Bambie Thug becomes first Irish Eurovision finalist in six years

Bambie Thug has officially become the first Irish Eurovision Song Contest finalist in six years.

The Cork-born singer stunned viewers at last night’s (May 7) semi-finals in Malmö, Sweden, with a spellbinding performance of his alternative song ‘Doomsday Blue’.

The musician qualified for the grand final this Saturday (May 11), the first time Ireland has reached that stage since Ryan O’Shaughnessy in 2018.

Related: Olly Alexander releases teaser clip for UK Eurovision 2024 song

The last time Ireland went all the way was when Eimear Quinn took the title in 1996.

Reacting to Bambie Thug’s electrifying performance on Twitter/X, one user wrote: “Can’t believe I just witnessed the best 30 seconds in Eurovision history and coming from Ireland? I’M SHOCKED.”

“I DON’T CARE IF IRELAND DON’T WIN, THIS IS THE BEST EUROVISION PERFORMANCE EVER,” said another; while a third wrote: “Bambie THUG, have we just witnessed Eurovision history? Ireland are trying hard to win.”

Related: Why is the United Kingdom participating in the Eurovision semi-finals?

Also competing for the crown this year is UK entrant Years & Years singer and It’s a sin star Olly Alexander, who will perform his pop hit ‘Dizzy’.

“I wrote the song last summer with Danny L Harle. We started with the word ‘Dizzy’ because it popped into my head and I liked it,” the singer revealed in March.

“I was thinking about funny things that might make you dizzy and I remember saying ‘dizzy from your kisses,’ so the song is about feeling such an intense emotion for someone that turns your world completely upside down and upside down.”

Meanwhile, fool me once Star Joanna Lumley has been confirmed as the UK’s Eurovision 2024 spokesperson, meaning she will deliver the results of the UK National Jury during the live final.

The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 will air on Saturday 11 May from 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.