Liverpool star flying off to represent the UK at Junior Eurovision

The Junior Eurovision Song Contest kicks off its 21st edition in Nice, France, tonight.

The opening ceremony will see a new batch of up-and-coming talent wave their flags as the first official welcome to the contest.

Representing the UK is girl pop ground STAND UNIQU3 who hope to follow in the runaway success of last year's entry, Freya Skye.

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Sonia is Liverpool's biggest contribution to the contest, debuting back in 1983, but Hayla is the new star on the block ready to make history. The 12-year-old singer makes up one-third of STAND UNIQU3 and will sing alongside newly formed friends Maisie and Yazmin in front of an audience of millions.

The dust has just settled on Eurovision 2023 which took over every corner of the city but Hayla told the ECHO she's excited to see a different part of the contest.

She said: "I watched it at home and I remember going to see some bits. We had a look past some of the barriers but I didn't get to see much of it sadly. I didn't get to go to any of the shows but I'm making up for it now".

This year was the first time in decades the UK could really devote itself to the contest with many only realising how big the show can be. Hayla added: "I became a fan this year after I saw Loreen because she's just amazing.

"I've only really discovered the contest and Junior Eurovision this year after auditioning but it's massive. It's so exciting and I'm so excited to be a part of it. It's still very new to me but it's already amazing and I love it so much".

Hayla has been singing all of her life but her first big break came as a standout performer on The Voice Kids. She