Eurovision legend Linda Martin gave advice to EMMY, this year's hopeful for Ireland, telling the 24-year-old Norweigan singer to "embrace it" because it's "going to go past in a flash".
Martin, who won the Song Contest in 1992 with Why Me?, welcomed EMMY and her brother Erlend to her dog shelter in Dublin where she presented the singer with a bouquet of green, white and orange flowers to wish her luck on her Eurovision journey.
Speaking to EMMY, Martin said: "Enjoy it because it's going to go past in a flash. And speak to everybody, speak to the newspapers and magazines, the radios, anything.
"Speak to them just so they know who you are and what your song is about and get your song out there because it's vitally important, but do enjoy yourself."
The Belfast-born singer continued: "I know on the stage you're going to be nervous. Because you'll be aware that there's 400 million people watching, but this is the most wonderful platform you could ever imagine.
"Where would you ever be seen again by so many people? So there's going to be managers looking in, there's going to be promoters, there's gonna be record labels looking at everything and just use it and go forward.
"Embrace it. Because I love Eurovision. I got stuck into it straight away and EMMY, I'm still working because of that Eurovision contest. You're so beautiful and friendly. Both of you. We'll be cheering for you on the night."
When EMMY expressed her gratitude at being invited to the dog shelter, Dublin Dog Hub, which has rehomed 225 dogs since it opened in February 2024, Martin replied: "It was a pleasure... and we just wish you the very, very best of luck.
"If you win... you have to come back and live in Dublin. And then I'll have a job here for you. It's been an absolute pleasure and go and win for Ireland!"
"We'll do our best!," EMMY responded.
EMMY will perform her track Laika Party at the second Eurovision Song Contest semi-final on Thursday 15 May at 8pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.
