Bambie Thug takes Ireland to Eurovision Grand Final for the first time since 2018
Ireland’s Bambie Thug performing 'Doomsday Blue' at the Eurovision 2024 Semi-Final 1 at the Malmö Arena, Sweden. Picture: Andres Poveda
It's official! Bambie Thug is taking Ireland through to our first Eurovision Grand Final since 2018.
The Cork artist had the audience under their spell after the performance of in the first of two semi-finals tonight.
The semi-final success has fuelled hopes of Ireland’s first Eurovision win since Eimear Quinn’s success with in 1996.
Bookmakers have slashed the odds of the Cork performer clinching an overall victory that would nudge Ireland ahead of Sweden as the most successful Eurovision country of all time.
Bambie was among ten acts to make it through the first semi-final.
Performing fourth in the running order this evening, Bambie kicked things off with a video postcard filmed amongst the castle ruins and stone circles of their hometown of Macroom.
They went on to stun viewers with the hauntingly beautiful and mysterious staging of their song .
Bambie proudly wore a line of Ogham writing on their right temple, the oldest written language of Ireland, and it was complemented by dramatic white make-up and hair styled into their signature antlers.
Audible gasps resounded from the arena, as halfway through the performance Bambie revealed a pink and blue dress, that was hidden underneath their costume.
A performance that will go down in Eurovision history.
In an interview post-rehearsal, Bambie confirmed the move was a nod to the trans flag — blue and pink.
When asked why showing support to the flag was important to them, they said: “I am a non-binary person. In the world at the moment, it is very dangerous for trans and non-binary people. And I will show support as much as I can.”
Their performance was met with a chorus of "Crown the Witch" from inside the arena.
After Ireland’s performance, host Malin Åkerman made a note to tell viewers that Bambie is the first non-binary artist to perform at Eurovision 2024.
Bambie was not the only Irish person to perform at this year’s first semi-final, our very own Eurovision legend, Johnny Logan took to the stage as a special guest with a rendition of Sweden’s 2012 winning entry, .
Speaking ahead of his performance, Johnny said: “Sweden has won seven times, as has Ireland. To be asked to represent my country one final time is something very special for me and I’m very grateful to all involved with the decision.
“I’m really looking forward to being back on the Eurovision stage as a guest this time and not a contestant.”
Sure, what’s another year, Johnny?
