Brooke Scullion, who represents Ireland in this year's Eurovision Song Contest with her song That’s Rich, has paid tribute to Dana, Ireland’s very first Eurovision winner in 1970.
Speaking during a press conference in Turin ahead of her semi-final performance on Thursday, 22-year-old Bellaghy native Brooke was full of praise for her fellow Derry singer.
"Dana won in 1970 and shocked everybody and she’s from the same place as me, a county called Derry," she said.
"And she called me before I actually got picked and then I won and she called me again to wish me good luck and to have the backing of a legend in my country, to have that support feels really, really good.
"She told me that I was representing my country and the level is going to be so hight but you just have to focus on yourself because once you start looking at other people you lose focus, you lose sight of what this really is. It’s a singing competition so that’s really helpful."
Asked how she will deal with the post-Eurovision comedown, Brooke said, "I don’t exist in quietness. That’s not going to happen. I have so much music that I’m going to go straight home and work on. I had two years of a break. I haven’t sung professionally ever and this is my first time taking this opportunity and I’m really going to go with it.
"I’ve been writing music for two years and I’m planning on making this a career so hopefully there will never be quiet."
Asked if her time on The Voice UK had helped prepare her for Eurovision, she said, "I never even submitted myself. My friends put me forward it hasn’t prepared me for Eurovision because this is something that you can never prepare for.
"This is just a different level altogether. Nothing can prepare you for Eurovision. It is a beast, a different animal."
Speaking about Ireland’s record seven Eurovision victories, Brooke said she doesn’t feel the pressure.
"On my first rehearsal I felt the most pressure. I didn’t know where the cameras were but once I went into the viewing room, I focused on where they were, and I felt a lot more at ease for the second rehearsal. It’s about being at ease and being prepared and knowing where to look and having fub=n.
"Fun is the main aspect of my song and when I’m enjoying it I know you’ll be enjoying it too because it’s one of those really funny enjoyable songs that takes you away for three minutes."
She added, "I don’t know about the pressure from Ireland. It’s been a while since we won so maybe I’m a dark horse."
