Ireland's hopes of qualifying for the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final were dashed last night, as EMMY's Laika Party failed to make it through a fiercely competitive second semi-final in Basel, Switzerland.
Despite a strong performance and a warm reception from the crowd, Ireland was one of six countries eliminated in Thursday night’s show. Greece took the final qualifying spot, joining 19 other acts and the six automatic finalists for Saturday’s Grand Final.
Writing on Instagram following the semi-final EMMY said: "I'm SO sorry, Ireland. We will forever love you and be grateful and honoured to have represented you."
Longtime Eurovision commentator Marty Whelan admitted the result was disappointing, telling Oliver Callan on RTÉ Radio 1: "We were very surprised because it’s a decent song, it’s a fun song. EMMY did a great job. She’s only 24 – it’s not easy when this happens."
Whelan also pointed to the complexities of Eurovision voting: "Let’s be honest about it – people vote for people. You’re talking about Germany and Austria or Greece and Malta, and here we are, the little island sitting on the edge of Europe."
He added: "It was better than many that got through – and that’s often the argument. On the night you go in full of optimism. She gave it her best, but it just wasn’t meant to be."
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Eurovision fan and broadcaster Russell Alford, who was in St. Jakobshalle Arena for the semi-final, said the Irish support was loud and proud: "The atmosphere in the crowd was electric. There were a lot of Irish fans here – the Irish always come out in big numbers for Eurovision. I think EMMY did us all very proud."
He added: "It was a really hard semi-final. I think it’s back to the drawing board for next year. It was worth taking the risk – it’s just a shame it didn’t fully pay off this time."
Whelan, who will still be on duty for RTÉ during Saturday’s final, kept spirits high: "All we can do is shake ourselves down, have a glass of milk and get ourselves back in gear."
Although Ireland isn't in the running, Eurovision fans can expect a spectacular Grand Final on Saturday night. Austria’s JJ (Johannes Pietsch) is among the frontrunners with his emotional ballad Wasted Love, while Switzerland, as the reigning champions, will be hoping to make it two wins in a row.
Sweden's entry, performed by comedy trio KAJ with their catchy song Bara Bada Bastu, is generating major buzz. A win for them would give the country a record-breaking eight Eurovision title, putting them ahead of Ireland.
Israel has also secured a place in the final, amid protests surrounding its participation. Israeli singer Yuval Raphael's semi-final performance went smoothly, without the disruptions seen during an earlier rehearsal for New Day Will Rise. She was cheered by fans as her qualification for the final was confirmed.
Watch: EMMY performs Laika Party during the second semi-final
Earlier yesterday, Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR, which is organising the event, said six people obstructed Raphael's performance with "oversized flags and whistles" and were subsequently escorted out of the venue.
Former government minister Alan Shatter called for clarification on whether any of the RTÉ Eurovision jury members advocated that Israel be excluded from the competition.
In a statement, Mr Shatter said the Eurovision jury members are "expected to provide a balanced perspective, considering age, gender and professional backgrounds and to be objective".
"A major issue that the EBU should consider is whether RTÉ's Irish-appointed jury fulfils such expectation or whether it is contaminated by anti-Israel bias and hostility.
"It should be publicly clarified whether any of its members have advocated that Israel be excluded from Eurovision," he said.
Saturday’s final will take place under heightened security, with Swiss authorities preparing for pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Basel. Police have ramped up their presence in the city and around the venue, with contest organisers emphasising their commitment to ensuring the safety of artists, staff, and spectators.
Watch the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player from 8pm on Saturday, 17 May.
