REVIEWING THE CLASS OF 2015: IRELAND!

Molly Sterling won Ireland's national final - beating off stiff competition from the likes of Erika Selin, Kat Mahon and Nikki Kavanagh. Will Ireland make the final this year? Could Molly even be a dark horse? Here's what we think about Ireland's effort...

Ana: I think that this is one of the most underrated songs this year. Molly is only 16, she’s really talented and her voice has something special. She could do well in Vienna and be this year surprise if her team prepare a good staging and create an intimate atmosphere. 9/10

llkar: Molly may be only 16 but she's got a wonderful dark voice. The song is beautiful and she reminds (in a good way) of many wonderful voices from Kate Bush to Bette Midler. I like the piano driven arrangement. A real song by a real artist 8/10

Jack: Even though Molly wasn't my #1 favourite in the Irish selection, I am happy she won. Her song is beautiful and she's amazing live, especially when considering her tender age. The studio version and the live version sound almost identical... unfortunately,  we couldn't say the same about Nikki Kavanagh. ;-) I hope Ireland qualifies and reaches a decent postion in Vienna. Hopefully the curse of performing #2 won't dampen Molly's chances.. 8/10

Jess: Molly has such a wonderful voice, and her song is very beautiful! 7/10

John: Thankfully Ireland has broken the habit of following trends. Although this doesn't set any new trend it goes back to what Ireland does best at ESC but is modern enough not to be considered "dated" . I really like the melody and the depth of the lyrics. Molly is just 16 and surely has a bright future ahead regardless of the outcome at Eurovision. 8/10

OUR VERDICT - 40/50
OVERALL SCORE - 8.0/10

MOLLY STERLING TO REPRESENT IRELAND!

Molly Sterling has won Eurosong 2015 and therefore will represent Ireland. Fantastic choice. stay tuned for more.....

Well I am thrilled with Molly being selected. Playing With Numbers was performed beautifully. I really enjoyed the show tonight however unfortunately, I was so underwhelmed with Nikki's live performance - apparently she had a sore throat though. Oh well. Kat came 2nd overall and won the juries vote. I didn't expect her to do so well if I'm honest but it is a lovely song. I still don't think it would have been strong enough for Eurovision though.. Swedish singer Erika managed third place in the end, despite winning many online polls and being a joint favourite with the bookies. This blogger was veryimpressed with her live but I guess the Irish wanted someone Irish to represent their country in Vienna. Fair enough. Nikki only managed 4th. Sigh. I feel so sorry and upset for her because the performance wasn't great.. but it's a damn tough song to sing. If only she nailed it vocally. And finally, poor old Alex was just an extra tonight and ended up in last place. And Linda Martin didn't call anyone an odious little man or a gobshite. There's always next year ;-)

Image source from The Late Late Show's Twitter account.

GUEST REVIEWS: IRELAND'S 2015 NATIONAL FINAL!

The Irish national final is set to take place this Friday. Five acts are in the running. Two very good friends of mine kindly agreed to review the competing songs with me - John from Ireland and Jess from the UK, who runs partner blog ESC-Starz. Here's what we think!

ALEX SAINT - SHE'S SO FINE

Jack - There's absolutely nothing I like about this song. The rapping isn't to my taste and the chorus itself is rather awful to be honest.. I'm sure there's a few people who will enjoy and appreciate this song, although this blogger isn't one of them. 1/10

Jess - This is quite an unpopular opinion but I quite like this song, I am very interested to see what it will sound like live. 7/10

John - Definitely the weakest song in this selection. It really is not suited to Eurovision at all. The song is largely a rap song and we all know how well rap goes down an ESC audience !. Hard to believe it was one of the best five from almost 300 songs submitted. 3.5/10

KAT MAHON - ANYBODY GOT A SHOULDER?

Jack - Charlie McGettigan, who won Eurovision 1994 with Paul Harrington, wrote this song for Kat but that won't be enough to see he win. There's nothing wrong with the song though. It's sweet and she has a good voice etc. but I feel this song will unnoticed on Friday. Frankly, there's stronger songs in the line-up. Not a winner for me but it isn't too bad. 5/10

Jess - When I heard Kat was the favourite I was so excited to hear the song, however it fell a tad short of my expectation and even though she has lovely vocals I am just not a massive fan of the song. 5/10

John - If a ballad is going to qualify it's got to be a really strong song sung by a really strong voice and it must somehow stand out from the other ballads. Kat Mahon's effort is none of these. It just plods along boringly from start to finish. Very slim chance of representing Ireland. 4.5/10

ERIKA SELIN - BREAK ME UP  

Jack - Erika's participation in Eurosong has been rather controversial. She's Swedish and apparently Break Me Up was rejected for Melodifestivalen 2015. Meanwhile, the song was composed by a bunch of Swedes and Timoteij are even going to be backing vocalists for her, reports say. Is there anything Irish about this? If you forget all that, the song itself isn't actually too bad but it's not my favourite. Expect more controversy and drama if she is victorious. 7/10

Jess - I love Erika's song so much! I feel that it really stands out and could do really well at Eurovision, I believe her vocals really suit the song and she will do well in the selection. 10/10

John - This is one of two songs that stand a very strong chance of going to Vienna. Great song, catchy tune and well performed by Erica. The only reservation I have is that, being a proud nation, the Irish will most likely vote for "one of their own". This doesn't bode well for this Swedish songstress. 8/10

NIKKI KAVANAGH - MEMORIES  

Jack - Nikki Kavanagh would be my ideal candidate for Ireland this year. Her song, Memories, will require strong vocals live and I'm positive she can pull it off! Last years winner performed at #4 in the running order, as did Ryan Dolan.. is this a good luck charm for Nikki? She was so close to representing Ireland in 2011 - however was pipped to the post by Jedward. Hopefully Nikki will go one better this time :-) 9/10

Jess - Glad to see Nikki return to the selection with such a great song, I really hope she will have the vocals to match live on the night. If Nikki does get picked to represent Ireland I believe she could get a really good place. 8/10

John - My money is on this one to represent Ireland in Austria. Strong song, strong vocals - and, yes, she really can hit those high notes singing live! It's a contemporary sound and it's an original sound - it is not (unlike our 2013 and 2014 entries) a pale imitation of the previous year's winning song. Go Nikki! 9/10

MOLLY STERLING - PLAYING WITH NUMBERS  

Jack - I feel this song has gone unnoticed by a lot of people. Molly's entry is stunning. I really love this!! If Nikki wasn't to win, then Molly would be my 2nd choice. She is only 16 years old and to write a song like this, just shows how talented she is. I really hope the performance will be just as beautiful and mesmerising, because Playing With Numbers is so gorgeous  - and who knows, maybe the Irish will select this. Maybe... Good luck Molly! 9/10

Jess - Molly has amazing vocals and the song is pretty good, and I believe if she has great vocals on the night she might be one to watch. 7/10

John - I actually like this song very much. Molly is only 16 years old and she co-wrote the song and sings like a seasoned professional. I don't think she will win however but she has a bright future ahead of her and we may be seeing her taking to the ESC stage for Ireland in the very near future. 6.5/10

Here's our points...

Nikki Kavanagh - Memories 26/30

Erika Selin - Break Me Up 25/30

Molly Sterling - Playing With Numbers 22.5/30

Kat Mahon - Anybody Got a Shoulder 14.5/30

Alex Saint - She's So Fine 11.5/30

So that's what we think. But how about you? Who would you like to see Ireland select? Here's a brief recap of the songs:

A massive thank you to John Conway and Jessica Cambridge who kindly reviewed these songs for me! 

Ireland: Participants and songs revealed!

The Irish songs were revealed earlier today live on The Ray D'Arcy Show broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1. These are the acts who will battle it out for the Irish ticket to Vienna:

• Nikki Kavanagh – Memories
• Kat Mohan – Anybody Got A Shoulder
• Alex Saint & The MJs – She’s So Fine
• Erika Selin – Break Me Up
• Molly Sterling – Playing With Numbers

If Ireland want to at least qualify in Vienna, they simply have to send Nikki Kavanagh. Molly Sterling wouldn't be a disaster although I really think it's time for Nikki to represent The Emerald Isle. Her song is fantastic but she will need to be flawless vocally, otherwise it'll be a awful. But there's lots of potential. Listen to the songs here.

Ireland: National final set for 27th February!

As expected, the Irish entry will be selected through The Late Late Show and it's recently been confirmed the selection will be held on 27th February. The participants will be revealed sometime next week - both Ryan Dolan and Nikki Kavanagh are expected to take part.

Source - ESCReporter 

Ireland: Mary Byrne rejected for being too fat?

Mary Byrne's song hasn't made the Irish national final. Speaking to Goss.ie, she said:

I am baffled as to why I didn’t get the chance to perform in the Irish Eurosong final. Maybe they’re looking for somebody younger, or a slimmer version of Mary Byrne?

The song she was going to compete with, The Storm, was composed by Karl Broderick. He also composed Eoghan Quigg's from Ireland's national final last year and the Irish entry in 2005. I think Mary would've been great in Eurovision. It's a shame.. The acts that have made the cut will be revealed soon.

Ireland: Should Nadia Forde represent The Emerald Isle?

Should Nadia Forde represent Ireland in Eurovision 2015? This is the question my good friends at Eurovision Ireland are asking. If you're not familiar with Nadia, she took part in the British reality show I'm A Celebrity - Get Me Out Of Here but was the 2nd contestant to be eliminated. Although this has given her a fantastic opportunity to expand her musical career. The model has previously stated that she would love to take part in Eurovision - as music is her main focus and dream career.

She will release a new single next month and performanced an acoustic version of Stuck on an Irish TV show at the weekend. If not this year, then could we see her fly the Irish flag in 2016? Watch her performance here:

Do you think she would be a good choice for Ireland in Vienna? I certainly do!

Ireland: Linda Martin would return to Eurovision!

Linda Martin is apparently interested in representing Ireland in Eurovision once again. She would only be willing to compete in the contest if Johnny Logan dueted with her, though. Here's what she said:

Believe it or not, for the hardcore Eurovision fans, the ultimate dream is Johnny Logan and myself doing a duet. Now that’s easier said than done, but of course I’d love to sing with Johnny, he’s a great pal of mine.

Hmm... Would you like to see her and Johnny Logan fly the Irish flag once again?

Source - escXtra

Interview 2015: Krystal Mills!

Krystal Mills is a Welsh singer-songwriter aiming to represent The Emerald Isle in Eurovision 2015. She narrowly missed out from competing in the Romanian national final earlier this year with Mircea Cioclei and their beautiful ballad Every Time I See You. Krystal also entered the Swiss selection with Bang Bang Bang but now has her eyes set on flying the Irish flag in Vienna. I was fortunate enough to speak to Krystal about her new single, Conchita Wurst, hunky cowboys and her experience in Romania!

Jack - Why do you want to represent Ireland in Eurovision and not the United Kingdom?

Krystal - Well I wanted to submit a song for Eurovision either for UK or Ireland and just felt that “Hometown” is more suited for Ireland as it has a huge Country Music Fanbase. After I entered for Romania and Switzerland last year I wanted to try closer to home. My nan who passed away was Irish and felt maybe with the luck of the Irish In my blood that I maybe 3rd time lucky.

Jack - Last year, you entered the Swiss and Romanian selections with Bang Bang Bang and Every Time I See You respectively but what song do you prefer? 

Krystal - I love both songs as they were both different genres and shown my vocal versatility and each song opened up new opportunities for me. “Bang Bang Bang” was my first ever solo entry which I produced and written and put forward as my Swiss entry for 2014 which had a James Bond Theme to it. However “ETISY” was a beautiful Duet Piano Ballad and gave me an opportunity to travel to Romania and work with some amazing people and songwriters. So out of these I would have to say I love the songs equally for different reasons.

Jack - You toured Romania with Mircea Cioclei to promote your entry earlier this year - how was that for you?

Krystal - It was a great and exciting time for me. It was the first time I had visited Eastern Europe and discover their culture. I was greeted very warmly into their country and gained a lot of respect from the public. It was a long trip to get there and traveling back, but it was defiantly worth it. 
(In total it took me about 15hrs to get from Cardiff to Braila as it was a 4hr coach journey traveling with national express coach from Cardiff central station to London Heathrow Terminal 5. Then an extra 2hrs going through security and waiting at the gate. Then 3hrs on British Airways Flight to Bucharest Henri Conda (Otopeni) Airport).

Once I arrived at Bucharest I did feel a little anxious and worried but was warmly greeted my my Eurovision Duo Mircea Cioclei. It was strange as we had only talked on facebook and flying out alone I know that I had to be brave in this business and go out of your comfort zone. I then had a four hour taxi ride from one of Mircea’s friends who kindly gave us a lift from the Airport to Braila (Mircea’s Hometown).

Local Gigs In Braila.
I managed to find a few venues nearby to have us perform our Eurovision Song “Every Time I See You” AKA “ETISY” and also got to perform my own set of original and cover’s for them that night also which a lot were entertained by some Shania Twain song haha. Also performed at a some venues in Bucharest a couple days before I flew home. On certain nights they would also hold karaoke nights of which were run by Mircea’s friends so would perform our single at their venues also to help promote the song.

TV Apperances.
Me and Mircea managed to get a few contacts interested in our story and out of that we got onto TVH (TV Channel) to promote our own songs and to tell the Romanian public about our announcement of putting a song forward for Eurovision 2014.

This was my first Performance on TV and was a great pleasure to perform for the Romanian Public and see them react in a positive response to my country original songs too as I performed my song “He’s an Idiot” on Live TV.-Link to show is here. When we found out we didn't make it. I received a phone call from home back in Cardiff.... (The night before the announcement I couldn’t sleep as I was so anxious to know the result as many others who entered were feeling the same too) My mum was on the other side of the phone to find out that they called out the top 12 who have made it to the national finals. She told me that we didn't make it.  

I was absolutely gutted and my heart sank in as it hit me quite a bit as we had so much support and worked hard on this track and working with an amazing team we thought it deserved to be in the top 12. About 5 minutes after I had a knock on the door and it was Mircea and he just looked at me and I said “I know”... However we started talking about promoting it and releasing it soon after including a music video and a performance in Bucharest which was organised by our Romanian short term Manager. Invites back to Romania. This then led onto lots more opportunity’s to perform at various concerts including the George Grigoiu Festival in Braila which I represented the UK and had to sing one of my own songs and a song in Romanian. This festival was also televised by TVR2 (Similar to UK Version of BBC 2)
  
Overall Experiance
It was a rollercoaster ride but I will never forget the experience and publicity I had and how it helped me to become a stronger person and take bad news on the chin and to keep working at what you love doing and one day someone will listen and fulfil my dream. I will never forget the opportunity and privilege to explore another country and gaining new fans and friends. The Eurovision experience for me has allowed me to acquire lots of connections through Europe who all got the same passion for Eurovision either as performers or promoters. To this day I and Mircea still keep in contact which I know he has continued to stick to his Dance/Clubland and working on new music releases. 

Jack - Can you tell us some more details about Hometown? Did you write it especially for Eurovision? 

Krystal - Hometown was defiantly made for Eurovision. I knew that I had to plan in advance for 2015 so as soon as the entry date had opened I can send the song in asap. I wanted to choose the perfect song and write the right lyrics for it too as this year I aim for a winning song and hope to sing to 170 million viewers. My swiss entry “Bang Bang Bang” was composed and written by myself however Romanian wasn’t. I want the next song I enter to be written by me. But am proud to be working with another great producer called Russell Steedle based in Hollywood, USA on “Hometown” After not proceeding further with Romania and Switzerland there was no way of stopping me from working harder to get my Eurovision dream to happen into reality and I shall keep at it.

Jack - If you do advance to the Irish national final, what will your performance be like?

Krystal - I have a couple of ideas up my sleeve. I am thinking some hunky cowboys dancers maybe wearing a little waist coat, jeans, Cowboy hat and boots.  Some other ideas but I shall not mention yet.

Jack - Did you watch Eurovision 2014? What song was your favourite?

Krystal - Who didn't watch it? Lol.... I love Eurovision! I got to say I even got my top three right in the finals. I had 

1. Conchita Wurst (Austria)
2. The Common Linnets (The Netherlands)
3. Sanna Nielsen (Sweden)

Jack - Do you think the best song (Conchita Wurst's "Rise Like A Phoenix") won?

Krystal - Absolutely!
The song was a perfect win and May I say had also a “James Bond” theme to it.  Conchita sang the song beautifully! The Stage/Lighting Production team did an amazing job too helping to bring the song to life.

Jack - Have you been to Vienna before?

Krystal - I haven’t myself however my mum went to Austria to compete In Mrs Europe. My mum was representing Wales and her number was “6” so because it’s the 60th anniversary of Eurovision next year I’m hoping it may be a sign I can follow my mums footsteps but instead of a Europe Beauty Pageant it will be a Europe Song Competition. I have seen photos of Austria and looks like a beautiful place. I shall have to brush up on my German If I attend 2015.

Jack - Here are some random questions for my readers to get to know you a little bit better. Where is your favourite place to holiday? 

Krystal - That’s such a difficult one.... I have been to Disney Land Paris, Algarve (Villamora, Portugal), Salou & Barcelona (Spain), Shannon (Ireland) and Bucharest & Braila (Romania) – All holidays have been for different reasons and with different people but I like view architecture and historical buildings and being a real tourist. Its sooo difficult but I will have to say probably Portugal because it was a nice family holiday.

Jack - Your favourite alcoholic drink? 

Krystal - I love a Jack Daniels and Coke!  any day....anytime 

Jack - Can you speak any foreign languages? 

Krystal - Well I can only say my hello’s, goodbye’s and Thankyou’s haha- in French, German, Spanish, Welsh and Romanian. I can say a few swear words in Gaelic and welsh too. Including count to 29 in French and in Welsh. English is my only fluent language...

Jack - Apart from songwriting and singing, what other interests do you have?

Krystal - I like to take my dog out for daily walks. But I am mainly busy promoting and designing posters and publicity for my music including emarketing and don’t have a lot of time for anything else. I am always forward planning.

A massive thank you to Krystal for this!! Enjoy a teaser of her new song below..

Ireland: Jedward will NOT return in 2015!

The 2011 and 2012 Irish representatives, Jedward, have decided not to submit an entry for next years contest because RTE did not give them enough time to choose a song - according to The Sun. Can't say I'm disappointed with this decision!

Ireland: RTE receives over 200 songs!

More than 200 entries have been received by RTE for their new selection process. The "mentor" system has finally been scrapped, thankfully, after Can-Linn feat. Kasey Smith bombed in Copenhagen earlier this year. Therefore, anyone could submit a song and lots of people are interested in representing The Emerald Isle. More details about the selection itself will be revealed in due course.

Who's entered the selection?

• Mary Byrne - aka Tesco Mary - has submitted a song composed by Karl Broderick. Her song is apparently a power ballad. 
• Nikki Kavanagh has reportedly entered two tracks into the selection. She came runner-up to Jedward back in 2011 with Failing. 
• Liir, Ireland's newest girlband, are interested in Eurovision. The group consists of Leanne Moore, Kim Hayden and Michele McGrath. Could be a great choice if the song is right! 
• Krystal Mills. The Welsh singer entered both the Romanian and Swiss selections last year but with little success, unfortunately. I wish her the best of luck!! She's already released a snippet of her entry Hometown. Sounds great!! 
• Ryan Dolan is interested in returning however it's yet to be seen if he'll be back. 
• Ben Quinlan recently took part in The X Factor but was eliminated at bootcamp. He wants to fly the Irish flag in Vienna though with a self-penned song. Watch his audition here. 
• Louis Walsh is apparently backing Janet Grogan and Orla Keogh to compete in the Irish national final. They both took part in The X Factor too, but with no success. 

Ireland: Newly formed girlband aim for Eurovision!

Leanne Moore, Kim Hayden and Michele McGrath have formed a new girlband, hoping to break into the Irish and European charts. They also have their sight set on representing Ireland in Eurovision 2015. This new girlband, who are still nameless, would be a very interesting option indeed. Can't wait to hear their song :-)

Source and photograph - Goss.ie

Ireland: Ryan Dolan wants to return to Eurovision!

Ryan Dolan represented Ireland in 2013 and came last place - which was totally undeserved and very disappointing. Anyway, he's keen to perform on the Eurovision stage once again. The Irish singer posted this message on Facebook earlier:

Would you like to see him represent Ireland in Vienna?

Ireland: Jedward and Mary Byrne in the race!

Jedward's return to Eurovision has been rumoured for sometime - but it has finally been confirmed that they are planning on submitting a song into the upcoming Irish selection. Another name in the mix is Mary Byrne. She participated on The X Factor back in 2010 and came 5th.  This is what she had to say regarding Eurovision:

Eurovision is one of my guilty pleasures. It’s an honour to have been put forward.

Kark Broderick, a Eurovision veteran, will write her song. I'd love to see Mary in Vienna. But Jedward? No thanks.. Ireland recently opened submissions for Eurovision 2015 - and the deadline for interested parties to submit their offerings is 31st October.

Ireland: Jedward to return - but for another country?

Following their terrifying ordeal at sea, Jedward have said they would love to do Eurovision again although they wouldn't represent their homeland - they would represent another country instead. Apparently, the Irish twins have been approached by several broadcasters. They previously represented Ireland in 2011 and 2012, with a top ten result in 2011. Jedward stated:

We had every single country coming up to us going, ‘Can you please write a song for our country? Can you please represent our country?

Would this be a good idea? Also, what broadcasters have approached them?

Introducing 2014: Ireland!

Following an eventful national final, it was decided that Can-Linn feat. Kasey Smith would represent The Emerald Isle. It's fair to say Linda Martin and Billy McGuinness had a little disagreement and y'all can relive that here! Can-Linn feat. Kasey were the clear favourites to win without a doubt so it was no surprise when they won. I also liked Patricia Roe's song. Anyway, Can-Linn are a music group who produced "Heartbeat" and Kasey will perform the song in Copenhagen. Can-Linn is Irish for "sing together". Kasey is a former member of the group Wonderland and also tried to represent Ireland the year before, with Kiss Me.

Ireland are one of my favourites this year! Heartbeat is a wonderful song and I really want this to do well in Copenhagen. I don't like the dancers though, and maybe Kasey should move about a little bit on stage? Her vocal in the Irish national final were very strong. The song has a traditional Irish theme that is combined with pop. It's also very catchy! Will Ireland qualify? Yes, I hope so anyways..

Ireland: Can-Linn feat Kasey Smith to Copenhagen!

Can-Linn feat Kasey Smith won the Irish national final last night... This is the best choice Ireland could've made! A fantastic song with ethnic elements. I love it! Can-Linn came on top of both the public vote and national jury. Which is fantastic :-)

1. Can-linn feat. Kasey Smith - Heartbeat (124 points)
2. Eoghan Quigg - The Movie Song (102 points)
3. Laura O’Neill - You Don’t Remember Me (84 points)
4. Patricia Roe - Don’t Hold On (66 points)
5. Andrew Mann - Be Mine (44 points)

Apparently the show was not without it's drama - as Linda Martin and Louis Walsh were personally attakced due to their opinions. I've had a quick look at the performances and Kasey's vocals were really good - much better than last year. I'm sure this will come across better on a bigger stage. Eoghan came 2nd - I thought he would win to be honest as he does have lots of fans, but lots of haters too... ENJOY!

Ireland: National final tonight!

It's Ireland's turn to select their representative tonight! Five very strong songs are in the running. "The Late Late Show" will be used to select Ireland's entry, as usual. I want Can-Linn to win, Kasey is fantastic and defiantly deserves to represent The Emerald Isle. Eoghan Quigg is probably me 2nd favourite, his song is cute but he isn't very popular so I can't really see him winning...

Patricia Roe brings a fantastic old fashioned ballad, which would probably fail to qualify in Copenhagen. Laura O’Neill's song is very classy indeed but a little forgettable? Andrew Mann is the dark horse in this competition... All the songs are good but there are not outstanding songs. I think Can-Linn is the best choice for sure. Tonight's hopefuls:

1. Patricia Roe - Don’t Hold On (Mentor: Valerie Roe)
2. Eoghan Quigg - The Movie Song (Mentor:  Mark Murphy)
3. Can-linn featuring Kasey Smith - Heartbeat (Mentor: Hazel Kaneswaran)
4. Andrew Mann  - Be Mine (Mentor: Cormac Battle)
5. Laura O’Neill - You Don’t Remember Me (Mentor: Billy McGuinness)

NuVidz: Emma Marrone, Patricia Roe, Dons, Marco Mengoni!

Trattengo Il Fiato is Emma's latest single. This song is beautiful - and I think Emma could sing pretty much anything and it would sound awesome. So pleased she'll represent Italy in Eurovision this year. Ireland's national final will be held in two weeks time, and I cannot predict a winner - so the outcome will probably depend on the live performances. Anyway, Patricia Roe is one of my favourites and you can enjoy the official video-clip of "Don't Hold On" here. Could this win? This blogger wouldn't complain. On 22nd February, Latvia will select their entrant for Copenhagen and Dons seems to be one of the main contenders. Here is the official video-clip of Pēdējā vēstule. It would be a fantastic choice for Latvia... much better than the garbage they sent last year. Marco Mengoni was one of the biggest selling Italian artists in 2014 - and in his attempt to conquer the Latin market, he's released the Spanish version of  "L’Essenziale". It's now entitled Incomparable. Enjoy :-)

Ireland: Five hopefuls revealed!

Patricia Roe

The Irish hopefuls have been revealed! It's a mixed bunch and I'll reserve my judgement until I hear the songs tomorrow - as the songs will be aired on RTÉ 2FM at 2pm. These are the acts:

• Patricia Roe - Don’t Hold On (Mentor: Valerie Roe)
• Eoghan Quigg - The Movie Song (Mentor:  Mark Murphy)
• Can-linn featuring Kasey Smith - Heartbeat (Mentor: Hazel Kaneswaran)
• Andrew Mann  - Be Mine (Mentor: Cormac Battle)
• Laura O’Neill - You Don’t Remember Me (Mentor: Billy McGuinness)

I recognise a few names here. Eoghan Quigg came 3rd on The X Factor in 2008 - although we haven't heard much of him since. It was 2008 when Ruth Lorenzo competed in The X Factor too actually. Kasey has teame d up with Can-linn, she competed in Eurosong last year and came 3rd. Another familiar name is Andrew Mann. He was runner up to Jedward in 2012 with "Here I Am".

UPDATE - LISTEN HERE!