Liverpool 2023🇮🇪 Ireland

Irish Head of Delegation offers Eurovision tips as more acts declare interest in Eurosong 2023

Michael Kealy shares his vision for Eurovision success as Ireland prepares for Liverpool 2023

Back in September, Irish broadcaster RTE confirmed their participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 to be held in Liverpool next May. As well as this, RTÉ have announced the return of Eurosong 2023 for the selection format. Now the Head of Delegation, Michael Kealy gives his thoughts what makes a successful Eurovision entry, as more Irish acts reveal their interest in becoming the next representative for the Emerald Isle.

Michael Kealy shares his vision ahead of Eurosong 2023

As previously reported, Ireland are already in preparation for Eurosong 2023 which will air during The Late Late Show early next year. With artists already going public as the song submission window gathers pace, RTÉ Executive Producer and Head of Delegation for Ireland, Michael Kealy shares his thoughts on what makes a successful Eurovision entry. In an interview with RTÉ Entertainment, Michael outlined his top 5 tips. Could this provide insight into what we can expect from next years’ national final?

Have a look at last year’s Eurovision top ten and ask yourself if your song is really a contender in the biggest, most competitive music show in the world.

Singers/performers must be outstanding (being good isn’t enough any more). One bum note on stage and it could be game over.

Your song should be a finished piece of work, recorded professionally and not more than three minutes long. If your song is five or six minutes long and can’t possibly be shortened, then Eurovision isn’t the place for you.

Don’t try and write a ‘Eurovision’ song. There isn’t a ‘typical’ Eurovision song and audiences spot songs which lack artistic integrity and are inauthentic.

It’s worth remembering that songs in native languages have done particularly well in recent years.

Michael Kealy, (HoD/Executive Producer speaking to RTÉ Entertainment)

From the above it is clear that the priority is towards a competitive entry performed by a quality singer. However the most interesting part is the acknowledgment of how successful native languages have been, with the last English language winner being the 2019 contest. Does this suggest a comeback for the Irish language in Eurosong 2023? Only once in Ireland’s Eurovision history has an artist performed in the native Gaelic language. In 1972, the late Sandie Jones performed ‘Ceol an Ghrá‘ and placed 15th.

Who’s taking part in Eurosong 2023?

So who can live up to the lofty expectations of the above brief and return Ireland to their former glory days of the 90s if Michael Kealy’s vision influences the selection process for Eurosong 2023? Already numerous acts, including some with previous Eurovision experience, have declared interest. Below is an overview of the names in the mix so far. Of course, some are more speculative than others!

Wild Youth

First out of the blocks were Wild Youth. The indie band consisting of David Whelan, Conor O’Donohue, Ed Porter and Callum McAdam have had a handful of hits since they started making music together in 2017, including songs like “Can’t Move On‘, ‘Long Time No See‘ and ‘Making Me Dance.’ The band has also supported huge acts on tour in the Isles this year, including Lewis Capaldi and Westlife.

Earlier this year, the lead singer tagged Head of Delegation, Michael Kealy confirming interest in writing Ireland’s Eurovision 2023 entry, as well as performing it with his fellow band mates next year.

Cruachan

If it’s a native language entry that Ireland are after, then look no further than folk-metal band, Cruachan. The Dublin based group consisting of Keith Fay, Audrey Trainor, David Quinn, Joe Farrell and Tom Wooldlock were formed in the 90s’ and are heaving inspired by Celtic mythology. Cruachan are noted for their use of traditional Irish instrumentation, as well as songs written in the Irish language.

Recently founding member, Keith Fay took to Twitter to confirm a song has been submitted for consideration.

Emer O’Neill

As a multi-talented author, activist, teacher and presenter on RTÉ’s Today show, you would think Bray local, Emer O’Neill had enough on her many plates. But no! Earlier this month, Emer revealed to her excited fans on Instagram that as a long time Eurovision fan, it was time to turn those dreams of performing for her country, into a reality. Below Emer has shared details of the entry submitted, ‘Take Me Home’. Fittingly revealed on World Mental Health Day, the theme of the song has a relatable message.

Jedward

The Dublin twins with the most famous hair in showbiz are no strangers to the Eurovision stage. With back to back appearances in 2011 and 2012, with ‘Lipstick’ and ‘Waterline’ respectively and the holders of Ireland’s only top 10 result since 2006, of course talk regularly returns to Jedward. During TikTok clips and Irish chat show, Ask Me Anything the duo have kept fans dangling with the possibility of trying for a third time.

Una Healy

Before finding fame with The Saturdays, Una Healy previously performed for TV audiences Europe-wide as part of the Irish delegation for Eurovision 2006 held in Athens, Greece. Back then, Una featured as a backing singer for Brian Kennedy’s entry, ‘Every Song Is A Cry For Love’, which placed 10th in the Grand Final. Since that time, Una has continued to share her support for Ireland’s participation. On several occasions she has also offered her songwriting skills to make a Eurovision comeback. As well as this, RTÉ insiders claimed she was a frontrunner in the 2019 selection process. In recent months she has again reiterated her interest and cited the success of the UK with Sam Ryder this year.

Do you agree with Michael Kealy? Who do you want to see take part in Eurosong 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 new Eurovision season.

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