Irish Eurovision hopeful Nicky Byrne believes his late father will be looking down proudly when he represents Ireland in the second semi-final on Thursday.
The former Westlife star and 2fm DJ revealed he will be bringing stones from his late father's grave with him when he goes on stage.
"They [stones] will be in my back left-hand pocket. My mic pack will be in my right," he told Ray D'Arcy on RTÉ Radio 1. "I can only imagine what my dad would be thinking now. He was always my biggest fan and a singer himself - hopefully he will be watching over me. He will be there with me in spirit on the night that's for sure."
Nicky will be flying the flag for Ireland on Thursday night in Stockholm
Byrne, who will be representing Ireland with a track called Sunlight in Stockholm on Thursday, admitted he does feel nervous about his upcoming performance.
"The stage doesn't bother me that much. The arena is fantastic. When I was up there in rehearsals I could stay there all night," he said. "I suppose the hype surrounding the event and the responsibility of representing your country is overwhelming. If you weren't nervous you wouldn't be human," Byrne added.
The 37-year-old singer also told D'Arcy that he will be resting his vocal chords and going on vocal lockdown between now and Thursday.
"I'm going down to the Globe [Ericsson Globe] tonight to do an interview with the BBC on the first semi-final and that will be the last thing I do," he said. "I haven't drank since I got here.... going to parties or doing consistent interviews back-to-back does have an impact on you," he added.
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Byrne revealed that he has been taking advice from two-time Eurovision winner Johnny Logan, who told him to 'take time out for yourself'.
"You can try and keep everyone happy by doing interviews and stuff but it will only effect you on the night," he said. "It is very true especially when so many people want you to do so much stuff... At the end of the day you are here to sing - and you have to make sure you can do that."
The Eurovision Song Contest begins tonight on RTÉ2 with the first semi-final. Nicky Byrne performs in the second semi-final on Thursday.
The final will be broadcast live on RTÉ One on Saturday, May 14, at 8pm.
