The fourth act has been announced in the battle to represent Ireland at this year's Eurovision Song Contest.
Irish-Australian singer-songwriter Isabella Kearney spoke to Ray D’Arcy on his RTÉ Radio 1 show about her entry, Let Me Be The Fire.
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Based in Nashville, 31-year-old Kearney was singed to Sony Music in 2018 as a songwriter and has worked with songwriters for artists including Lizzo, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and Demi Lovato.
Born in Sydney, Australia, Kearney grew up in Donegal and Northern Ireland, before moving to Australia when she was nine.
Speaking to RTE,ie, she said, "It’s always been a dream of mine to represent Ireland in Eurovision. It was such a big part of my childhood watching it with my mum, and I always wanted to make her proud by entering."
Continuing, she said, "From the moment Let Me Be The Fire was written, I felt like it could perfect for Eurovision. I feel like as a songwriter, Eurovision is such an exciting opportunity. Some of the best writers in the world have had songs participate and I just felt proud that I could be a part of that."
"Also, I think Ireland needs a win in Eurovision and the Irish community is ready to send a world class song," she said.
Speaking about her song, she said that it is about "helping someone - a friend, lover or family member- go through a difficult time. It’s about saying, 'Hey, I have you. Lean on me’.
"I think there is a tendency when you are suffering with anxiety and depression to feel alone and disappear into it. We wanted people to feel it’s ok to go through something difficult and we’re here for you, supporting you."
A total of six songs were selected for Eurosong 2024 from hundreds of entries received by RTÉ following a callout for submissions last year.
So far this week, Erica Cody, Ailsha and JyellowL were confirmed as hopefuls to compete in the contest, which will be held in Malmo, Sweden in May.
The final acts will be announced on The Ray D’Arcy Show on Thursday and Friday.
All acts will compete on The Late Late Eurosong special on 26 January, 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
