Over the past three weeks Ireland’s jurors have picked Walter McCabe, Zena Donnelly and Clíona Nicdhomhniall to advance to the final of Junior Eurovision Éire 2016.
And on Sunday songstress Amy McGrath joined the list of finalists with “M’Aingeal” (My Angel).
Her somewhat serious ballad is big enough to show off the range of her voice, yet retains a quiet power. We’re getting major Shalisa Junior Eurovision 2015 vibes here!
https://youtu.be/UQsuI8ERApk
Before the verdict arrived, Amy had to listen to seven other phenoms sing their original numbers.
Niamh Kavanagh, the winner of Eurovision 1993 and the Irish representative at Eurovision 2010, joined the permanent jury panel of Fiachna Ó Braonáin and Pauline Avalon for the occasion.
As ever, the jury narrowed the eight songs down to the top two. They chose Lasairfhiona De Brún’s “Fan Liom” and Amy’s “M’Aingeal” to advance to the sing-off. It was a tough game! Niamh’s vote went to Amy, and Pauline’s went to Lasairfhiona, so Mister Ó Braonáin had to break the deadlock. We do not envy him!
The eliminated semifinalists can’t call it a day just yet. Just like last year, the jury will pick one to two wildcards who will compete in the final alongside the existing finalists next week. It is not known when the wildcards will be announced.
The winner will succeed Aimee Banks as Ireland’s next Junior Eurovision representative, hoping to secure a better placing for the Emerald Isle, which finished 12th of 17 on its debut.
Yet another strong semi final winner. This one sounds like a very traditional Eurovision ballad and Amy is a superb singer with excellent control over her voice.
At this stage, I’d be happy with Amy, Clíona or Zena representing Ireland (or perhaps Rachel Haughney if she can get through as a wildcard).