10 things you need to know about Eurovision 2024

After weeks of build up, finally it’s Eurovision semi final day for Bambie Thug! Eurovision finally kicks off tonight, where 37 songs will hit the stage over two semi finals.

Here are ten things you need to know ahead of the competition:

1. Who is representing Ireland?

Singer/songwriter Bambie Thug with their song, ‘Doomsday Blue’. Ireland last won in 1996. Yes. 1996. Ireland has won seven times in total equalling Sweden’s tally.

Doomsday blue – Music written by Bambie Thug, Cassyette, Sam Matlock, Tylr Rydr. Lyrics written by Bambie Thug and Cassyette.

They are using the phrase ‘Crown the Witch’ as part of their set design in the Eurovision performance – #crownthewitch is now popping up across social media.

2. When can I see Ireland performing?

Tonight! Ireland is performing in the first semi-final. The event will be shown live from 8pm on RTÉ One and updates will be on RTÉ Online and across RTÉ social media platforms.

If Ireland qualifies, Bambie Thug will participate in the grand final on Saturday night live from Sweden.

3. There has been controversy around Israel’s participation in this year’s competition?

Yes, at home and abroad. In Ireland, a campaign called on RTÉ to “immediately withdraw support and participation in the contest, if Israel is permitted to compete”.

Responding, RTÉ says that Eurovision is a “a competition for broadcasters – not governments – and the Israeli public broadcaster has participated in the contest for 50 years”.

Bambie Thug says that “I stand with anyone doing the boycott,” adding that its “the EBU [European Broadcasting Union] who have to make the decision” of whether to exclude Israel from the Eurovision”.

RTÉ is not currently aware of any participating Public Service Broadcaster that is planning to boycott the Eurovision.

Protests are planned in Malmö to highlight the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with demonstrators expected to march outside the arena on 9 May when Israel performs in its semi-final.

4. So, tell me more about Bambie Thug – are they from Cork?

Yup. Bambie Thug is a singer/songwriter from Macroom in Co Cork and they mix genres, and crack gender and socio-political stereotypes to create their unique sound.

Self coining the term, ‘Ouija-pop’, the term describes their individual sound and ‘Doomsday Blue’ is about the feeling of having your potential overlooked, and is an ode to the queer community.

Fun fact! Bambie Thug’s mother is from Cork and their dad, is from (appropriately enough!) Stockholm in Sweden, so it’s a kind a homecoming for the family!

The bookies seem to like what they are seeing and Ireland is floating around eighth position for many of them in their predictions.

5. Some countries in the semi finals are guaranteed a place in the final. Which ones are they?

In all, 14 countries will compete alongside Ireland in the first semi-final on 7 May, including Australia, Ukraine, Iceland and Finland.

The so-called big 5 are guaranteed a place in the final, they include France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom (the group of countries that make the biggest financial contribution towards the organisation of the contest) and the host country automatically goes through to the final too.

This will be the First time they have appeared in the semi finals. Sweden drew the opening slot in the grand final on Saturday night.

6. When did Ireland last make it into the final?

It’s been a long road. 2018 was the last time in the final with Ryan O’Shaughnessy, in Lisbon and since then, Ireland hasn’t made it through to the final.

Dana was Ireland’s first winner in 1970, and then Ireland has won six more times.

Linda Martin won in Malmö in 1992 with ‘Why Me’, written by Johnny Logan. The last winner was 28 years ago with Eimear Quinn ‘The Voice’.

7. Remind me of the rules?

Eurovision songs must be original and no longer than three minutes in length. Lead vocals must be performed live.

No more than six performers can take to the stage during any one performance.

8. Did I hear that the OG Double winner, Ireland’s Johnny Logan will be making an appearance at Malmö?

Yes! When performer Loreen won for Sweden last year it was her second time to win, so now she and Johnny Logan have both won the Eurovision twice.

To celebrate this unique achievement, the producers have invited Johnny Logan back to participate in this year’s interval act – calling him “the original Double winner”.

He won with ‘What’s Another Year?’ (The Hague 1980) and ‘Hold Me Now’ (Brussels 1987).

9. Is it really 30 years since Riverdance blasted onto the Eurovision stage?

Yes. Michael Flatley, Jean Butler and all the gang of Riverdance were introduced to the world by Eurovision hosts Gerry Ryan and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú in 1994.

10. And 50 years since Abba won?

Yes – it is 50 years since Abba won with their song ‘Waterloo’ in Brighton, in England in 1974. And there’s more!

When Sweden won last year, it put them on equal footing with Ireland.

Both have won seven times. Ireland seven wins, Sweden seven wins. The pressure is on … will they #CrownTheWitch?

Watch the Eurovision Song Contest on RTÉ One at 8pm