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10th February 2025
11:07am GMT
The Late Late Show’s Eurosong special saw the judges choose Norwegian singer, EMMY, to represent Ireland at the competition this year.
She’ll be performing her song Laika Party at the live show in Basel, Switzerland after competing against Bobbi Arlo, Samantha Mumba, Delta, ADGY and NIYL.
After the on-stage battle, Samantha took to Instagram on Sunday and spoke out about how she felt the panel was “unnecessarily rude and vile to all of the finalists.”
The panel consisted of celebrity chef Donal Skehan, Dancing with the Stars judge Arthur Gourounlian, 2FM broadcaster Laura Fox and Ireland's 2024 Eurovision representative, Bambie Thug.
"Special mention to the “panel” (aside from Bambie who I stan) who not only didn’t have the credentials, experience or professionalism required and were unnecessarily rude and vile to all the finalists," the Irish singer added.
"They all left the green room before I had the opportunity to [speak to them] unsurprisingly."
She went on to say that she was incredibly thankful to her fans and the many people who helped her get her performance ready for the big night.
"Thank you so so much for all the incredible messages and love!! I’ve tried to respond to them all," she said. "I am beyond proud of myself and the team for all the work and dedication we all put into this performance. I honestly wouldn’t change a thing. Truly. Those that got it, GOT IT…..and those that didn’t, that’s ok too. It’s my art and I stand by it.
"Personally, everyone already knows how I feel and my deep level of gratitude."
Samantha concluded her post by thanking the cast and crew of the Late Late Show: "Lastly- huge thank you to @latelaterte who has the absolute best crew and team. It was a joy to see and work with you all again!! Most importantly the very best of luck to the sweetest @emmykgk00 please fly the flag and make us proud in Switzerland!!"
In response, an RTÉ spokesperson said: "We are extremely grateful to the Late Late Show Eurosong panel for their professionalism, insight, integrity and good humour. Their role is to give their honest reaction to the performances on the night, offering their thoughts on the likely success of the song and act at the Eurovision Song Contest.
"Our panel did this in a thoughtful and considered way. It seems this was in line with the public vote that ultimately made the decision on the artist and song they wished to represent Ireland at this year’s contest.
"It's never easy to offer a personal opinion, as not everyone will agree. Our panel did that with the utmost care and we wish to extend our thanks to them for the excellent job they did on Friday night."
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