Bambie Thug takes Ireland to the Eurovision Grand Final for the first time since 2018

May 7, 2024 Vaseline stjohnson 0

It’s official! Bambie Thug will take Ireland to their first Eurovision Grand Final since 2018.

The Cork artist cast a spell on the crowd after his performance of ‘Doomsday Blue’ in the first of tonight’s two semi-finals.

The semi-final success has fueled hopes of Ireland’s first Eurovision win since Eimear Quinn’s success with The Voice in 1996.

Bookmakers have reduced the odds of the Cork artist achieving an overall victory that would put Ireland ahead of Sweden as the most successful Eurovision country of all time.

Bambie was among ten acts that made it through the first semi-final.

Bambie, who came fourth in the order of entry tonight, began with a video postcard filmed among the castle ruins and stone circles of her hometown of Macroom.

They then surprised viewers with their hauntingly beautiful and mysterious staging of their song ‘Doomsday Blue’.

Bambie proudly wore a line of Ogham writing on her right temple, the oldest written language in Ireland, and was accessorised with dramatic white make-up and hair styled with her trademark horns.

Audible gasps echoed through the arena, when halfway through the performance, Bambie revealed a pink and blue dress, which was hidden beneath her costume.

A performance that will go down in Eurovision history.

The audience was able to hear a chorus of 'Crown the Witch' at semi-final 1 of Eurovision 2024 at the Malmö Arena, Sweden. Photo: Andrés Poveda
The audience was able to hear a chorus of ‘Crown the Witch’ at semi-final 1 of Eurovision 2024 at the Malmö Arena, Sweden. Photo: AndrĂ©s Poveda

In an interview after the rehearsal, Bambie confirmed that the move was a nod to the trans flag: blue and pink.

When asked why it was important for them to show support for the flag, they said, “I am a non-binary person. In today’s world, it is very dangerous for trans and non-binary people. And I will show my support as much as I can.”

Their performance was greeted with a chorus of ‘Crown the Witch, Crown the Witch’ from inside the arena.

After Ireland’s performance, presenter Malin Ă…kerman took note to tell viewers that Bambie is the first non-binary artist to perform at Eurovision 2024.

Bambie wasn’t the only Irish person to perform in this year’s first semi-final, our own Eurovision legend Johnny Logan took to the stage as a special guest to sing a rendition of Sweden’s 2012 winning song Euphoria.

Before his performance, Johnny said: “Sweden have won seven times, as have Ireland. Being asked to represent my country for the last time is very special to me and I am very grateful to everyone involved in the decision.

“I really want to return to the Eurovision stage this time as a guest and not as a contestant.”

Sure, what’s another year, Johnny?