Eurovision hopefuls to battle it out on Late Late Show to represent Ireland 

Host of The Late Late Show Eurosong edition with Ireland’s six hopefuls (back L-R) Ailsha, Isabella Kearney, Erica-Cody, JyellowL & Toshín, Bambie Thug and (front) Next in Line who will battle it out tonight in a bid to represent Ireland in Malmö, Sweden in May at the 68th Eurovision Song Contest. Pictures: Andres Poveda

There are a lot of nerves floating around RTÉ studios today. It's time to face the music. Note: That's music, not musical.

Eurosong is upon us and six acts are hoping to get Ireland to the Eurovision final for the first time in four years.

A diverse group of artists will be courting the public on the Late Late Show tonight in the hopes of being the Chosen One.

From R&B and pop to techno-rock and electro-goth, it is one of the most exciting Eurosong line-ups we have ever had.

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Many of the artists spoke about how happy they are to be the representation that was missing when they watched Eurovision hopefuls in the past.

"I represent such an under-represented proportion of the country," Cork hopeful Bambie Thug tells me during a break from a busy day of dress rehearsals.

A proportion of the country, which in my view, is the building blocks of culture, fashion, and music.

"I would adore and be so honoured to represent Ireland and the queer and alt communities in Ireland."

Bambie Thug, who is from Cork, is hoping to represent Ireland as well as the queer and alt communities here.

The independent non-binary singer has an infectious energy and promises tonight's audience a fun performance complete with stunning visuals, costumes, and "witchiness".

Representation has also been at the forefront of Dubliner Erica Cody's mind throughout her career.

Erica Cody said it 'would be an honour' to be on a world stage for Ireland.

"For me, there was a real lack of representation when I was growing up so to be that for other people would be amazing, and to put it on a world stage, it would be an honour."

Also hoping to reflect modern culture in Ireland are rapper JyellowL and R&B singer Toshín with their song, 'Judas'.

JyellowL, whose real name is Jean-Luc Uddoh, is practically buzzing with enthusiasm as he declares their hit as the song the world needs right now.

JyellowL & Toshín's song is about 'standing in the face of adversity'.

"I wanted to be able to listen back to something to remind me that I was capable of overcoming these obstacles, standing in the face of adversity, putting one foot in front of the other, and scaling that mountain," the Kildare man said.

While 'Judas' offers a universal message, singer Ailsha will be giving the world a glimpse into a uniquely Irish experience.

When asked what viewers can expect tonight, she explains that her Irish language song will be "like a Leaving Cert fever dream" but in a fun way.

Ailsha incorporates the Irish language into her song.

"There's gonna be kegs, hurls, guitars, exploding toilets. There will be all sorts going on."

And Ailsha won't be the only one causing chaos, boyband Next in Line will be performing their debut single, 'Love Like Us'.

"We're just going to absolutely explode when we get there. People aren't ready for what we're about to bring," says Harry O'Connell.

While Conor O'Farrell, who counts the one and only Johnny Logan as one of his neighbours, defines their performance as "an organised mess".

Next In Line member Harry O'Connell says 'people aren't ready for what we're about to bring'.

Speaking of Johnny Logan, Isabella Kearney is hoping to become the second Irish-Australian to win the Eurovision for Ireland.

Born in Sydney, Kearney says that when it comes to music "it's always been Ireland".

Let's hope the judges in the semi-finals feel the same.

Isabella Kearney says while she was born in Australia, when it comes to Eurovision, 'it's always been Ireland'.

This year, Sweden could potentially surpass Ireland's record number of Eurovision titles.

Having won last year they have home advantage and a reputation for being the pop capital of the world. But Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty isn't worried. He tells us that one of these acts has what it takes to beat out Sweden and claim Ireland's eighth win.

Of course, he is remaining tight-lipped but promises to reveal who he backed once tonight's winner is revealed.

"You're only one good song away from the glory days coming back," the presenter says.

It is hard not to be a Eurovision fan having grown up with Ireland winning so often, Kielty says.

The Co Down man was in his early 20s when Ireland celebrated four wins in five years. No doubt he spent many a night out singing along to Linda Martin's 'Why Me'.

Politics

Taking on a more serious tone, Kielty responded to the controversy surrounding this year's Eurovision and calls for Ireland to boycott over Israel's inclusion in the contest. It seems like that is a question for someone else, he says, adding that he is not a decisionmaker when it comes to the Eurovision.

He, and the acts who were asked the same question, condemned the violence in Gaza.

"What is going on in Gaza at the minute is heartbreaking. What happened in Israel was horrific," Kielty says.

He added that, like others, he wants to see a ceasefire, to see humanitarian aid reach those who need it and hostages released.

Calls for Ireland to pull out of this year's show have grown in volume over the last week meaning that whoever is crowned victorious tonight could face a tough decision later.

The Late Late Eurosong Special airs Friday, January 26, 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.