Jade Ewen To Sing For the UK at Eurovision

Will we be saying "It’s My Time" in Moscow?

After two months of auditions, and five weeks of live TV performances, the public have chosen the UK representative for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Russia – and it’s Londoner Jade Ewen, who won the final public vote in the final of BBC One’s "Your Country Needs You".

Jade prevailed over the other two finalists, twins Nicola and Francine Gleedall and Mark Evans. Her interpretation of Lady Marmalade "ticked all the boxes" according to resident judge Lulu. Duncan James of Blue, also on the panel, told Jade she had "real star quality" while Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber described her performance as "a slam dunk" for success.

Second place went to the twins, who Lulu praised for the progress they’d made through the series. "I had doubts" she told them, but she was impressed by their determination. "You’ve really stepped up your game" Mark came in third place, despite his up-tempo version of "Try A Little Tenderness". "It’s nice to see you rock out a little" was Duncan’s verdict.

Tonight was also the official unveiling of the UK’s song for the competition, co-written by Lord Andrew & Diane Warren. "It’s My Time", an operatic-style ballad, was sung by all three finalists and reprised – in the Eurovision tradition – by the winner Jade at the end of the show.

"The journey doesn’t end tonight, it starts tonight" was Lord Andrew’s final take on proceedings. He has just over three months to work with Jade, who he feels has "so much to give" to polish the 3-minute entry for the final.

Guest vocalist tonight was Dima Bilan, the 2008 winner, whose song "Believe" took the Grand Prix in Belgrade. Jade’s chance to succeed him as Eurovision champion will come on May 16, at the Olympic Arena in Moscow.

More Eurovision fun at the BBC’s website.