Eurovision 2019: Michael Rice wins public vote to represent UK with song 'Bigger than Us'

The 21-year-old beats fiver other hopefuls and will sing at the event in May

Michael Rice has won a public vote to represent the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest.

The singer won the first series of BBC talent show All Together Now last year, and is now seeking Eurovision success with the specially-penned track Bigger Than Us.

The 21-year-old from Hartlepool, who was also on the X Factor in 2014, will now travel to Israel in May to compete in the event.

The UK has not won Eurovision in 22 years and last year finished 24th out of 26.

Six hopefuls had battled it out for the chance to represent the UK and sing in front of millions of viewers around the world.

He told BBC's You Decide: "Bigger Than Us is about love, coming together, it's a really powerful song. You just connect with it. It's all about emotion."

BBC producer Mel Balac said: "This has been such an exciting year for Eurovision: You Decide with new format changes that we hope have really made the competition and programme more geared to find the perfect song.

"We've had some incredible performances tonight by everyone and everyone's own individual take on the songs - well done to everyone! We are delighted for Michael and are proud to take Bigger Than Us to the Eurovision Song Contest final in May."

The Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Tel Aviv in May.

Additional reporting from agencies