RTÉ have launched the search for Ireland’s next Eurovision Song Contest representative in a bid to continue the country’s resurgence at the annual event. Cork native Bambie Thug finished sixth in Malmo, Sweden, earlier in the year, becoming the highest-placing Irish act since Jedward cracked the top ten with Lipstick in 2011. With Ireland not only reaching their first final since Ryan O’Shaughnessy in 2018, but doing well at it, RTÉ began the hunt for the nation’s next singing sensation on Monday morning.
Confirming that Ireland will take part in the 69th Eurovision Song Contest which will be held in Basel, Switzerland in May 2025, RTÉ said they want to hear ‘from artists, performers and songwriters with the talent and ambition to compete and succeed in this highly competitive environment’. ‘This is an invaluable opportunity for performers and songwriters to gain exposure on a global scale – the rewards for success can be significant and as a result the competition attracts top professional talent from all over the world,’ the national broadcaster said in a statement. RTÉ Eurovision Head of Delegation Michael Kealy added: ‘Our 2024 entry Bambie Thug bewitched audiences and came sixth at the Eurovision in May in Malmo – it was Ireland’s best result since 2000.
Bambie’s song Doomsday Blue has had over 24 million streams to date on Spotify. ‘Their performance at the Grand Final has had 9.4 million views on Eurovision’s official You Tube chan.