Ireland’s performance in the Eurovision semi-final on Tuesday had the continent talking and many viewers predicting it could win the contest.
Bambie Thug, 31, a non-binary artist from County Cork, performed a spectacular performance of his song Doomsday Blue for the crowd in Malmo, Sweden.
They sang while performing a ritual surrounded by candles and were joined on stage by a dancer with demonic makeup and false teeth.
Ireland’s entry has generated a stir in recent weeks for being radically different from anything the country has submitted to the song contest before.
Bambie Thug immediately began trending on X/Twitter during the show and many viewers praised her outstanding performance.
Ireland’s performance in the Eurovision semi-final on Tuesday had the content talking, with many viewers predicting it could win the contest.
Bambie Thug, 31, a non-binary artist from County Cork, performed a spectacular performance of his song Doomsday Blue for the crowd in Malmo, Sweden.
They sang while performing a ritual surrounded by candles and were joined on stage by a dancer with demonic makeup and false teeth.
Ireland’s entry has generated a stir in recent weeks for being radically different to anything the country has submitted to the song contest before.
Fans wrote: ‘Crown the witch! Let’s go Bambie Thug!’… ‘Bambie Thug is going to win’… ‘Bambie Thug – true artist’… ‘Bambie Thug literally murdered.’
‘Totally stupefied! Impressed by this act. It was pure art. Even though I don’t like the song, the total package was amazing.’
‘Please everyone vote for Bambie Thug to advance to the #Eurovision final and win it all! I’ve been obsessed for weeks. I LOVE Bambie so much.’
“Ireland’s Bambie Thug comes on stage dressed as a non-binary demon… Oh, I absolutely have to put up with it.”
Bambie, who describes her music as ‘ouija pop’, was feeling pressure to deliver a strong performance given Ireland have not qualified for the Eurovision final since Ryan O’Shaughnessy finished 16th with Together in 2018.
speaking to The standardThey said: ‘Yes, there is more pressure but I also have full faith in my ability to perform.
‘I’m really grateful to have this platform, especially as a non-binary person and as a little alt-goth. “I’m super proud and excited to go kick ass on stage.”
They added: ‘I’ve had so many people drawing me, making bracelets for me and doing cute things. (I’ve) had lots of lovely messages from parents about how their kids love the song and about some queer kids feeling like they can come out.’
Bambie Thug immediately began trending on X/Twitter during the show and many viewers praised her outstanding performance.
Although Ireland has struggled at Eurovision in recent years, the country is tied with Sweden for the most wins in the contest’s history with seven.
Ireland last won in 1996 with Eimear Quinn’s song The Voice. Other memorable past winners include Johnny Logan and Dana.
The UK is represented by Olly Alexander, who has already qualified for the final, as the UK is one of the ‘Big Five’ countries that automatically qualifies.
The Eurovision Song Contest final airs on Saturday at 8pm on BBC One.
Bambie, who describes her music as ‘ouija pop’, was feeling pressure to deliver a good performance given Ireland has not qualified for the Eurovision final since 2018.