News: Interview with Andrew Lloyd Webber

Andrew Lloyd Webber is backing Jade for international stardom

Andrew has joined the UK's glittering Eurovision delegation, and will be appearing on stage in the crucial second dress rehearsal on Friday. We caught up with him, armed with your questions, to find out what he thinks of Jade, her competition in Moscow and why he's so proud to have worked on the BBC's talent shows.

Will you be performing on stage on Saturday?
(Question from Tim Morris)

Yes

Do you get nervous performing on stage?
(Question from Halo247)

No, I mean I've done this type of thing so many times, not that I'm blasé about it though. I'm not a performer myself, but I've performed on many big occasions throughout the years. The other reason I’m not nervous is because Jade is such a rock solid performer, she's absolutely brilliant. The reason why I'm here is because Jade is so outstandingly good, and for me not to support her would be completely wrong.

What do you think of Jade?

She is world class and a complete star in the making. If you want to watch a British artist become an international star then watch Eurovision! That's how strongly I feel about her. Although I think it's going to be extremely tough for us to win, and I don't think we can win, I think Jade will come out of this as the performer of the night.

Who do you think Jade's biggest threat will be on the night?
(Question from Tom_ra)

I haven't really heard all the songs, but from what I've heard Norway is the one to beat. The act from Iceland could also do well with a song that funnily enough is written by a Brit!

How do you think both Jade and the song have evolved since YCNY?
(Question from whoknowsnow)

I haven't really been involved since the selection show ended. I went straight into doing Love Never Dies, which is my new musical. So I've only really caught up with Eurovision very recently. But what I can see is that she's been really strong around Europe. She's actually turned herself into a huge star in Russia - I can't go anyway with her in Moscow without her being mobbed by fans! As far as Russia is concerned, it's like Jade Fever! So whatever happens on Saturday, I think Jade is going to come out of this as an artist who's going to have a huge international career.

Looking back now, are you glad that the public chose Jade?

I certainly am. I think we could have got away with one of the other acts representing us, but the thing about Jade is that she's an artist who's got a genuine major future. She has a really big record deal with Universal. These days, record companies don't hand out these deals unless they really believe in the artist. So I think the future for Jade is really bright. But her success will depend on what songs she gets and who produces them - I can't because I'm not really a pop/rock producer, I write for musicals. But I really believe she'll have a major career.

Which one of your musicals do you think Jade would be best suited to perform in?
(Question from JusticeBlob)

The truth is she's herself. The obvious one, she’d be great in is Starlight Express as Pearl. But I'm not sure musical theatre is where she should be going.

Jade is going to have a fantastic designer outfit for Saturday. Have you got a nice outfit lined up too?
(Question from iJarhead)

Yes, I've got a lovely dress! (laughs)

Will you be on stage for the dress rehearsals?

I'm going to do the walk-through one and the second rehearsal. But, I'm not going to do the third rehearsal.

What's been the best thing about being involved in Eurovision – the writing, performing or finding a new talent?
(Question from sunsetteam)

I think Jade is the answer. I love finding new talent. I mean all five of the finalists from I'd Do Anything are now the leads in West End shows, and not only that but West End shows that I’m completely unconnected with - which I think is a pretty phenomenal tribute to BBC talent shows. Lots of people like to knock talent shows, but I think they should reflect on the fact that we've found five stars, and I'm terribly proud about that. And if you add Jade as well, it's breathtaking.

The Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcast at 8pm on Sat 16 May on BBC One and BBC HD.

And don't forget to watch Eurovision: Jade's Story, on BBC One on Sat 16 May at 6.20pm!