Bambie Thug will represent Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, having emerged victorious on The Late Late Show Eurovision Special on RTÉ One, following a tension filled national final!
Watch Bambie’s winning performance of ‘Doomsday Blue’ here
The artist, from Macroom in Co. Cork, will now travel to Malmö, Sweden in May, where Ireland will compete in the 68th Eurovision Song Contest, bidding to qualify for the grand final on Saturday May 11th.
Speaking just after the show, Bambie Thug said: “I don’t know how I feel – I feel incredible! My words are gone… as a lyricist you’d think I’d have more to say but I’m speechless – I’m so excited and I promise I’m going to do you so proud.”
Presented by Patrick Kielty, all six hopefuls took to the Late Late Show Eurosong Special stage, showcasing their entries to the nation before the voting lines were opened up to the public. A panel of experts joined Patrick in the studio to give their analysis – Dancing with the Stars judge and choreographer Arthur Gourounlian, singer and 1993’s United Kingdom Eurovision entrant Sonia Evans (Better the Devil You Know) and RTÉ Radio 1 broadcaster Louise Duffy and comedian Gearóid Farrelly. Bambie received a sensational winning total of 32 points, with 8 points awarded from the international jury, 12 points from the National Irish Jury and 12 points from the public vote.
Last autumn, RTÉ issued a callout on The Late Late Show for artists and songwriters with the talent and ambition to compete and succeed in this highly competitive environment.
The 68th Eurovision Song Contest 2024 will be held in Malmö Arena after Loreen scooped the coveted title for a second time with her entry Tattoo for Sweden in 2023. Two semi-finals will take place on Tuesday May 7th and Thursday 9th followed by the Grand Final on Saturday May 11th 2024.
The Draw to determine which Semi-Final Ireland will compete and vote in will take place on Tuesday 30 January at 19:00 CET live from Malmö, alongside a ceremony which sees the Host City insignia pass from previous hosts Liverpool to Sweden.