Eurovision 2025: Judge defends panel over Irish Eurosong choice
2025-02-11
Category: entertainment

A member of the judging panel in Ireland's Eurosong competition has defended it   against criticism from the runner-up.The competition was won by EMMY, singing Laika Party, and the Norwegian singer will now represent Ireland at the Eurovision in May.The song is a tribute to Laika, a dog that became the first living creature launched into the cosmos, by the Soviet Union in 1957.The well-known Irish singer Samantha Mumba, who came second with her track My Way, later questioned some of the judging panel's credentials for the competition.
The panel featured choreographer and Irish Dancing with the Stars judge Arthur Gourounlian, 2FM broadcaster Laura Fox, chef and TV presenter Donal Skehan and Bambie Thug, who represented Ireland at last year's Eurovision Song Contest.They gave their views on each performance during the competition on The Late Late Show on Irish broadcaster RTÉ on Friday night.Commenting on Mumba's song, Gourounlian said: "It was very long to start. It felt like 10 different demos put together in one song. "The vocals were there but I couldn't relate at all."Skehan added: "I loved that there was a dining table involved in the routine. "Samantha is a phenomenal part of music history. I think if she goes to Eurovision there is an opportunity for a revamp."
Laura Fox said Mumba "is an icon in her own right, I would play her music anytime. "As we know Eurovision is its own beast in itself. I just think that My Way might be a little too slow to get into it."Bambie Thug added: "I was thinking that a revamp could actually boost it. "It actually could be elevated more. A revamp could be needed to push it."
'It's my art'
Posting on Instagram at the weekend, Mumba thanked her supporters and expressed pride in her performance.She wrote: "Those that got it, GOT IT... and those that didn't, that's OK too. It's my art, and I stand by it."Mumba said the panel, apart from Bambie Thug, didn't have the credentials and experience required and were unnecessarily rude to all the finalists.
In a response on Instagram, Donal Skehan said he had "nothing but admiration" for the courage it takes to compete."I understand that Samantha's response is personal and comes from a place of deep emotion, something that is entirely understandable in such a high-stakes competition," he said."Tearing others down is never a good look, especially when everyone involved has worked to make the process as fair and constructive as possible."Skehan rejected Mumba's claim that the panel lacked the necessary credentials."Each of us was chosen for our experience, insights and passion for Eurovision," he said."Everyone on that panel took their role seriously and approached the night with thoughtfulness, integrity and respect for the artists."
Comments 'not personal'
He also defended his own qualifications, saying: "It might be easy to write me off as just a TV chef, but my career began in music. "I've had two number-one singles in Ireland with my band, Industry, supported acts like JLS and The Pussycat Dolls, and competed in Eurosong in 2008."My comments were never personal."They were about what would give Ireland the best chance of success on the Eurovision stage."The other three judges haven't responded publicly to date.
In response to Mumba's comments, RTÉ defended the participation of the four judges.A 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."