While Team Ireland did not make it through – the Armenian entry Survivor was co-written by an Czech-Irish songwriter Josh Curran (20)
The 10 countries who made it out of the second semi-final are Lithuania, Israel; Armenia; Denmark; Austria; Luxemburg; Finland; Latvia; Malta; and Greece.
While Team Ireland did not make it through – the Armenian entry Survivor was co-written by an Czech-Irish songwriter Josh Curran (20).
In the last ten years, Ireland has qualified for the semi final on just two occasions: in 2023 with Bambie Thug last year who came sixth, and in 2018 Ryan O’Shaughnessy which finished 16th.
Speaking after her song Laika Party, about the Soviet dog who died in space in 1957, didn’t make it through, Emmy said she remains grateful that Ireland chose her to represent the country.
“There are so many emotions. This was a childhood dream coming true so first of all I am grateful. Of course I am a bit sad if I have disappointed Ireland. But at the same time they have been so nice and supportive and we have received so many beautiful messages.
She said “it was very good competition… but you know all the past years that Ireland hasn’t qualified we have loved them so our favourites tend to go out in the semi-finals.”
She thanked those who voted for her. “We couldn’t be happier, or prouder or ore grateful to be representing them, and that they chose us.”
She said the announcements of the qualifiers were ‘nerve wracking’ but knew that Ireland was not going to be successful when they were half way through the announcements. “I think we gave up earlier because there was so many songs that were in the odds for qualifying that had qualified already so we kind of gave up halfway through.. We had a little hope.”
Outside the arena, disappointed fans were frustrated but said Emmy had given it her all.
The second semi-final for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest was an explosion of high octane performances, with operatic vocals; golden microphones being ridden like rockets.
While there was huge excitement amongst fans outside the venue, controversy surrounding Israel’s involvement continues. And the Israeli act, Yuval Raphael, was disrupted by protestors during the second semi-final rehearsal of the ESC on Thursday afternoon.
Six people unravelled ‘oversized flags’ and blew whistles when Israeli act Yuval Rapheal was performing.
The individuals were escorted out of the building by security.
Israel’s Yuval Raphael performs in Basel. Photo: Andres Poveda
Spectators are allowed to bring any flag, from any country, and pride or trans flags into the stadium.
All flags have to adhere to certain size guidelines. If they do not adhere to these size guidelines they will not be allowed inside the venue. Delegations can only have one national flag on stage or in their green room.
On Wednesday night, a silent protest took part in the city to object to Israel’s participation in the final.
“It is important to not allow Israel to have a platform as big as this to present itself as another normal country… celebrating music and diversity when in reality this is culture propaganda for them,” a man called Andreas who attended the protest said.
Another resident said it did not seem appropriate that Israel competes given the number of deaths in Gaza. Israel’s attacks have killed more than 52,000 people in Gaza, according to local health authorities.
“I don’t think it’s a radical opinion to say if you can exclude Russia, you better exclude Israel,” he said.
Before he headed towards his commentator booth, broadcaster Marty Whelan, who has been RTE’s resident commentator since 2000, chatted about being back inside the ‘Eurovision bubble’.
Go-Jo, representing Australia, performs ‘Milkshake Man’ at the Eurovision Song Contest. Photo: Andres Poveda
He also spoke about Joe Duffy’s recent announcement that he would retire from RTE after 37 years. While he wishes his colleague well he has no plans to follow suit.
“He is considerably older than me by about five months,” Whelan jokingly said.
“I was surprised that he decided to make this decision… I don’t know if I want to retire. I don’t know that I would want to stop because I love what I do.”
Whelan said his favourite act, aside from Ireland, was Australia, who sadly didn’t make it through. Go-Jo (Marty Zambotto), who began his career as a busker, opened the show with Milkshake Man – an ‘ode to self confidence’. During the performance Go-Jo ran about the stage topless with skin tight flares.
Whelan said he related to the performer as they share the same name, and a similar moustache. “People say he looks like a young me.”
Whelan added he would prefer if the favourites to win Sweden did not top the leaderboard. And I mean that in the nicest possible way. Because at the moment we hold the joint record and for a small country that’s pretty cool”.
Eurovision is a huge undertaking with a crew of 250 people and production running 24 hours a day over 45 days.
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