
Speaking directly to Muller, Baker concluded: “You’re representing your country, Mae, you’re representing the whole of the United Kingdom and you’re gonna do a great job.
“You’re a great performer, you’ve written a great song. Just enjoy the moment and the whole country, apart from those idiots that say stupid things, the whole rest of the country like 99. 99999% recurring are going to be behind you, so just have a great time.”
Typically, Eurovision is hosted in the country of the previous year’s winner, however the 2023 event has bucked tradition due to ongoing conflicts.
Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine – who took home the win last year – the Eurovision team decided to transfer hosting duties to the UK, who came in second place with Sam Ryder.
Ukrainian broadcaster Timur Miroshnychenko will be present in the city as part of the presenting team in honour of this, joining Rylan, Ted Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham, Alesha Dixon and Graham Norton among the UK presenting team.
The Eurovision Song Contest’s Grand Finale airs May 18 on BBC One.
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