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!"
