Ora began performing at open mic sessions around London and , occasionally , in her father 's pub . In 2008 , she auditioned for '' Eurovision : Your Country Needs You '' on BBC One to be the British contestant for the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 and qualified , but later withdrew from the competition after a few episodes as she " did not feel ready " and thought " that challenge was n't for her . " Her manager , Sarah Stennett ( who also worked with Ellie Goulding , Jessie J and Conor Maynard ) , later told '' HitQuarters '' that Ora had entered the competition because at the time she felt it was her only chance at finding success . Stennett reassured her that performing in Eurovision would hinder rather than help her chances to make it as a solo artist
Eurovision Song Contest 2009
Eurovision Song Contest 2009
Rita Ora