Unlike their neighbors on the European Continent, Britons generally don’t take the competitions particularly seriously. And a succession of lacklustre pop representatives in 2000s confirmed that. The lowest ebb came in 2003 when an off-key performance by Jemini earned Britain “nil points.”
That disaster is unlikely to happen this year. Tyler, like Humperdink, has a kitsch and “campiness” which fits with the vibe of Eurovision.
Tyler is best-known for her hits “Holding Out for a Hero,” “It’s a Heartache,” And “Total Eclipse of a the Heart,” whose over-the-top Russell Mulcahy-directed video is one of the most memorable from the first half of the ‘80s.
The 61-year-old Tyler joins an impressive list of artists who’ve represented Britain – some who hardly even register as Brits. Cliff Richard represented in 1968 and 1973 (and lost both times), the Australian singer Olivia Newton-John performed for Britain in 1974 (and lost), and Bucks Fizz’ infamous skirts-off routine saw them win the competition in 1981. But you’d have to go back to 1997 and Katrina and the Waves (singer Katrina Leskanich is U.S.-born), for Britain’s last victory in the song contest.
Though it won’t have any bearing on Eurovision, Tyler’s profile has enjoyed a huge boost on the other side of the world –- Australia -- thanks to a corny ad-campaign. Tyler appeared in a 2012 advertisement for the Australian bank, Westpac. The clip, which became a water-cooler talking point in offices across the country, sees Tyler walking across water whilst singing “Total Eclipse of the Heart” at a wedding.
