The UK’s ‘Eurovision Song Contest 2016’ entry will be decided by public vote.
The BBC has opened up the selection process for the annual contest after years of TV bosses selecting the entry themselves and have invited "amateur, professional and superstar" singers to apply.
Eurovision commentator Graham Norton said BBC bosses are now taking the show "seriously" and it’s the "icing on the cake" for fans.
He said: "Eurovision is one of the highlights of my year. I love the fact the BBC is launching its biggest song search ever.
"It really shows they take the competition seriously and the fact that the public will get the final say on who is sent to represent the UK is the icing on the cake."
Hopefuls aged 18 or over are invited to apply before the November 20 deadline in what will be the second open talent hunt since 2008.
Atomic Kitten and Hugh Goldsmith – Blue’s former manager – will lead the search.
The shortlist acts will perform in front of a judging panel and the public will pick the UK entry for the contest held in Sweden on May 14.
The last time the UK won the contest – favoured for it’s rousing stage productions, cheesy songs, and patriotic rivalry between countries – was 18 years ago with Katrina and The Waves entry ‘Love Shine a Light’.
Other recent notable Eurovision memories include Australia being allowed to enter last year and Austrian drag queen Conchita Wurst winning in 2014.
Public decides UK Eurovision entry
