My Eurovision Audition Experience: A Journey as a Person on the Autism Spectrum
By Kian Butler
When I auditioned for Una Voce Per San Marino which is their national final for Eurovision, it wasn’t just about singing it was about showing who I really am. As someone on the autism spectrum, life can feel like a series of challenges that others might not fully understand. But taking part in Eurovision was a chance for me to face those challenges head-on and maybe even change a few perceptions along the way.
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Living with autism means I experience the world a bit differently. Sensory overload is something I deal with regularly, and travel, especially flying, can be tough. The whole process of getting from the UK to San Marino brought up a lot of feelings. The unfamiliar environments, the noise, the crowds, it all felt a bit much at times. But despite that, I was determined to push through. Music is my escape, my safe place. It helped me focus on what mattered most: the music and the opportunity to share it with others.
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Auditioning wasn’t about proving my talent in the traditional sense. It was about proving that someone like me could take on something that might seem daunting to others. It was about showing that being on the autism spectrum doesn’t mean you can’t chase big dreams. I hope that by sharing my journey, I can encourage other autistic people to follow their passions, even when it feels like the world might not always understand.
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Representation is something I feel strongly about. There are so many people like me who are often overlooked in big events like Eurovision. But we have stories to tell, and we have talents to share. The world of music and performance is a place for everyone, no matter how our brains work. For me, Eurovision was more than just an audition. It was a way to show that our dreams matter too.
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At the end of the day, the experience wasn’t about whether I made it to the next round or not. It was about learning to trust myself more and realising that embracing who I am is a strength. Whether or not I move forward, this journey has already been a victory. If my story can help other autistic people feel like they can step into the spotlight, then it’s all been worth it.
