At the start of Ryan O’Shaughnessy’s first Eurovision 2018 rehearsal, he’s standing centre stage next to a piano. As the camera pans around a woman on the piano comes into focus — clarifying the “Together” singer’s love interest. We soon see the two male dancers from his music video holding hands on a ramp. They later re-emerge, suggesting the universality of love across boundaries, including gender.
The staging is simple and pure — and it works with the tonality of the song. Nodding to Salvador Sobral, there are no fireworks here. But there is lovely blue lighting, Ryan strumming on his guitar, an old-school street light and a park bench. As snow falls at the end of the performance, the two lovers come together there. Fans of the song (and music video) will be pleased he’s honoured the sound — and showcased his vocals — with such sensitive staging.
Ryan O’Shaughnessy — “Together”: Reviews and Reactions
Ireland: First rehearsal at Eurovision 2018
Ireland: First press conference 2018
Read all of our Eurovision rehearsal reviews
Read all of our Ireland Eurovision news here
Photo & Footage: EBU & RTP
So much better than last year!
Which wasn’t difficult to be honest… I like the concept of the performance.
Either way… The song is so forgettable (even boring) than nothing can save it.
Also… the two dancers take all the attention away from Ryan, who is just standing there.
nothing more boring as being called san miguel
Nonsense
Hopefully, they went for sth beautiful (not like last year). The idea of taking the music video and adjust it on a stage preformance was good. Vocally also good. Everyone is bringing their A game is the first semi! That’s good because we’ll see a good show but bad because there are so many song which could qualify and at the end there will be only ten.
Is Ireland that desperate to qualify that they have to pander for LGBT votes? Cheap gimmick as other countries had already done this better. Ireland, you are so late, as always. The staging will not do wonders for such a mediocre song & an un-charismatic singer. This has no right to steal any place in the finals from other more superior & talented acts. Just sayin’
Oh I’m sorry. I forgot that featuring two men is “panderin”. Its 2018, we are beyond looking at genders when looking at love and couples. You’re just showing your limitations of what you think is acceptable.
and was it pandering in 2013 when Finland did it?, or 2015 when Lithuania did the exact same thing?.
Yes it was pandering, and good thing they weren’t rewarded, seeing the low votes they got. True LGBT enlightened people do not need to see such pandering, as it is demeaning, patronizing & condescending. This would appeal to those who are insecure
You’ve said it yourself, it’s 2018 & love should be genderless, hence there is no need to show any type of couples in your staging, unless you are using it as a gimmick (clearly, putting couples on a love song is cliche, isn’t it too obvious?). Do you see Mariah or even Ed in their stage shows for love songs show a couple? No. This is a gimmick & yes, it is desperate for votes from the LGBT
At the end of the day, this is still a cheap gimmick that will not be rewarded, as the song & the artist itself is weak & terrible
you are desperate adopting the name lady gaga – gaga by name and gaga by comments
this song will definitely qualify- its a classy production and ive read elsewhere despite the criticism here- other european eurovision sites have commented that they have seen the finished recording today which is much more polished and slick and the view in europe is that is will qualify or there is something wrong with eurovision generally.
Okay… does anyone else think that these dancers in general are too much? Like why does almost every song have dancers? I understand for some it’s natural because of the genre… but ballads?
have you seen the video? It relates to that!
This would qualify if it was in the 2nd semi final. However, as we all know, semi 1 is going to be a blood bath
Ireland
You have surprised me! I didn’t think think were capable of bringing such artistry to Eurovision. This is perfect! Please please please Europe vote for this.
This 100% needs to qualify. Best Irish entry and staging in a very long time.
What is this ? A critical analysis of a stage or a song contest ?
How about the analogy the two dancers have in fact nothing to do with the song
And are just there in the moment – u guys might be totally focused on the LG issues but hey not everyone is
The live performance is continuing the story they created from the music video, hence the dancers are needed.
On a serious note will there actually be no issue broadcasting this in Russia? Homosexual propaganda is a genuine law there..
In 2015 they broadcast the double gay kiss from Lithuania (a country that itself has bans on gay ~propaganda~ but I guess shading Russia is a priority).
And Finland in 2013 when it did the same thing. While I don’t think throwing major shade at Russia is the general idea it certainly is an entertaining side effect
I actually think this will qualify… I’ll probably vote for it. It is a nice song and it looks like a sweet stage
I love this song !!! <3 And I can't wait to watch his performance live 😀
EBU want Ireland in final , because that, they made draw to Ireland sing 18 of 19 countires and countries wiht swedish composer to singl last Cyprus. Like they put their EBU baby to sing 9 in II Semi final ( Australia draw to sing from 1 to 9)
That’s why Latvia won last year
Have you done your homework? You have to have diversity in the running order. Some country perform 8th some 18th. By the way did Latvia qualify last year when they performed last? 26 songs or 19. Smart people dont vote for the 18th song They vote for the song they like 🙂
It looks very cute. But there’s something great about the video that they can’t lose while translating it to a live performance: intimacy. Based on the snippet, this is becoming more “La La Land” when it could be more like “Once”. It can look fake if they overdo it. There are so many “dark” entries on this semi, that people may be hungry for some sweetness when Ireland’s turn comes.
I think he might qualify. It is a beautiful song and cute performance. Could do much better than expected
Awww, this is so cute. I actually do like the song itself very much, not only the Music video or the gay theme. But this just adds to the warm cozy feel this song delivers. I’ve been saying this for weeks already, but Ireland could actually qualify..
Gotta love These People that vote down People who express their love for a song. Well done, really.
I think that the downvote option should only be used when someone’s offensive (to the artists, the countries, the bloggers, other ursers…). But hey, it’s the Internet, some people now think they have to hate everything they don’t love.
Downvote is supposed to be used when somebody disagrees. Period. Can you accept different opinions?
I can. And that’s why I don’t feel the need to downvote them. 🙂
These upvotes and downvotes help us understand how others think, and we want that information, especially that is about a contest, and we are looking for clues about how others will vote. Why so much sensibility?
Oh well, you don’t have to discuss These Things, it’s really not that important. You know what? Downvote whatever you like, I don’t care anymore..
Well, you can always share your opinions when you disagree. I believe it’s more interesting when people start a conversation then when they just like or unlike some content. Especially since sometimes the commenter said a lot of different things and we won’t know what exactly was disliked by that particular downvoter.
With proper camera angles this staging concept could actually work out a qualy spot. A tenuous, faint atmosphere goes very well with Ireland’s song. Need to see more of this.
Looks cute. We can’t write them off completely for now I guess
Okay, but isn’t this the same song as last year??
“Im dying to try” and this. It is exactly the same song!
Very good try Irland, but you are exposed by me now. Also the same artist as last year.
Nope, the songs Are different. Last year Ireland was my number 35, this year they’re my number 10. The only similarities is a ballad and a strong vocalist
Oh dear god, please let brain rain from above….
I think you need to get your eyes and ears checked.