Eurovision Fact #344:
Yesterday, it was announced that Rita Ora would be performing as the interval act for the first semi-final in the 2023 contest. This has sparked a bit of rage among some Eurovision fans as they recall that Ora backed out of the chance to represent the United Kingdom in 2009.
Ora auditioned for the UK's Your Country Needs You! at the age of 18 and ended up getting offered the chance to represent the UK, but declined saying that she "felt inside that it wasn’t right" for her. She walked out of the audition room and disappeared, recalling the event, she said: "Imagine if I'd stayed! It would probably have been all over for me. At best, I'd be a contestant on that diving show…? Splash! Yeah, Splash! I love that show."
Jade Ewen ended up representing the UK that year -- and later went on Splash! in 2013 -- and said the following about Ora's actions and comments: "Easy to mock when you are enjoying success. Eurovision and Splash? Proud of both. Some manage to sleep their way to success some have morals."
[Sources]
