Former UK X-Factor contestant Mary Byrne has revealed that the Irish state broadcaster has dashed her bid to represent Ireland at Eurovision 2015.
She was hoping to compete at Eurosong 2015, the Irish national selection, with her entry “The Storm”, which was written by Karl Broderick who composed “The Movie Song” for last year’s finalist Eoghan Quigg. However, her Eurovision hopes were shattered when broadcaster RTE issued a “no thank you.”
“I’m gutted because it’s a fabulous song written by Karl Broderick, who is one of the top composers in the country. I’m more disappointed for Karl, but I’m a huge Eurovision fan and there’s no denying I would have loved the chance to win it for Ireland again. I felt Karl’s song was very strong and inspiring, but it hasn’t been chosen and I’m gobsmacked.”
Mary goes on to say that RTE may have snubbed her because they are looking ‘for somebody younger, or a slimmer version of Mary Byrne’. If that is true, they have clearly forgotten about Chiara, a plus-size singer who almost single-handedly won it for Malta in 2005.
Mary, a former Tesco worker who appeared on the 7th series of the UK X-Factor 2010, said her performances on the show proved she’d be perfect to represent the country.
“I feel that I proved during my time on the X-Factor that I can do a good job under pressure, and that it would have stood to me in the Eurovision.”
Do you agree with Mary’s comments?
Source: Goss.ie
It´s unbelievable that she is not selected when being such a big number in Ireland and UK with No. 1 album and so on. It seems that RTE and the panel that selects the songs doesn´t want to win again and therefore searches for mediocre songs. But why then not just staying at home. Europe doesn´t need mediocre songs from Ireland but it needs the will to find good songs. Also Robert Mizzell, another big star in the popular country scene in Ireland, seems to have kicked out by RTE and its panel. Unbelievable again! Ireland: zero points! Your record,… Read more »
RTE hasn’t exactly shown its competence in selecting good national final acts, so I wouldn’t be surprised if she and her song ended up being better than the ones that are actually chosen…
Come and represent the UK.
She is such a powerhouse vocally I’m shocked she’s not a finalist
I don’t think her size has anything to do with it. I feel, and I hope, Ireland is looking for someone who is already a pro on stage. They have had a few years of bad placings and lack luster acts. Maybe they want someone who knows how to not only sing but bring a powerhouse performance. Amatures beware. This is the 60th anniversary and the bar should be set very high.
Claiming she wasn’t chosen because of her weight and age is kinda obnoxious, it shows she really has a chip on her shoulder and that’s my biggest pet peeve. Now I’m glad she wasn’t chosen.
Saying that you weren’t chosen ‘because you aren’t slim or young enough’ really exposes how insecure you are about your appearance.
THAT’S probably why you didn’t get chosen.