He only finished filming the X Factor on Sunday. But, if a report in the Irish Mirror is anything to go by, then music mogul Louis Walsh is already working on his next big project — and it involves the Eurovision Song Contest.
Citing unnamed sources, the tabloid claims that Irish broadcaster RTE has asked Louis to pick the country’s Eurovision 2017 singer. Even more titillating: The paper claims he will reveal the artist this evening on The Late Late Show, the scene of so many national selection blunders.
Following Nicky Byrne’s dismal performance in Stockholm, RTE have reportedly turned to Louis for his pop music knowhow, which remains current despite his many decades in the business.
The source said: “Louis was approached several months ago by RTE and asked would he be interested in guiding Ireland through next year’s song contest.”
“Obviously he has a huge wealth of knowledge and experience. It was a no-brainer to see if he would do it and when he said yes it was a big boost for Team Ireland.”
He will reportedly reveal a male singer. In the past talk has revolved around Irish country music star Nathan Carter. But who else could it be?
Hometown singer Brendan Murray for Eurovision 2017?
Louis has worked with plenty of guys in the past, and the now defunct boy band Hometown immediately pops into our head.
Consisting of Josh Grey, Dean Gibbons, Brendan Murray, Cian Morrin, Dayl Cronin and Ryan McLoughlin, they are one of the latest acts to emerge from the Louis Walsh pop factory.
Following their official launch on Ireland’s biggest chat show in May 2014 they knocked Ed Sheeran off the number one spot with their debut single “Where I Belong” and stole the hearts of Ireland’s teeny boppers.
With Walsh’s know-how and experience – he’s responsible for Westlife, Boyzone, Linda Martin, Johnny Logan and Jedward – and cheek bones to die for, they proved extremely popular. Oh, and their singing wasn’t too bad either – think the Vamps via One Direction’s stylists.
Of all the members, Brendan Murray really stood out to us — and it seems he stood out to Louis Walsh as well, as the young singer was recently spotted at the X Factor final in London, suggesting he and Louis have remained on very good terms indeed.
In fact, Louis appears to have taken Brendan backstage to meet fellow X Factor judge Nicole Sherzinger.
What do you think? If the report about Louis Walsh is true, is it a wise move? And separate to this, would an ex-member of Hometown be a good pick for Eurovision? Let us know in the comments box below.
William, you tease – you knew all along it was going to be Brendan! 🙂
I certainly do not think it is the right time to be selecting Eurovision acts, well maybe just the artist and leave the song for a few more months, like Netherlands and Belgium do. I think having Louis involved in the selection process is a good thing, I dont particularly like him, but he does have the contacts and the know how to deliver a strong entry. He was behind Jedward’s entry in 2011, which became Ireland’s highest placing entry in almost 20 years. Funnily enough, he wasnt involved in their 2012 attempt and that flopped. He was also behind… Read more »
Here we go again… 🙁
They’d be better off sending Ryan Dolan again.
Looks like semis again for us this year
I figured out that Aimee Banks (JESC 2015) is a fan of HomeTown, so this means she’s upset with their decision to do individual activities! 🙁
It’s part of the X Factor narrative that Louis Walsh is a clown who knows nothing about music, William (when the real musical charlatan on the panel is Simon Cowell of course essentially a businessman with zero interest in music). I’m interested to see how Louis manages and stages the entry, people are forgetting he has a lot of contacts in the music industry.
It is way to early to be announcing any Eurovision acts. RTE haven’t a clue about what they are doing but hopefully having Louis Walsh on board is a good thing Not sure about this Brendan guy but I hope they pick a great song this year Sunlight was way too generic
Love or hate louis walsh the singer has a great and unique voice
Louis Walsh has awful taste and is an incredibly dumb man
Louis Walsh favors a young boy? I’m SHOCKED!
I listened to some of Brendans covers on YouTube and I’m not really a fan of his voice. please say this won’t happen 🙁
@ Fergy, I don’t think Louis had any connection to Dustin the Turkey. He was a guest judge in that NF but Dustin’s participation had nothing to do with him nor would he have ever have suggested Dustin enter the competition.
I wouldn’t be so down on Louis either. It was his idea for Jedward to enter in 2011 and apparently he sourced Lipstick for them.
Louis Walsh = Disaster. He hasn’t been relevant in the Music Industry since the Mid noughties when Westlife had their last chart success. He’s only rolled out on X Factor for Comic Relief every year. And keep in mind he backed Dustin the Turkey in 2008, so Sorry Ireland I fear another semi final disappointment for you.
Another boyband member? I’m not sure if it’s a good idea to let Louis Walsh select our act