High hopes for Irish win as Bambie Thug performs in Eurovision final

Hopes are high for an Irish win after another stellar performance by Ireland’s in tonight's Eurovision final.

The ninth act to take to the stage, Macroom native, Bambie Thug’s performance of ‘Doomsday Blue’ was met by a roar of applause.

The Corkonian has been raising hopes that Ireland could win the competition for the first time since 1996, when Eimear Quinn took home the crown with the song The Voice.

The Irish entrant arrived on stage for the artist introductions dressed in the tricolour.

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Bambie Thug qualified for the tonight’s grand final after their appearance in Thursday night’s semi-final, becoming the first Irish act to qualify since 2018.

Bambie’s spectacular performance came despite an earlier “situation” resulting in them missing the flag parade and dress rehearsal.

Taking to Instagram, the Irish act said:

“Dear Coven, There was a situation while we were waiting to go to stage for the flag parade rehearsal which I felt needed urgent attention from the EBU – the EBU have taken this matter seriously and we have been in a discussion about what action needs to be taken.

“This means I have missed my dress rehearsal – I am really sorry to the fans that have come to see me. I hope to see you on the stage tonight.” 

Thankfully, the issue seems to have been resolved, allowing Bambie to vie for Eurovision glory in tonight’s final.

Irish singer Bambie Thug said “love will always triumph hate” at the end of their performance at the Eurovision Song Contest’s grand final.

It comes after the singer, who has been outspoken about their pro-Palestine views, accused the Israeli broadcaster, Kan, of a rule break and said they have been waiting to hear back from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) about what action would be taken.

TV presenter and fellow Corkonian Graham Norton, who is providing commentary for BBC coverage, said the singer, who performed with their song Doomsday Blue, is “tipped to do extremely well”.

He said: “I’m not a parent, but I might warn you that younger kids, I mean seriously, might find this next performance a little bit frightening.”

 He added: “Bambie Thug, such a great performer and Ireland have done a very good job of production this year and this is tipped to do extremely well.”

The final of 2024 song contest takes place in Malmö, Sweden following last year's win by Swedish artist Loreen singing 'Tattoo'.

Sweden is now level with Ireland for the number of wins in the Eurovision song contest, with both Johnny Logan and Loreen having won the competition twice.

To commemorate this feat, Johnny Logan surprised fans by appearing on Thursday's semi-final to sing 'Euphoria', Loreen's first winning song.

Following the show at the Malmö Arena, The Echo spoke to Cork-based couple Darren O’Connell and Julie McDonnell — who have attended previous Eurovision events — gave their reaction on how they felt the night had gone.

“It’s amazing, because the last couple of years everyone was like, ‘you deserved it’ and they’re giving me condolences in the bathroom,” Ms McDonnell said.

“But this year, it was amazing to go into the arena knowing we had a great chance — Bambie Thug was incredible.”

Here's @Bambiethug 's hometown Macroom reacting to their #Eurovision performance. What an atmosphere. ❤️ Up Macroom. Up Bambie Thug. #CrownTheWitch pic.twitter.com/6MJoYQb40n

— M I K E R Y A N (@90mikeryan) May 11, 2024

The home town of Bambie Thug is celebrating them bringing the nation back to the grand final for the first time in six years.

The performer secured Ireland’s first qualification for the final of the competition since 2018.

The centre of Macroom has been transformed with a giant screen to allow locals and visitors to watch Saturday’s final together.

The town’s former mayor Connie Foley was among those who had turned out to support Bambie Thug.

He described them as being from a “very talented family."

“We wish them the best and all the family.

The performance of Israel’s entry, Hurricane by Eden Golan, was not shown on the big screen in the town.

Instead, a minute of silence was held.

Event organiser James O’Sullivan told the crowd the silence was as a “mark of respect to everybody, our friends in Ukraine, Gaza and every other part of the world that has been affected by warmongers and violence”.

There was spontaneous applause following the silence, and a call for “ceasefire now”.

Supporters have also been spotted singing 'Doomsday Blue' outside an Irish pub in Malmö over the past few days. 

Bookies are also getting behind the Cork singer, who is firmly among the favourites. 

According to Betfair, Croatia are current favourites with Ireland coming in fourth at 18/1.