This week Irish broadcaster TG4 announced plans to return to the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2021. The search is now on to find the next representative for Ireland later this year!
Ireland return after one year hiatus
Last year travel restrictions due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic meant Ireland was not able to take part in Junior Eurovision 2020 held in Warsaw. However a new year presents new opportunities in this ever changing world. Now Irish broadcaster TG4 has confirmed, as promised, that Ireland are back to participate in their sixth contest. Along with announcing the return of the national final Junior Eurovision Éire. This week the broadcaster opened submissions and revealed further details.
Anyone between the ages of 9-14 are welcome to apply. This can be solo singers, duos or groups of a maximum of 6. However groups must be from the same household. Furthermore, singers can apply with or without an entry. Submissions will close March 19th. Later this Autumn the heats will take place. With HSE Covid-secure guidelines and Irish government restrictions in force at that time.
See more details for the application process here.
Junior Eurovision 2021 – what we know so far
After winning the 2020 edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, it was revealed that France will have the honour of hosting the contest for the first time later this year. At the time of writing, the date and the host city of this year’s contest, is yet to be determined.
So far, the following countries, have expressed their interest to participate in this year’s contest:
Ireland in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest
Thus far Ireland has taken part in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest five times. Since their debut they have chosen their artist through the Junior Eurovision Éire selection show. The Gaelic country made their debut in 2015 with Aimee Banks and her song ‘Réalta na Mara‘, which placed twelfth. Their best result came in 2016, when they sent Zena Donnelly with her song ‘Bríce Ar Bhríce‘, which placed tenth in Malta.
In 2019 a change to the selection format was made. The national final saw Anna Kearney selected as the Junior Eurovision 2019 Irish participant. However the enchanting ballad, ‘Banshee‘ was internally selected at a later date. During the contest Anna managed to finish twelfth overall with 73 points from the combined result of the jury and online vote.
Are you looking forward to Ireland’s Junior Eurovision return? Let us know! Stay up to date by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! As well as subscribing to our YouTube channel. Where you can watch our reactions to the news and entries in the upcoming months. You can also follow our Spotify for more music from your favourite acts!
