Norwegian singer EMMY has represented Ireland at the second semi-final of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Basel.
The 24-year-old singer, who performed the song Laika Party - a tribute to the Russian space dog - sang for Ireland after meeting an Irish songwriter at a music camp.
The high-energy intergalactic earworm was born at a songwriting camp in EMMY's homeland, organised by the MGP - the body behind Norway's Eurovision selection.
She met Kilbeggan-based songwriter Larissa Tormey, who co-wrote this year's Irish entry alongside EMMY and a team of Norwegian songwriters, at the camp.
Backed by her brother, Erlend Guttulsrud Kristiansen, and dancers Vilde Skorstad, Karin Aaeng Stuge, Kristiane Lindvik, and Christiane Bergersen, the singer, whose real name is Emmy Kristine Guttulsrud Kristiansen, earlier told RTÉ Entertainment that her team are "so grateful for the support".
EMMY said she had two goals for Eurovision: to try her best and to make Ireland proud.
In a silvery outfit, she danced on a small stage as below the singer, her keyboardist brother Erlend moved only his arm to the beat of the song.
She ended saying "thank you so much", as the crowd cheered.
EMMY hopes to replicate Bambie Thug, who at Malmo 2024 was the first Irish entrant to make the final since Ryan O'Shaughnessy in Lisbon in 2018.
Separately, against a backdrop of controversy over Israel's ongoing participation in the contest, security is tight around the arena in Basel.
The singer, 24, was performing New Day Will Rise during the preview show when six people with "oversized flags and whistles" obstructed the performance.
Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack, is representing Israel with its Hebrew, French and English language entry.
Pro-Palestinian protesters also planned to walk the streets of Basel "silently" to demonstrate against Israel’s participation in the contest.
There are 26 coveted spots in the Grand Final this Saturday night for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest final.
Six places go to the so-called big five, who automatically qualify every year, along with the host country.
On Tuesday night at the first semi-final, the first ten qualifiers claimed their spots, so that means there are just ten spaces left for tonight’s 16 competitors.
Watch: Emmy brings Laika Party to Trinity College
The evening will also see performances from three of the "big five" countries that have already made the final - British girl group Remember Monday, French singer Louane and German duo Abor & Tynna.
Last year, Ireland, which holds a record seven wins with Sweden, came sixth with Bambie Thug's witchy Doomsday Blue, the first time the country made the final since Ryan O'Shaughnessy in Lisbon in 2018.
It is hoped EMMY can replicate that, but she faces strong competition from Finland singer Erika Vikman's energetic Ich Komme, Malta's Miriana Conte with the pride-filled Serving, and Czechia's dramatic song Kiss Kiss Goodbye, from Adonxs.
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Once all the acts performed, the voting began with those countries performing casting their votes for their favourites, and ten contestants going through to the final on Saturday.
In the final, qualifiers will also face Kaj, who are representing Sweden, with their entry Bara Bada Bastu, about Nordic sauna culture, Ukraine's Ziferblat with the song Bird Of Pray, and Estonia's Tommy Cash with Espresso Macchiato, among others.
Watch: Check out the 10 countries that qualified for the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final during the first semi-final
The Grand Final on Saturday will also see reigning champion Switzerland perform, who, as hosts, are guaranteed a slot after their act, Nemo, was victorious last year.
The Eurovision Song Contest is being shown live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 8pm.
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Additional reporting: Press Association
