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13th Jan 2016

CONFIRMED: Nicky Byrne will sing for Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest

Tony Cuddihy

Nicky Byrne will sing ‘Sunlight’ for Ireland at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden.

The former Westlife member has been chosen by RTÉ in a departure to previous Eurosong formats, given Ireland’s lack of success in the competition in recent years.

Nicky – who sold 45 million records as part of Westlife and now works as a DJ on 2fm – co-wrote ‘Sunlight’ with renowned songwriter Wayne Hector and award-winning composer Ronan Hardiman.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5Pbnb7Y6AU&feature=youtu.be

Nicky said: “Like many of us, I have grown up watching the Eurovision Song Contest.

“It always brought great excitement to our house down through the years and I was lucky enough to see Ireland win it on many occasions.

“I have a great memory as a nine year old, of dancing around our sitting room in a tri-colour sweatshirt when Johnny Logan lifted the trophy in 1987. The Eurovision is a TV show and song contest like no other and for the past three years my Eurovision experience has gotten better and my affiliation grown stronger, as I have proudly delivered the Irish votes live from Dublin.

“This year I go one step further, and actually walk on that stage to represent my country, I am honoured RTÉ have chosen me and believe in this song like I do.”

Speaking about the song itself, he added: “The song is called Sunlight and I co-wrote it with two of the music industry’s legends; producer and writer Ronan Hardiman and songwriter Wayne Hector.
“I have always felt this song had something different, something special. I also look forward to re-visiting Sweden, a country where we had so much success with Westlife over the years and I can’t wait to be a part of what I’m sure will be an amazing show in Stockholm. Ireland, I will give it my best shot. Sweden… here we come!”

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