UK’s Eurovision act Olly Alexander says he wouldn’t send his kids to school | YG94F5W | 2024-05-11 21:08:01
UK's Eurovision act Olly Alexander says he wouldn't send his kids to school | YG94F5W | 2024-05-11 21:08:01
UK Eurovision Song Contest hopeful Olly Alexander has revealed his thoughts on the country's education system – admitting that he wouldn't send his kids to school.
Olly, 33, will represent the UK in tonight's Eurovision, singing the pop song Dizzy.
A trailblazing pop star in his own right, Olly has three hit albums under his belt, including two UK number one albums and 10 UK Top 40 singles.
Rising to fame with his band Years & Years, Alexander evolved into a solo artist, while also appearing as an actor in the Russell T Davies TV show It's A Sin – earning himself a BAFTA for his performance.
Ahead of his Eurovision performance tonight, Olly has spoken about his journey to fame, revealing how he struggled during his school years.
This has led the musician and LGBTQ+ activist to consider home educating his own children so that they may avoid the same fate.
'I was confused a lot of the time, thinking I don't fit in anywhere and I didn't know why,' Olly said of his time at school.
'When I was really young I wanted to have long hair and wear make-up and very quickly I realised that didn't go down well with other kids, specifically the boys. They would make fun of me and call me a girl in a way that was really negative, so I was just really confused and hated going to school for that reason.
'It was tough. I really struggled at school and, I don't think I'll have kids, but if I had one I just wouldn't want to send them to school – I'd say you're not going, you're staying at home with me, you've got singing at nine and crystal therapy at ten!' he joked.
However, the star has come into his own since leaving school, going on to become a celebrated musician and actor.
'But I always, always loved singing – and this is the kind of kid I was – for my Year 6 Assembly I wrote and performed my own original song – it was called Why Can't We Be Perfect, I had a little Casio keyboard and a four track cassette tape recorder. I hit on my themes quite early on – unrequited love, feelings of low self-worth….' Olly revealed.
After finding success with the band Years & Years, he went solo – switching to his own name, and releasing Eurovision song Dizzy.
Headlining arenas and festivals around the world, he has also collaborated with the likes of Sir Elton John, Kylie Minogue and Pet Shop Boys.
He even appeared in an episode of EastEnders recently, popping by The Queen Vic after rehearsing his Eurovision song, Dizzy.
Alexander has revealed how the backlash to this year's Eurovision has left him on the brink of a 'breakdown' at times.
With Eden Golan representing Israel this year, there has been increased pressure on the contest to withdraw the musician over Israel's continued attacks on Hamas and Palestine.
Golan was forced to change the lyrics of her song, which was originally named October Rain, in reference to the October 7 attack by Hamas. It has now been titled Hurricane.
'I was holed up in a room trying not to have a breakdown,' Olly told The Times, speaking on his own conflict in taking part in the competition.
'Normally you get on stage and turn it on, but I felt really unable to do that. It was tough… I just could not get it together and then I felt ashamed of myself and embarrassed.'
The publication said that Olly was visibly distressed during the interview, revealing his upset over the ongoing situation in Palestine.
'I wish for peace and have found this experience, at times, extremely… I've just felt really sad and distressed,' he said.
'But I still believe it's a good thing when people come together for entertainment. That's why I wanted to do Eurovision.'
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<p> <span class="mor-link" data-track-module="mor-link_article"> MORE : <a href="https://metro.co.uk/2024/05/11/eurovision-song-contest-final-2024-live-winner-results-20819165/?ico=more_text_links" class="" >Eurovision crisis explodes as star axed, rehearsal halted and juror pulls out in protest</a> </span> </p> <p> <span class="mor-link" data-track-module="mor-link_article"> MORE : <a href="https://metro.co.uk/2024/05/07/olly-alexanders-eurovision-performance-makes-00s-horror-film-parallel-20795651/?ico=more_text_links" class="" >Eurovision star Olly Alexander reveals what went wrong with 'wardrobe malfunction' at semi-final</a> </span> </p> More >> https://ift.tt/mSOG9nq Source: MAG NEWS
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