WATCH: Cork's Bambie Thug secures a place in the Eurovision final

Bambie Thug is through to the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.

Following an unforgettable performance, this year’s Irish entry has undoubtedly done all Corkonian’s proud as this is the first time that an Irish artist has progressed past the semi-final stage since 2018.

Bambie Thug will be joined by nine other acts who performed in tonight’s episode in a fight for the crown on May 11, which will air on RTÉ One from 8pm.

Another set of finalists will be chosen during Thursday’s episode of the Eurovision Contest, which will feature a further 16 performances.

EARLIER

AN ELECTRIC performance from Bambie Thug has come to a close, described by RTÉ’s Marty Whelan as “simply marvellous.” 

As this year’s first non-binary artist to perform, Bambie Thug left nothing to be desired with their bone-chilling execution of Doomsday Blue.

The Corkonian tapped into their witchy persona as their staging in Malmo featured a ring of candle lights.

Their male dancers also looked almost devil-like with blue paint, highly exaggerated ears and fake teeth.

Half way through the end of the song, Bambie also revealed the trans flag on their costume ahead of fire being set around the stage.

Social media users have expressed their immense pride in Bambie’s performance with one user saying the artist is making them “so proud to be Irish tonight.” 

RTÉ presenter and Eurovision commentator, Marty Whelan also brought his thoughts to the online realm sharing short snippets from the commentator box.

EARLIER

EAGER Eurovision Contest viewers anticipate “a real chance” for Ireland this year as Cork’s Bambie Thug took to the stage fourth in the lineup for tonight’s qualifiers. 

The 68th edition of the singing competition, taking place in Malmo, kicked off at 8pm, with Irish entry Bambie Thug performing an original piece entitled Doomsday Blue.

Bambie Thug will be followed by the UK entry, Olly Alexander, who will be performing Dizzy.

Ireland is tipped to place better in the competition this year than in previous years, with Bambie Thug predicted by bookmakers to place fifth overall.

Among tonight’s watchers, Tánaiste Micheál Martin expressed his support for Bambie, saying that it is great to see such a “unique and talented” performer flying the flag for Ireland and Cork at the event.

Another social media user said: “I hope you are all as exited as I am for the Eurovision to vote for Irelands act.” 

Further, another user said: “First time in so many years that Ireland has a real chance to showcase its Eurovision credentials again."