January is cold and dark and miserable – but there’s a big camp light at the end of the tunnel, and its name is Eurovision.
The celebration of all things cheesy, flamboyant and not at all political is on the horizon, and the UK has a big choice on its hands.
Six acts are battling it out to become Great Britain's entry in the first Eurovision Song Contest since a certain political referendum that happened back in June.
In Britain we love taking votes about Europe into our own hands, so we’ll be choosing our own Eurovision act on Friday in BBC Two's Eurovision: You Decide.
How to throw the ultimate Eurovision party at home
Hosted by a post-Bake Off Mel Giedroyc at the Hammersmith Apollo, the show will include live performances from all the hopeful singers as the public picks one to enter the Kiev final later this year.
Of course, it pays to be as prepared and well-informed as possible before taking an important vote – remember, this affects how the rest of Europe sees us – so have a good listen to all the acts below.
1) Olivia Garcia – Freedom Hearts
In brief: an optimistic banger about securing freedom and ‘finding a new start’
2) Holly Brewer – I Wish I Loved You More
In brief: a mid-tempo song about a relationship that’s just not perfect enough to bother remaining in
3) Lucie Jones – Never Give Up On You
In brief: a sombre piano ballad about realising you’re stronger together and choosing to 'dance through the storm'
4) Danyl Johnson – Light Up the World
In brief: an up-tempo anthem that seems to genuinely not be about Brexit
5) Salena Mastroianni – I Don’t Wanna Fight
In brief: a Sia-esque club smasher about setting aside a bitter conflict and 'keeping on telling lies'
6) Nate Simpson – What Are We Made Of
In brief: a regretful introspective soul-searcher about letting the future down and wanting to make amends
Which of these will secure enough votes on the night? Will anyone in Europe actually vote for us now? Will we be any worse off now than we usually would be in Eurovision?
Answers are scarce for now, but one thing’s for sure: Eurovision means Eurovision, and it’s up to you to pick the right red, white and blue candidate for us.
Eurovision: You Decide airs on BBC Two, Friday, 7.30pm
