Who will YOU send to this year’s Eurovision Song Contest?
We haven’t been this excited about a Eurovision song since ‘The Miracle is Mine’ by Dick Byrne at Eurosong ’96.
Good times, great memories.
Having been hit with a formal complaint following the live-action fever dream that was last week’s ‘Ireland’s Call’-flavoured intro, the Late Late Show will look to go viral once again this week.
It’s that most exciting time of the year – why yes, the run-up to the Eurovision.
Somewhat incredibly, Ireland still holds the record for most victories at the song competition, with seven wins to date.
In the words of a Staind classic, however, it’s been a while.
Year on year, wide-eyed hopefuls line up and get ready to bring glory back to the country only to barely make a dent.
Sure, that was the time we gallantly trounced the UK as Israel romped to an overall triumph, but the crown remains painfully out of reach.
It’s serious business, of course.
In response, the formula is being revitalised. For the first time in several years, Late Late viewers will have the chance to cast their vote to decide who flies the flag for Ireland at the Eurovision.
Whittled down from over 300 initial submissions, six songs will be presented as part of this week’s Eurosong special, performed live on the show.
The winner will be chosen through combined audience vote, an international jury and a studio jury. No messing around here, clearly.
Marty Whelan will be on hand to add some credibility to the whole affair, serving as Green Room correspondent and providing regular backstage updates.
The chosen champion will head to Turin in May to duke it out for the most coveted prize in all of music.
And that’s it! No other topics of note. Eurovision, baby!
Are you not entertained?
The Late Late Show Eurosong Edition is on RTÉ One this Friday night – 4 February – at 9.35pm
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