Ireland qualify for first Eurovision final in five years
Ireland has made it through to the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest – for the first time since 2013.
Former Britain’s Got Talent star Ryan O’Shaughnessy succeeded in getting through to the next stage after singing his ballad Together, about the end of a love affair, at the semi-final in Lisbon.
It's possible that the whole arena just got emosh over @Ryan_Acoustic's 'Together' #ESC2018 #AllAboard #IRL pic.twitter.com/XknPKWjgnC
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 8, 2018
O’Shaughnessy’s ballad was accompanied by two male dancers acting out the romantic story of a couple, which got a huge cheer from the audience.
The moment Ireland qualified #Eurovision pic.twitter.com/9sDI6a1fBN
— BBC Eurovision (@bbceurovision) May 8, 2018
With seven victories, Ireland is the most successful country at the contest, but finished in last place at the final in 2013.
The winners of the first #ESC2018 Semi-Final are: 🇦🇹 🇪🇪 🇨🇾 🇱🇹 🇮🇱 🇨🇿 🇧🇬 🇦🇱 🇫🇮 🇮🇪 #AllAboard pic.twitter.com/kufj4sVE6b
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 8, 2018
We're through to the final!!!! Yessss! Well done @ryan_acoustic!!! #Eurovision #ESC2018 pic.twitter.com/iwSgjx7S7M
— RTÉ2 (@RTE2) May 8, 2018
The moment Ireland qualified #Eurovision pic.twitter.com/9sDI6a1fBN
— BBC Eurovision (@bbceurovision) May 8, 2018
Go on ya good thing Ryan....#Eurovision
— Dustin The Turkey (@DustinOfficial) May 8, 2018
Got a little bit of pushback when we selected Ryan for #eurovision this year, people saying we needed an upbeat song. Feck that, it was absolutely beautiful & the best by a country mile. Win, lose, draw, a gorgeous performance you sexy bastardo x
— Eoghan McDermott (@eoghanmcdermo) May 8, 2018
Ireland escaped from what was dubbed the 'semi-final of death' along with hotly-tipped acts from the Czech Republic, Israel and Estonia.
Israel made it through and led the way when it came to the most eccentric performances, with its singer “clucking like a chicken”.
Netta Barzilai, who performed her song Toy, has been the favourite with bookmakers to win this year’s competition.
.@NettaBarzilai has certainly got the crowd moving here in the arena! #ESC2018 #AllAboard #ISR pic.twitter.com/o98ALt6xNP
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 8, 2018
She was dubbed “Bjork on steroids” for her energetic performance.
WE'RE ON! TURN ON YOUR TV AND COME HAVE FUN WITH US #Eurovision #TOY pic.twitter.com/Kz3dnL1bEZ
— Netta Barzilai (@nettabarzi) May 8, 2018
Giving it Bjork on steroids Israel #ISR #EUROVISION
— Holly Johnson (@TheHollyJohnson) May 8, 2018
The first of the two semi-finals – with the second to air on Thursday – also saw former X Factor contestant Saara Aalto make it through to Saturday night, representing Finland.
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