Irish music fans turned their attention to the Late Late Show on February 7, 2025, as six talented artists competed to represent Ireland at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest taking place in Switzerland. Among the hopefuls was former pop sensation Samantha Mumba, whose performance of her self-penned track "My Way" stirred considerable excitement. The night culminated with Norwegian artist Emmy being crowned the winner with her infectious hit "Laika Party," which secured her the chance to perform at the Eurovision semifinals this May.
Hosted by Patrick Kielty, the Eurosong Special featured a diverse lineup of acts, each bringing their unique flair to the stage. Mumba, one of the most recognizable names among the contestants, shared her hopes and dreams about participating. "It would just be such an honour!" she expressed, emphasizing the significance of representing her country. "I take it very seriously—more than just releasing my own stuff on any other day; this feels like a responsibility and an honour," she added.
The competition was fierce, as viewers and jurors decided which artist would earn the right to wave Ireland's flag at the esteemed Eurovision Song Contest. The voting process combined the opinions of both national and international juries along with the valuable input from the public. Emmy, who co-wrote her winning song with Kilbeggan-based Larissa Tormey, emerged victorious, ending the night with 34 votes. Samantha Mumba, who had been considered among the favorites, fell short with 26 votes, followed by Bobbi Arlo with "Powerplay" at 20 votes and Reylta with "Fire," both tied with NIYL’s "Growth" at 18 votes. Adgy closed the rankings with his entry "Run Into The Night," receiving just 10 votes.
Emmy’s victory is particularly poignant, as her song "Laika Party" pays homage to the famous Soviet space dog, Laika, who perished shortly after her historic flight aboard Sputnik 2. The upbeat track imagines Laika surviving to party among the stars—a concept generating excitement and curiosity. Upon winning, Emmy said, "I'm just in shock, thank you so so much. This can't be happening." This enthusiasm is palpable, especially considering her growing popularity as a social media star, boasting over 1.2 million TikTok followers.
The Eurosong event is not just about music; it is also woven with rich narratives of personal aspirations and cultural pride. Samantha Mumba, who fast-tracked to fame as a teenager with hits like "Gotta Tell You," expressed her desire for her daughter, Sage, to embrace her Irish roots. Living primarily in Los Angeles, Mumba reflects on her life and the balance between her family and aspirations, saying, "I am getting this feeling where I want more balance and to be in Ireland more often." Her connection to her heritage is clear, and she aims to instill similar pride and passion for Irish culture within her family.
The show marked another significant chapter as Ireland celebrates its legacy with the Eurovision. It has been 60 years since Ireland first joined the competition, and the stakes this year are high with hopes to reclaim past glories. Mumba, who lamented not achieving her initial early success, sees this Eurovision opportunity as more than just another performance—it is fulfilling a long-held dream. "I’ve always dreamed of representing Ireland at Eurovision," she revealed, reflecting on her longstanding love for the competition.
Throughout the night, judges included previous Irish Eurovision winners like Niamh Kavanagh, who shared their own stories and expressed support for the new contenders. The participatory aspect, wherein the audience can vote, adds to the community spirit of the Eurosong event, making it thrilling and engaging for fans watching at home.
Although Mumba will not represent Ireland this year, her performance and dedication to the craft is unlikely to be forgotten. Meanwhile, Emmy’s victory is anticipated to garner interest at the Eurovision Song Contest, with many fans hoping for strong results. Social media reactions indicated significant support for the new song, with one viewer exclaiming, "I can actually see Laika Party doing very, very well… it’s fun, catchy, sticks in your head, and people will like it."
With the Eurovision showdown fast approaching, fans are buzzed about what the future holds. The semifinals will take place between May 13 and 15 at the St. Jakobshalle, Basel, where Emmy will have the chance to showcase her songwriting talents to a broader audience. Ireland's Eurovision hopefuls clearly embody the dynamic and innovative spirit of Irish music as they step onto one of the world's most significant stages.