After a competitive Junior Eurovision Éire 2023 final, Jessica McKean will represent Ireland at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2023 to be held in Nice, France on November 26 with ‘Kvitka’.
Jessica McKean selected for JESC 2023
During the national final, Junior Eurovision Éire 2023, hosted by Louise Cantillon and Darragh Ó Caoimh, three artists took part, all hoping to win the ticket to represent Ireland at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2023. However, it was 9-year-old Jessica McKean that became the overall winner. Each artist performed an Irish language cover of a well-known song and a previous Irish entry from the Eurovision Song Contest. The winner was decided through 100% online voting with a guest judge panel to provide feedback without voting powers. The results are as follows below:
| Place | Artist | Irish Song | Irish Eurovision Song |
| 1 | Jessica McKean | ‘Always’ (Gavin James) | ‘Hold Me Now’ (Johnny Logan) |
| – | Clare Keeley | ‘Someone You Loved’ (Lewis Capaldi) | ‘Why Me?’ (Linda Martin) |
| – | Niamh Beatrix Smith | ‘Waiting For Love’ (Avicii) | ‘Together’ (Ryan O’Shaughnessy) |
As yet, the entry for JESC 2023 has not been revealed. However, we do know the song title is, ‘Aisling’. The song, which translates to ‘Dream’ in English, has been written and produced by, Niall Mooney, Ken McHugh, Will Weeks and Sophie Lennon.
Ireland in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest
Back in 2015, the Emerald Isle made their debut in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest with Aimee Banks and her song, ‘Réalta na mara’ finishing in twelfth place. So far, the Irish nation have only made the top 10 on two occasions.
Last year, Ireland selected national final winner, Sophie Lennon to represent the country with ‘Solas’. During the Yerevan contest, Sophie achieved fourth place with 150 points, Ireland’s best result to date.
Will Ireland earn a first victory in JESC 2023? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram, @escxtra on TikTok and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts. As well as YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to the 2024 Eurovision season.
