LIPA lecturer joins UK Eurovision judging panel

Dr. Eva Petersen, programme leader for the MA Music Industry Management course, was selected by the BBC to join the UK jury for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. 

Eva was part of a seven-person jury that included festival and choir director Anu Omideyi, influencer Tilly Lockey and singer-songwriter RIYA. 

Each participating country has a panel of judges, and the winner is determined by a combination of panel votes and a live public vote.   

Eva says it was privilege to be involved. “It was a real shock to be asked – I had to double check the email to make sure it was genuine. 

“I felt really honoured to be on the panel. As a performer and writer myself, and with my work with students at LIPA, I felt I could contribute.”  

LIPA has longstanding ties with Eurovision, with staff and graduates contributing to the contest since 2003. During Liverpool’s hosting of the competition in 2023, more than 150 students and graduates helped deliver the live TV finals and city-wide celebrations. 

In 2024, graduate Lasse Midtsian co-wrote and co-produced Switzerland’s winning entry and last year Dance lecturer Carl Parris was part of judging panel. 

Eva says: “There’s a real connection between LIPA and Eurovision. To have the Institute represented on the judging panel for two consecutive years is fantastic recognition for all that we do here.” 

Find out more about our MA Music Industry Management

Top image. UK Eurovision 2026 jury: Dr Eva Petersen (first left) with Nathan Powell, Tilly Lockey, Anu Omideyi, RIYA, Joe Duddell and Harry Hornsby.