Ireland has 'an incredible chance' in this year's Eurovision Song Contest with Bambie Thug, a superfan has said.
Bambie will be fourth on the Malmö stage this evening as part of the First Semi-Final.
She will be up against 14 others trying to secure a place in the Grand Final including Finland, Portugal and Ukraine.
Ten acts will go through to the final on Saturday May 11th.
“It’s quite emotional actually.” Bambie Thug gets ready for tonight’s #Eurovision Semi Final. @NewstalkFM @PatKennyNT from 9am @Bambiethug #Eurovision2024 Crown the Witch. pic.twitter.com/AzT8h0pISo
— Henry McKean (@HenryMcKean) May 7, 2024
The so-called 'big five' - Italy, Spain, Germany, France and the UK - are automatically in the final, along with last year's winner Sweden.
Only viewers at home will determine the outcome of the semi-final, with those in the 15 countries taking part - including Ireland - eligible to vote alongside three of the pre-qualified countries: Germany, Sweden and the UK.
Tonight's First Semi-Final also has another Irish feel to it, with two-time Eurovision winner Johnny Logan performing as an interval act.
Eurovision Fan Club President Frank Dermody told Newstalk Breakfast he is very confident of Ireland's chances.
"We have an incredible chance this year, the artistry and production is through the roof," he said.
"You get a little bit weepy watching the performance, I'm going to tell you that, so prepare yourselves.
"I am more than delighted - what Bambie has put through in their artistry is phenomenal."
Bambie Thug during rehearsals on the Eurovision stage in Malmö, Sweden. Image: Sarah Louise-Bennett/EBUMr Dermody said he has no doubt Ireland will get through to the Grand Final.
"Yes, absolutely without a shadow of a doubt after seeing it yesterday - I no longer have any doubt in my mind," he said.
The odds on Ireland making it to the Grand Final have been slashed from 1/6 to 4/7.
Mr Dermody said Ireland's odds could change depending on how the Grand Final goes.
"We haven't seen everyone live yet so that could change in a heartbeat," he said.
"In previous years some songs were 10/15 and suddenly when people saw them live they shot up to number one in the betting odds.
"But I would say, right now, comfortably I'd be quite happy with a Top 10 [finish]".
Bambie Thug on boycott calls
This year's competition has been marred in calls for Israel to be withdrawn due to its ongoing war in Gaza against Palestinians.
Irish artists have also called directly on Bambie Thug to pull out of the contest.
Singer Mary Coughlan previously told Newstalk she doesn't think "anybody with a conscience" could perform at this year's event.
"I would myself have the respect of my peers and other artists rather than to go on some television programme that is largely viewed as entertainment," she said.
"It is political now; it was made political when they removed Russia in 2022 [for its invasion of Ukraine]."
Ireland's 2024 Eurovision entrant Bambie Thug after their win at Eurosong, 26/01/2024. Image: RTÉMs Coughlan said Ireland has always done the right thing.
"We have always in this country stood with the oppressed," she said.
"We've always done concerts, we've always raised awareness, we've always raised consciousness, we've always done the right thing.
"We're watching it every single day and I don't think anybody with a conscience could get up in front of a broader European stage.
"I don't think it's a good thing, it's not a good look," she added.
Israel has been accused of genocide against the Palestinian people with at least 34,680 Palestinians killed - including over 14,000 children - and over 78,000 wounded, according to the Gazan health authorities.
Mr Dermody said Bambie Thug will have the word 'Ceasefire' written in Ogham on their face.
The First Semi-Final kicks off from 8pm Irish time.
