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A Corbijn, JM Naglestad, Warner Music Spain, Getty
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The Eurovision entrants for (from left to right) the Netherlands, Norway, United Kingdom, Spain and Australia
Back in February, James Newman stepped onto a small stage at a London club to perform My Last Breath live to a crowd for the first time.
After writing hits for Ed Sheeran, Calvin Harris and Little Mix he was introducing himself to the world as an artist in his own right.
That morning Radio 1 Breakfast had revealed him as the UK’s entry at the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest in the Netherlands.
James decided taking part in the world’s largest live music event was “too good an opportunity to turn down”.
“It’s a baptism of fire for a new artist.”
After the UK finished in last place in 2019, James’ participation was seen as a new direction for the country’s involvement in the contest.
But coronavirus put a stop to it.
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Getty Images
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Duncan Laurence won the 2019 trophy with a song called Arcade
On 18 March the Eurovision Song Contest was cancelled for the first time in its 64-year history.
Organisers called the decision “difficult” and said everyone involved in the contest was “heartbroken”.
At that point the UK was fast approaching lockdown and James said he was “expecting” the announcement but was still “absolutely gutted”.
“I was meant to be singing on the stage in front of a TV audience of 200 million and 20,000 people in an arena – but what’s more important is people’s health.”
James was one of 41 acts who were due to compete in the Dutch city of Rotterdam.
Lesley Roy, representing Ireland, says she went from “excitement, high energy and a buzz” about her song to “being upset but not really shocked”.
Israel’s Eden Alene admitted she “cried a lot” and Poland’s Alicja says the cancellation was “crushing news”.
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Warner Music Spain
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Spain’s Blas Canto was due to perform with a song called Universo
Blas Canto’s anxiety worsened when “the most incredible festival” was cancelled.
“I’ve fought it since I was 20 but now this situation is hard because my heart is broken,” the 28-year-old Spain contestant tells Newsbeat.
The former boyband member, who’s duetted with Kelly Clarkson, developed a rash across his body as a result of the anxiety and had to pull out of online concerts.
“My throat was closed and my mind,” he explains. “I can’t breathe normally or sing like I used to do and it’s hard for me because I want to give my best to the fans.”
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Lora Musheva
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Victoria from Bulgaria describes her song as her “precious”
Victoria Georgieva, 22, was representing Bulgaria, who were returning to the contest after a year’s absence.
Tears Getting Sober, a sparse but melodic Billie Eilish-esque ballad, was seen as one of the favourites.
“It meant a lot because I’ve always wanted to represent Bulgaria on the big stage. When I found out I was selected I got anxiety and happiness at the same time because it’s such a big thing.”
Victoria and James were both due to perform with other contestants at pre-Eurovision concerts across Europe, which were all cancelled.
The coronavirus pandemic meant James’ diary went from “100 to zero”. But it also had a personal affect on him – when he began showing symptoms of the virus.
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James has written hits for Rudimental, Little Mix,