The little-known singer-songwriter Molly Smitten-Downes, whose only previous taste of the limelight was featuring on the 2008 Sash song 'Raindrops (Encore Une Fois)' is the UK's selection of the Eurovision Song Contest 2014. The 26-year-old will represent the UK in Copenhagen, Denmark, in May with her track 'Children of the Universe.' 

Molly Eurovision Song ContestCan Molly Triumph in Copenhagen for the UK?

Her selection comes after previous UK entrants Bonnie Tyler and Engelbert Humperdinck struggled with middling ballads. Humperdinck finished 25th, while Tyler managed 19th.

A BBC statement described 'Children of the Universe' as "an anthemic, uplifting track specifically written with live performance in mind", though we call it a giant nothingness of a song with trite lyrics including, "We are children of the universe, dancing on the edge of time" and "power to the people." Perfect for Eurovision, then. 

Smitten -Downes, also known as simply 'Molly', said: "To represent the United Kingdom in such a huge competition, not only as a singer and performer but as a songwriter is an unbelievable honour. I hope I can do us proud."

Molly Smitten-DownesMolly Smitten-Downes Will Represent the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest

An experienced live performer, the singer-songwriter has supported acts including Jake Bugg, Tinie Tempah, Labrinth and Chase and Status and she was identified as the UK's best hope for Eurovision success through the BBC Introducing platform.

"BBC Introducing provided us with an extraordinary range of talent to explore and in Molly we found the perfect combination of contemporary songwriting and real vocal quality," said BBC executive producer Guy Freeman.

"Her enthusiasm for the project is infectious and I'm sure that she'll gain huge support on the journey to Copenhagen."

The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest takes place in the Danish capital on 10 May.