Back in the 90’s Ireland was basically unbeatable in Eurovision. They still have the most victories in history with seven in total! Nowadays, the results look different. Irelands last win was over 20 years ago and they didn’t made it to the final since 2013. To change that, RTE invited top songwriters, Eurovision contest experts and Irish fans to the first Eurovision Forum!
What are RTEs goals with the Eurovision Forum?
RTE is trying everything to get Ireland back on the golden road. First they want to get to the final. A victory is also welcome for the Irish broadcaster. With both, RTE wants to make the contest more attractive for the Irish viewers.
“Getting Ireland into the main final also makes business sense for RTE as more Irish viewers watch Eurovision when we’re in the final.”
Who is to blame for the low interest in Ireland?
The Eurovision Forum claimed, that RTE made mistakes for example by sending “You’re A Star” winners Donna & Joe back in 2005 or Dustin the Turkey in 2008. One attendee told the Irish Sun: “By sending a turkey in a shopping trolley, it looked like Ireland didn’t give a toss about Eurovision and did us so much long-term damage.”
Again an internal selection?
In the past two years Ireland selected their entry internally. Would an open call and a national final be another option? A speaker in the Eurovision Forum complained: “Amateur singers don’t have the stagecraft or experience to suddenly come up with the goods. […] We needed professional singers with decades of experience who could rise to the occasion.”
To date it remains uncertain, how RTE will choose the next Irish entry. Two weeks ago we reported, that Ireland confirmed their participation for 2018!
A source added to the Irish Sun: “What came out of the forum was there is no formula to win Eurovision, or even to qualify for the contest.”
Ireland was represented by Brendan Murray with his ballad “Dying To Try” this year. He finished in 13th place in the second semi-final, just 15 points behind the 10th place.
What do you think could RTE do, to improve the results for Ireland? Do you think the Irish channel is on the right way to the next victory? Let us know in the comments below or on social media @ESCXTRA!
Comments on RTE holds Eurovision Forum to get back on the winner road