Ireland's Eurovision hopeful Emmy has arrived in Switzerland ahead of this week’s contest, joining 36 countries in Basel for the opening of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest.
The 24-year-old Norwegian singer, who will perform Laika Party - a tribute to the Russian space dog - is representing Ireland after meeting an Irish songwriter at a music camp. "It felt natural to submit the song for Ireland," she said.
Bookmakers currently favour Sweden to win, with their entry compared to a Swedish version of Gangnam Style. France, Austria, Israel and Belgium round out the early favourites.
This year’s event is taking place under heavy security, with around 1,300 Swiss police supported by federal forces and reinforcements from Germany and France. Authorities have warned of possible terror or cyber attacks and are monitoring planned protests amid controversy over Israel’s participation during the war in Gaza.
RTÉ and other broadcasters are under pressure to boycott the event, following calls from Irish public figures and a letter signed by former Eurovision contestants calling for a ban on Israel's broadcaster.
However, speaking to reporters outside Leinster House last week, RTÉ's Director General Kevin Bakhurst, who is due to discuss Israel's participation in the song contest with the European Broadcasting Union, said that RTÉ is not considering pulling out of this year's Eurovision.
Israel’s government has warned its citizens of potential risks of attending the contest in Basel.
The 2025 contest follows a turbulent year in Malmö, Sweden, which was marked by artist protests and political tensions. Swiss winner Nemo Mettler described feeling "really sad" after winning in 2024 with The Code, a song about their non-binary identity.
The EBU has introduced a new code of conduct for 2025, pledging to protect artists’ wellbeing. Despite this, protests are expected in Basel this week, with more planned for the city centre on Saturday.
Ireland will compete in the second semi-final, taking place on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s grand final.
The "big five" - France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK - qualify automatically due to their financial contributions to the EBU.
The Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals take place on 13 and 15 May, and will be shown live on RTÉ 2 and RTÉ Player from 8pm. The Grand Final takes place on Saturday, 17 May, and will be shown live on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player from 8pm.
Read more:
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Watch: EMMY bring Laika Party to Trinity College
