Eurovision 2014: Molly Smitten-Downes to represent UK in song contest

The artist marks a departure from the big-name UK entrants of previous years

Molly will be representing the UK at this year's Eurovision Song Contest (BBC)

This year Britain will be pinning its hopes for Eurovision glory on relatively unknown singer songwriter Molly Smitten-Downes.

The BBC announced that the 26-year-old from Leicestershire, who is known simply by her stage name ‘Molly’, will be the representing the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest 2014.

Molly will be performing her self-composed song ‘Children of the Universe’ in Copenhagen, Denmark in May, to a global audience of more than 120 million people.

The track has an anthem-feel to it and Molly’s husky voice belts out the lyrics over the melody.

“I'm so excited for everyone to hear 'Children of The Universe'. I'm so happy with it,” said Molly.

She added: “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 was discovered through BBC Introducing, a scheme that encourages unsigned artists to upload and share their music with the chance of greater exposure.

After hearing her music, the BBC invited Molly to compose and perform a song specially for the Eurovision Song Contest.

While Molly may be a new name for many people, she has been on the music scene for over a decade, garnering accolades and recognition from the industry.

Along with performing at numerous festivals, Molly has supported artists such as Jake Bugg, Tinie Tempah, Labrinth and Chase n Status, and in 2012 she was awarded the Best Urban/Pop Act at Live and Unsigned.

The UK has not has much success at Eurovision for a long time and last won the contest in 1997 with Katrina and the Waves hit ‘Love Shine a Light’.

In recent years the UK has opted for bigger names to represent it, including Bonnie Tyler, Engelbert Humperdinck and boy band Blue. This year marks a departure from that trend with the announcement of Molly.

The 59th Eurovision Song Contest will be held on Saturday 10th May in Copenhagen, Denmark.