Worksop’s Kian Butler invited back to San Marino for rebranded ‘San Marino Song Contest’ after semi-final success
Worksop singer-songwriter Kian Butler has been invited to return to San Marino later this year to compete in the newly rebranded San Marino Song Contest, formerly Una Voce per San Marino, the nation’s official selection for the Eurovision Song Contest.
Butler, who reached the semi-finals of the competition in February, will travel back to San Marino on 20 December 2025 to take part in the Casting Academy. If selected, he will advance to the contest’s refreshed semi-final stage in March 2026, with Semi-Final 1 on 3 March, Semi-Final 2 on 4 March, and the Grand Final on 7 March.
His previous entry, If You Dare, was chosen from more than 1,000 international submissions and helped introduce the Worksop performer to a wider European audience.
Speaking about his return, Butler said:“The first time round I entered as a fan, but I’m genuinely serious about doing this properly this time. I’ve spent a year performing up and down the country and thinking about my brand and what I want to bring to the Eurovision community.”
He continues to work with Wakefield music producer Charley Beck, who collaborated with him on his 2025 Eurovision entry.
Butler’s new song, BUTLERHOOD, draws on the legendary story of Robin Hood, intertwining the tale with personal themes of identity, belonging and overcoming prejudice.
“It’s based off the old Robin Hood tale, but in a way that reflects how I feel society and even friends have seen me,” he said.
“It’s a big risk, but putting Worksop on the map is so important to me.”
The Robin Hood concept also highlights Worksop’s strong historical ties to Sherwood Forest. Butler said he hopes to bring that local heritage to international audiences while representing disabled and neurodivergent people from his community.
Butler said his second attempt is also driven by his desire to make someone very important in his life proud Anna Kennedy OBE, a leading autism advocate who has supported him from the beginning.
“Anna has believed in me since day one,” he said.
“The opportunities she’s given me to perform alongside other neurodivergent individuals have boosted my confidence massively. What she does for our community is incredible, and I feel like I owe this second chance to her.”
Eurovision bloggers and vloggers who have previewed Butler’s concept have praised his bold artistic shift, describing BUTLERHOOD as a strong step forward and a reflection of his growth as an artist.
With a new contest format, a renewed creative identity, and a year of performance experience behind him, Kian Butler returns to San Marino determined to build on his semi-final success and proudly represent Worksop on the international stage once again.