UK's teen Eurovision entrant from Sheffield releases new music video to mark 20th anniversary

Lindsay Dracass was still at school when she finished 15th in the annual extravaganza in 2001 with No Dream Impossible, having been picked in a public vote.

She has recorded a new stripped back piano version of the song, which she has released on YouTube ahead of this weekend’s competition in Rotterdam, where Yorkshire-born James Newman will carry the UK’s hopes with Embers.

Now 36 and living with her partner Dan, who is a PE teacher, and her seven-year-old daughter Evie in Gleadless, she looks back on her Eurovision experience fondly.

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"The whole thing’s a bit of a blur because I was so young and it all happened so quickly, but I look back on it fondly,” she said.

"If I could do it again I think I’d do it a bit differently. I’d try to relax and enjoy myself a bit more.

"The hype surrounding Eurovision is unbelievable. It’s a mega show but I don’t think we appreciate it here as much as they do in other countries.

"In Sweden they’re so enthusiastic. They take about six months to pick their entry. It’s mad. I wish we were a bit more like that here.”

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Lindsay, who grew up in Arbourthorne and attended Myrtle Springs School, remembers watching Eurovision as a young girl with her grandmother and remains a ‘big fan’.

She told how the backing singers she performed with all those years ago, including Strictly Come Dancing’s Tommy Blaze with whom she remains in touch, were ‘amazing’ and ‘made it for me’.

After performing in Eurovision, Lindsay went on to tour with fellow Sheffielder Paul Carrack, of Mike and the Mechanics fame, and toured Europe as a support act for the Eagles.

She later worked part-time as a receptionist at the Hair Candy salon on West Street while continuing to write and perform with her long-term collaborator Julian Jones but is now focusing full-time on her music.

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She had her first gig in nearly a year on Thursday night, performing at the Bubba Bar in Kelham Island, and on Saturday will sing at a surprise birthday bash before heading to Manchester’s Bar Pop to appear at a Eurovision party.

"It’s good to be back gigging and working after all this time,” said Lindsay, who spent much of lockdown decorating her new home while waiting for the return of live music.

In 2019, Lindsay released the album Waiting For You, written with Julian Jones and inspired by her life story, but she is focusing on gigging now that she can perform live again.

Asked how she rates the UK’s chances at Eurovision this year, she said: “I like the trumpet, which I find myself whistling along to. It’s kind of like an Ibiza track with a real summer feel to it.

"He said he wanted to go with a party vibe, which is probably the right choice after the year we’ve had. I hope he does well. I’ll be supporting him on Saturday and I’ll have all my fingers and toes crossed.”

To listen to more of Lindsay’s music, click here.