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Irish Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
I went on a bucket list trip and ended up ticking off two!
If you grew up in the 70s, 80s or even early 90s in Ireland, chances are you grew up watching — and revering — the Eurovision Song Contest. Those were the golden years for us, with Ireland's seven wins achieved across three decades. I was born in the late 80s so, sadly, I only remember three songs from watching them live rather than on repeat over the years — In Your Eyes by Niamh Kavanagh in 1993, Rock 'n' Roll Kids by Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan the following year and Eimear Quinn with The Voice in 1996. We also won with All Kinds of Everything, performed by Dana in 1970, What's Another Year? in 1980 and Hold Me Now in 1987, both sung by Johnny Logan, and Why Me? by Linda Martin in 1992. All were exceptional songs, but I don't think anyone will ever forget the 1994 Eurovision, held in Dublin. That, of course, was the year of Riverdance — the interval show produced and directed by Moya Doherty and John Colgan and performed by Michael Flatley, Jean Butler and co. I grew up in a Eurovision-mad household. My mam absolutely adored the contest and every year we'd all huddle around the TV with our various goodies and watch it until the very last 'douze points' was awarded — even if that was way past my bedtime in the mid-90s! We haven't been very successful in the modern-day Eurovision era but that hasn't dulled the contest's allure for me. So when I was invited to this year's contest by the show's International sponsor, Royal Caribbean, I jumped at the chance to go to my very first Eurovision. And it is a trip I will never, ever forget. And not only because this was my first time going to Eurovision, it was also my first time to visit Switzerland. This year's contest was held in Basel in northwest Switzerland and close to the country's borders with France and Germany. In fact, when you land, your phone goes in and out of service between different providers — some Swizz companies, some French ones! The medieval Basel old town centres around Marktplatz, which is dominated by the 16th-century red-sandstone Town Hall — a stunning building — and a hive of activity over the weekend of May 17 as Eurovision fans from all over the world gathered to cheer on their country's act. Unfortunately, and in my opinion, unfairly, our act EMMY lost out on a place in the final the day before I flew out for the weekend — even though her song Laika Party was an absolute banger and was even played by all the other delegations over the course of the weekend as Basel was awash with Eurovision fever. As the city sits right on the Rhine, there are fabulous cafes, restaurants and bars dotted all along the water. Our hotel, Hotel Krafft Basel, overlooked the water on one side, and a buzzing bar on the other — perfect for Eurovision celeb spotting. This four-star boutique hotel, which is located directly on the Rhine promenade and in the vibrant Rheingasse, extends over five floors and the location couldn't be better for touring all of Basel. My balcony faced out onto the street and on the day I arrived, as I got ready in my room for night one with the door to the balcony open, I heard a distinctive and familiar voice. Rushing to the window, there he was — Rylan Clark! Rylan was commentating for the BBC for the weekend and was embracing all things Eurovision as he rubbed shoulders with fans, dressed in his finest colour and sparkle. That was the dress code for the weekend and it seemed everyone in Basel got the memo. When I landed in EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg, which is operated jointly by France and Switzerland, it was clear nearly everyone there was headed for Eurovision. Many weren't lucky enough to nab tickets to the contest itself — this is the most-watched show on the planet, after all — but that didn't matter, just being there was enough for many fans. On the first night we headed for dinner at a gorgeous restaurant, Le Rhin Bleu, that sits on the banks of the Rhine, and serves possibly the freshest pasta I have ever had. You can even swim to the restaurant if you so choose — we spotted some hardy folks doing so as we sat, dry, tucking into our dinner. The great thing about Basel, too, is it is incredibly accessible. The city centre is walkable for the most part but if you don't want to be on your feet, the tram service is second to none. We took two trams from the airport to the hotel, with swapover as easy as it comes. There are plenty of stops too, so you're never a long walk from your final destination once you get off the tram. We used the tram service all weekend and never waited more than three minutes for one to come, including the one which took us home from the Eurovision final in the very small hours of the morning — after Marvin Humes, of JLS fame or The Hit List if you love a music gameshow, spinned some tunes for us at the show's afterparty. If you prefer to use taxis, though Switzerland is certainly expensive, taxi fares are reasonable. It was less than €20 for the 20-minute trip to the airport on Sunday morning. I couldn't face a tram! I was one of the lucky couple of thousand who got a ticket to the show's final, as well as backstage access the day before the show to get a glimpse into the monumental work that goes into a production of this calibre and entry to the hospitality suite before and after the show. I even met Ireland's most-loved twins, Jedward, who are Eurovision royalty after they represented us with Lipstick in 2011 and Waterline in 2012 — the first time Ireland has sent the same act to Eurovision in consecutive years. If you didn't get your hands on tickets to the St. Jakobshalle Arena for the show, there was around 36,000 people watching from St. Jakob-Park, Switzerland's largest football stadium. You could also feel the spirit of the final with a walk down Eurovision Street which had live bands playing and people in sequins and elaborate costumes dancing and singing in the streets Or gather at the Eurovision Village in Messe Basel for daily live concerts, public viewings, and food stalls. Before I headed to Basel, this was a bucket list trip for me and, after a weekend in the city, it seems I've ticked off two without even knowing it...
Rhyl Journal
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Eurovision? I love it like Christmas despite what people say
Stockholm 2000 was the first Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) I remember watching and getting hooked on for the madness, melodies and mishaps. As a child, the contest quickly became a highlight of the year for me. Fast forward 16 years, as I stood in the same arena almost to the day, partying with the masses for Stockholm 2016. Although I was a trainee journalist at the time, this had nothing to do with work, but more so me finding my own feet in a foreign country at the helm of the world's largest live music event by myself. See just a mere nine years ago, Eurovision felt more accessible to me as a long-time fan, but since then ticket prices have soared, and even members of the fan network OGAE have struggled to secure seats via its ballot. Hotel prices skyrocketed to thousands of pounds and last year in Malmo, Sweden, political unrest left many feeling unsafe and on edge. So, here's the thing: has the contest that everyone loves to hate actually converted more mainstream TV viewers into Europop lovers in recent years? Quite possibly so. And is that a bad thing? Absolutely not! The power of Eurovision (wait for the cheese) is to bring people together, to create unforgettable moments and put an annual time capsule of music back in the spotlight. This not only stands for past winners; but those who fell at the hurdles of the semi-finals (Denmark's Lighthouse X - Soldiers of Love, 2016) those who made a triumphant return for their country after several years (Ireland's Niamh Kavanagh – It's For You, 2010) and the purely iconic (Sweden's Charlotte Perrelli – Hero, 2008). As for the UK, we try, that's for sure. Big up Sam Ryder, who not only restored our Eurovision reputation but led us to Liverpool 2023 – and what an amazing experience the city offered ESC fans from across the globe. Overall, the UK is largely the laughingstock of the competition; and in the week leading up to the final it's hard not to come across someone who gives the 'well we always do rubbish anyway' speech. But that hasn't always been the case. Taking political voting out of it for one minute, I think we need to take a leaf out of the Swede's book. Their pre-selection for the competition, called Melodifestivalen, is now almost as well-recognised as Eurovision itself. The likes of Loreen and Mans Zelmerlöw have turned Eurovision songs into chart-topping hits in the UK, turning the tide on what was once seen as a formal song competition in front of an audience of suited and booted professionals at Brighton Dome. Recommended reading: Who are Remember Monday members? UK's Eurovision act What prize does the Eurovision winner get at the end? Who are the Eurovision Big 5 and why they automatically qualify? But the special part of all of this is that Eurovision continues to create memories every year. The flashbacks of enjoying Eurovision with loved ones who have now passed away, having a tipple and picking up your phone to vote for a song from a country you've never heard of before (oops) or dressing up as Conchita Wurst. Really, Eurovision is like Christmas, minus the turkey on our plate, but instead with Dustin the Turkey on our screens.
Powys County Times
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Irish fans ‘heartbroken' as Emmy Kristiansen fails to make Eurovision final
Irish Eurovision Song Contest fans are 'heartbroken' by the country's act, Norwegian singer Emmy Kristiansen, failing to make the final – which will see the UK, Israel and Sweden compete among others. Ireland, with ties with Sweden for the most Eurovision wins, sent the 24-year-old to perform her entry Laika Party, about a Soviet dog sent to space, during the second semi-final in Basel, Switzerland, on Thursday. She apologised to Ireland for failing, following Austria's JJ (Johannes Pietsch) and Israeli singer Yuval Raphael, who are among the competition favourites, as well as Armenian singer PARG, Denmark's singer Sissal and Luxembourg's Laura Thorn being voted through. Others in the final are Finland's black leather-wearing Erika Vikman; Latvian band Tautumeitas; Malta's high-energy diva Miriana Conte; and Greece's singer Klavdia. Last year, Bambie Thug with Doomsday Blue became the first Irish entrant to make the final since Ryan O'Shaughnessy in 2018. Outside St Jakobshalle arena, the Horgan family, made up of Amber, Oscar, Rowan, and Karen said they were 'so heartbroken, really, heartbroken, an Russell Alford, from Dublin, who was at the arena with his friend Patrick Hanlon, said: 'I think Switzerland have been an incredible host city. Amazing shows. The last two nights.d disappointed', as well as 'really sad' to have not made the final again. 'Would have loved a better result for our own country, because Ireland is one of the greatest at Eurovision, or at least historically, and once again, we're not in the final, but it was a very tough semi final for us to get out of, so a shame.' Posting on Instagram, Kristiansen said: 'I'm so sorry, Ireland. We will forever love you and be grateful and honoured to have represented you.' Other winners include Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan with Rock 'n' Roll Kids in 1994, Niamh Kavanagh with In Your Eyes the previous year, and Linda Martin coming first with Why Me in 1992. View this post on Instagram A post shared by EMMY🤍 (@emmykgk00) The country has not placed high in recent years, with the last win coming in 1996 when Eimear Quinn's The Voice took the trophy. Dana first won the contest in 1970 with the million-seller All Kinds Of Everything; 10 years later, Johnny Logan scooped the top spot with What's Another Year, and again in 1987 with Hold Me Now. Other qualifiers include Ryan Dolan, who finished last in 2013 with Only Love Survives, and Jedward twice in the previous two years, as well as Niamh Kavanagh in 2010. Also during the Thursday semi-final, where UK audiences could vote, British group Remember Monday harmonised their song What The Hell Just Happened? with Bridgerton-inspired outfits. They are already through to the grand final as 'one of the big five', along with France's Louane, German duo Abor & Tynna, Italian singer Lucio Corsi; and Spain's Melody as well as reigning champion Switzerland with Basel-born Zoe Me. Eurovison director Martin Green, from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), said that the organisers 'tightened up security', at the St. Jakobshalle arena after Raphael's rehearsal was disrupted by protesters, appearing to hold up large Palestinian flags. Mr Green added 'most of the people when asked to leave, because they were disrupting the production' did so, and he is 'pleased' to say that the live broadcast show was full of 'respectful' audiences, while speaking at a press briefing on Friday. 'We are on the verge of proving to the world that this is an event where people can come together, (and) agree to disagree,' he also said. Tuesday's qualifying acts: Ukraine's Ziferblat with the song Bird Of Pray; Estonia's Tommy Cash with Espresso Macchiato; and Sweden representative's Kaj with their entry Bara Bada Bastu; will also compete. This is along with Dutch act Claude Kiambe; Poland's Justyna Steczkowska; Icelandic electronic musician brothers VAEB; San Marino's Gabry Ponte; Albania's Shkodra Elektronike; Portugal's Napa, and Norway's Kyle Alessandro. The Saturday event will also see 2024 Swiss winner Nemo return to the Eurovision stage, amid speculation that Canadian singer Celine Dion, who triumphed in 1988 with Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi, will perform. Switzerland, who hosted the first contest in 1956 in Lugano, had not won for more than three decades until Nemo. It was announced, on Thursday night, that the UK's Eurovision spokesperson, Doctor Who actor Ncuti Gatwa, would be replaced by singer and BBC Radio 2 presenter Sophie Ellis-Bextor. The BBC said Gatwa was unable to reveal the points given by the UK national jury to other contestants during the competition's grand final, due to 'unforeseen circumstances'.
Leader Live
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Irish fans ‘heartbroken' as Emmy Kristiansen fails to make Eurovision final
Ireland, with ties with Sweden for the most Eurovision wins, sent the 24-year-old to perform her entry Laika Party, about a Soviet dog sent to space, during the second semi-final in Basel, Switzerland, on Thursday. She apologised to Ireland for failing, following Austria's JJ (Johannes Pietsch) and Israeli singer Yuval Raphael, who are among the competition favourites, as well as Armenian singer PARG, Denmark's singer Sissal and Luxembourg's Laura Thorn being voted through. Others in the final are Finland's black leather-wearing Erika Vikman; Latvian band Tautumeitas; Malta's high-energy diva Miriana Conte; and Greece's singer Klavdia. Last year, Bambie Thug with Doomsday Blue became the first Irish entrant to make the final since Ryan O'Shaughnessy in 2018. Outside St Jakobshalle arena, the Horgan family, made up of Amber, Oscar, Rowan, and Karen said they were 'so heartbroken, really, heartbroken, and disappointed', as well as 'really sad' to have not made the final again. Russell Alford, from Dublin, who was at the arena with his friend Patrick Hanlon, said: 'I think Switzerland have been an incredible host city. Amazing shows. The last two nights. 'Would have loved a better result for our own country, because Ireland is one of the greatest at Eurovision, or at least historically, and once again, we're not in the final, but it was a very tough semi final for us to get out of, so a shame.' Posting on Instagram, Kristiansen said: 'I'm so sorry, Ireland. We will forever love you and be grateful and honoured to have represented you.' A post shared by EMMY🤍 (@emmykgk00) Other winners include Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan with Rock 'n' Roll Kids in 1994, Niamh Kavanagh with In Your Eyes the previous year, and Linda Martin coming first with Why Me in 1992. Dana first won the contest in 1970 with the million-seller All Kinds Of Everything; 10 years later, Johnny Logan scooped the top spot with What's Another Year, and again in 1987 with Hold Me Now. Other qualifiers include Ryan Dolan, who finished last in 2013 with Only Love Survives, and Jedward twice in the previous two years, as well as Niamh Kavanagh in 2010. Also during the Thursday semi-final, where UK audiences could vote, British group Remember Monday harmonised their song What The Hell Just Happened? with Bridgerton-inspired outfits. They are already through to the grand final as 'one of the big five', along with France's Louane, German duo Abor & Tynna, Italian singer Lucio Corsi; and Spain's Melody as well as reigning champion Switzerland with Basel-born Zoe Me. Tuesday's qualifying acts: Ukraine's Ziferblat with the song Bird Of Pray; Estonia's Tommy Cash with Espresso Macchiato; and Sweden representative's Kaj with their entry Bara Bada Bastu; will also compete. This is along with Dutch act Claude Kiambe; Poland's Justyna Steczkowska; Icelandic electronic musician brothers VAEB; San Marino's Gabry Ponte; Albania's Shkodra Elektronike; Portugal's Napa, and Norway's Kyle Alessandro. The Saturday event will also see 2024 Swiss winner Nemo return to the Eurovision stage, amid speculation that Canadian singer Celine Dion, who triumphed in 1988 with Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi, will perform. Switzerland, who hosted the first contest in 1956 in Lugano, had not won for more than three decades until Nemo. It was announced, on Thursday night, that the UK's Eurovision spokesperson, Doctor Who actor Ncuti Gatwa, would be replaced by singer and BBC Radio 2 presenter Sophie Ellis-Bextor. The BBC said Gatwa was unable to reveal the points given by the UK national jury to other contestants during the competition's grand final, due to 'unforeseen circumstances'.
North Wales Chronicle
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Irish fans ‘heartbroken' as Emmy Kristiansen fails to make Eurovision final
Ireland, with ties with Sweden for the most Eurovision wins, sent the 24-year-old to perform her entry Laika Party, about a Soviet dog sent to space, during the second semi-final in Basel, Switzerland, on Thursday. She apologised to Ireland for failing, following Austria's JJ (Johannes Pietsch) and Israeli singer Yuval Raphael, who are among the competition favourites, as well as Armenian singer PARG, Denmark's singer Sissal and Luxembourg's Laura Thorn being voted through. Others in the final are Finland's black leather-wearing Erika Vikman; Latvian band Tautumeitas; Malta's high-energy diva Miriana Conte; and Greece's singer Klavdia. Last year, Bambie Thug with Doomsday Blue became the first Irish entrant to make the final since Ryan O'Shaughnessy in 2018. Outside St Jakobshalle arena, the Horgan family, made up of Amber, Oscar, Rowan, and Karen said they were 'so heartbroken, really, heartbroken, and disappointed', as well as 'really sad' to have not made the final again. Russell Alford, from Dublin, who was at the arena with his friend Patrick Hanlon, said: 'I think Switzerland have been an incredible host city. Amazing shows. The last two nights. 'Would have loved a better result for our own country, because Ireland is one of the greatest at Eurovision, or at least historically, and once again, we're not in the final, but it was a very tough semi final for us to get out of, so a shame.' Posting on Instagram, Kristiansen said: 'I'm so sorry, Ireland. We will forever love you and be grateful and honoured to have represented you.' A post shared by EMMY🤍 (@emmykgk00) Other winners include Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan with Rock 'n' Roll Kids in 1994, Niamh Kavanagh with In Your Eyes the previous year, and Linda Martin coming first with Why Me in 1992. Dana first won the contest in 1970 with the million-seller All Kinds Of Everything; 10 years later, Johnny Logan scooped the top spot with What's Another Year, and again in 1987 with Hold Me Now. Other qualifiers include Ryan Dolan, who finished last in 2013 with Only Love Survives, and Jedward twice in the previous two years, as well as Niamh Kavanagh in 2010. Also during the Thursday semi-final, where UK audiences could vote, British group Remember Monday harmonised their song What The Hell Just Happened? with Bridgerton-inspired outfits. They are already through to the grand final as 'one of the big five', along with France's Louane, German duo Abor & Tynna, Italian singer Lucio Corsi; and Spain's Melody as well as reigning champion Switzerland with Basel-born Zoe Me. Tuesday's qualifying acts: Ukraine's Ziferblat with the song Bird Of Pray; Estonia's Tommy Cash with Espresso Macchiato; and Sweden representative's Kaj with their entry Bara Bada Bastu; will also compete. This is along with Dutch act Claude Kiambe; Poland's Justyna Steczkowska; Icelandic electronic musician brothers VAEB; San Marino's Gabry Ponte; Albania's Shkodra Elektronike; Portugal's Napa, and Norway's Kyle Alessandro. The Saturday event will also see 2024 Swiss winner Nemo return to the Eurovision stage, amid speculation that Canadian singer Celine Dion, who triumphed in 1988 with Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi, will perform. Switzerland, who hosted the first contest in 1956 in Lugano, had not won for more than three decades until Nemo. It was announced, on Thursday night, that the UK's Eurovision spokesperson, Doctor Who actor Ncuti Gatwa, would be replaced by singer and BBC Radio 2 presenter Sophie Ellis-Bextor. The BBC said Gatwa was unable to reveal the points given by the UK national jury to other contestants during the competition's grand final, due to 'unforeseen circumstances'.
