The Irish Eurosong final on 28 February is fast approaching. All the singers are busy fine tuning their performances and ensuring that everything will be pitch perfect. But thankfully, the lovely Laura O’Neill managed to find some time to chat to us here at wiwibloggs.

How did your Eurosong 2014 journey begin? How are you finding it so far?

Billy [McGuiness] first heard me singing with my band The Firm, we were playing at Aslan’s bass player’s wedding. So once he was picked as a mentor, he asked me before he even picked a song. I was over the moon, so excited and just so happy to be involved. It’s great. The support is unbelievable, I was so overwhelmed by the amazing response the song got when it was released.

In 2011 you made it to the bootcamp stage of the X Factor UK. Did you enjoy the experience?

Ha, million dollar question! You know it’s a double edged sword. I enjoyed it for the most part. And then there was bits I didn’t enjoy, getting sent home obviously, lol. It’s a hard game to play and that’s what it is, a game. I wasn’t prepared to use a story about my personal life. I just wanted to make music, good music. So in hindsight I’m glad it didn’t work out. Since then I’ve been writing, learning guitar and just focusing on learning my craft.

You’re singing “You Don’t Remember Me”. How did you react when you first heard the song? Can you relate to the lyrics?

I got goosebumps when I first heard it as I completely relate to it. We’ve all had heartbreak in our lives and it sucks. But it makes us stronger!!!

Patricia, Kasey and Andrew have all taken part in Eurosong before, and Eoghan came 3rd in the X Factor. In comparison, this is your first major television final, are you nervous?

I really don’t think it’s a disadvantage that I haven’t. I sing 5 nights a week to lots of different types of audiences. And regardless of where I am, I sing to the mic, get knee deep in the song, so the cameras won’t be putting me off. I’ll be performing the way I always do – the cameras just happen to be there.

Laura O'Neill

 

Are you a Eurovision fan? Do you have any favourite songs from past contests?

Massive fan, my favourite song of all time has to be “Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids.” Great tune. I actually have a YouTube video ready to go live with a mash up of all my favourite Irish entries.

Have you listened to any of your potential Eurovision rivals from other countries yet? Or are you completely focused on the Irish Final?

Honestly, I haven’t. I’m focused on the final. I’m going for gold, so my head is in the game.

A lot of people are comparing you to singers such as Adele. Would she be one of your inspirations? What other artists influence you?

God I don’t know if I’d compare myself to Adele. That’s a massive compliment though, so thanks to whoever made that comparison. I really love ACDC, Pink Floyd, the Beatles, Beyoncé and don’t laugh, but I LOVE the Spice Girls. Oh, and Bon Iver is my favourite at the moment – “Calgary” what a TUNE!!!

So far we’ve only really heard you doing ballads. But from talking to you on Twitter I know you’re a fan of Clean Bandit. Would you ever consider recording a dance track yourself?

I gig full time with my band. I’m well up for up-tempo. My upcoming EP has a really funky up-tempo number on it!!

1461643_242270512610424_1931383196_nAre you able to tell us anything about what you’ve planned for your Eurosong performance?

Nope, it’s all a secret. 🙂

It’s been great talking to you. Thanks so much and best of luck. But before we let you go do you have a message for our readers?

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my ramblings. I would be honoured to represent Ireland and come home like Katie Taylor with the gold! Vote Song 5. I won’t let you down. xxx

You can follow Laura on Twitter at @ElleOneillmusic and like her Facebook page by clicking here.

Do you think Laura should represent Ireland with “You Don’t Remember Me”? If you do, make sure to vote for her in our poll before 26 February.

Padraig Jude contributed this report from Ireland. Follow him on Twitter at @PadraigJude. And while you’re at it, like our Facebook page to stay up-to-date with the latest Eurovision news and gossip.

Photos: RTE, Laura O’Neill and The Firm

4 Comments
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Arianna
10 years ago

same 😛

Carmen Daniela
Carmen Daniela
10 years ago

Very good piece of music and acting, I see it in the final!

Bogdan
10 years ago

She’s so lovely. I am torn between her and Can-linn.

Arianna
10 years ago

I adore her voice & she does a great job on that Eurovision medley 🙂 2nd fave to winnnn