We may still be in the dark regarding the exact format Ireland intends to use for its 2015 national final, but the mere fact that it’s an open selection has seen a major spike in interest from potential Eurovision stars. X Factor veteran Mary Byrne has already submitted an entry, 2013 rep Ryan Dolan has tentatively declared a wish to return, while there are even murmurings coming from Planet Jedward. But they’re not the only ones vying for Vienna.
Krystal Mills
The Welsh warbler tried her luck in both the Swiss and Romanian national finals last year, but to no avail. The continental rejection has failed to keep Krystal down, and now she’s turned west in another attempt to get to Eurovision. She hopes to win over the Irish with the counrty western song “Hometown”. Country music is big bucks in the Emerald Isle, but is the notoriously patriotic nation ready to be represented by a cowgirl from Wales?
http://youtu.be/fKVfG0pchu0
Nikki Kavanagh
Not to be confused with 1993 winner and 2010 finalist Niamh, Nikki first rose to prominence when she lost out to Jedward in the 2011 Eurosong. Despite being a fan favourite, she has kept a rather low profile. She made a cameo in in last year’s chaotic national final, providing backing vocals for Patricia Roe. But now she’s back in her own right, or at least she hopes to be. The lady is taking no chances and speaking to Eurovision Ireland she confirmed that she has submitted two songs. Could 2015 be her year?
Liir
Billed as Ireland’s newest girlband, the group consists of You’re A Star winner Leanne Moore, Voice of Ireland finalist Kim Hayden, and singer cum model Michele McGrath. They have all been relatively successful as individuals. Leanne hit number one with “On Wings” and participated in Eurosong 2010. Michele enjoyed two number ones with “Burn” and “My Baby’s Waiting” as a member of Industry. And Kim reached the semi finals on the Voice. But they are completely untested as a trio. Their song is written by Alan Earls, the man behind Johnny Logan’s first top ten hit in 26 years, so the signs are good. Guess it’s just a case of wait and see.
Ben Quinlan
It’s tough to be considered a joke act in the company of Jedward. But based on what we know, that’s exactly what Ben Quinlan is. The 19 year old entered the public conciousness when he serenaded Cheryl Cole on the X Factor with a putrid green rose. Watch the clip below to see the moment when Simon Cowell suggests the pair should kiss. Oh, if Cheryl’s looks could kill! Somehow Ben managed to progress to bootcamp, where he was promptly booted off by the no-nonsense Mel B. However, the chap’s confidence remains undented, and speaking to The Star, he confirmed that he has entered a self penned song. Could Cheryl’s loss be Ireland’s… errr gain?
because what ireland really needs right now is a performer rejecting by two other countries. one that struggles to qualify and hasn’t won in nearly 30 years, and one that while consistent in qualifying, has never really threatened a win.
@lady shasha .. are you related to her ??
Good luck to Krystal who has been brought up with a Welsh/Irish culture and competed in Irish Feis dance competitions as a child. All the family in Ireland will be rooting for you. Her band member is also Irish.
Totally against Ben Quinlan, Mary Byrne and that Welsh cowgirl!
So far, our only hope lies with Jedward and Ryan Dolan, which are not great hopes seeing as Jedward came 19th in 2012 and Ryan came last in 2013. The girl and Liir sound good on paper, but the song needs to be relaxant! Ireland, ESC and music in General is past the era of 90s power ballads
It’s clear that we don’t have any chance that Hozier will be participating in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015.
I hate RTÉ.
An amateurish singer will represent Ireland again.
National broadcasters should be searching for many voices like this, not with songs. Azerbaijan is a cool example. Find the voice. Then colloborate the singer with professional composers and producers. Or like The Netherlands, find an already known artist.
This kind of internalnal selection won’t be work, Ireland. Never forget that: this is a song contest and you all past winners are produced by very professional teams.
umm a british girl representing Ireland.. it wont happen ..