Everything you need to know about Ireland's Eurovision entry Emmy
Norwegian star Emmy Kristine Guttulsrud Kristiansen was attending a songwriting camp in her home country when she crossed paths with Irish songwriter Larissa Tormey, with the pair forming a powerful duo.
Together along with the help of with Emmy's brother Erlend Guttulsrud Kristiansen,Truls Marius Aarra and Henrik Østlund, they crafted a true gem - Laika Party.
The song was a hot favourite after she'd taken it to Ireland's Eurosong, featuring on The Late Late Show and becoming one of six acts next to songstress Samantha Mumba, all hoping to fly flame for Ireland.
There was however one winner of the public vote, with Emmy winning over the public but Samantha still sailing through with the international vote.
It was a close race, but in the end it was Emmy who proved triumphant, taking the ticket to Basel to represent her country, with the star stating the battle was her most memorable in her entire career to date.
Despite Emmy's recent rise fame, there is more to the budding star than meets the eye.
When it comes to the Eurovision realm Emmy really is no stranger, having participated in Melodi Grand Prix Junior, in 2015, which was formerly Norway's method of selecting its Eurovision artists.
It wasn't until 2021 that Emmy would finally graduate from Melodi Grand Prix, Norway's national selection final after she stunned audiences with her Witch Woods performance, an R&B-pop twist on a fairytale villain.
Sadly for the budding singer it wasn't meant to be and she missed out on the top spot to TIX and Fallen Angel.
Despite losing out to TIX and Fallen Angel, little did she know that she would soon be enchanting Ireland.
Despite not winning, Emmy didn't give up on her dreams of taking part in the competition and even made a few side steps in order to be on the main stage.
In 2023, she took up a role as part of Norway's Jury for the Eurovision Song Contest and during her time at Melodi Grand Prix 2024, she was also involved in the songwriting for Woman Show by Mathilde SPZ, Chris Archer and Slam Dunk.
Another notable contribution was her involvement in Citi Zēni's song Ramtai, which finished 3rd at Supernova 2025 the Latvian National Final for Eurovision.
She has also build up quite the following on TikTok and now boasts over million followers on the popular platform where she live streams from the comfort of her own bedroom.
When Emmy isn't busy writing and performing songs, she is an avid football fan, having once played when she was younger.
She has also been a massive supporter of the upcoming UEFA Women's Euros set to take place in Switzerland in summer 2025, with fans wondering if she'd ever return to the pitch.
One of Emmy's fondest Eurovision moments was watching Jedward's flamboyant Lipstick performance in 2011 and has since hailed them as her personal icons of the competition for their infectious energy and distinct hairstyles.
She may be flying the flag for Ireland now, but it's clear that for her, Jedward's impact transcends national pride. If given the chance to dine with any three celebrities, she would choose John and Edward of Jedward for the first two spots, while the third invitation would go to Selena Gomez.
You can listen to EMMY on Episode 3 of the Official Eurovision Song Contest Podcast. You can stream all 37 of the Basel 2025 songs on your preferred platform.
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Irish Independent
2 hours ago
- Irish Independent
A late Wexford publican, musical mentor, and gifted artist among those honoured at annual Rosslare Civic Awards
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Another beloved member of the community who has since passed was honoured next. The late John Sammy Sinnott of Duncormick, who passed in 2022 at the age of 92, was described by Cllr Codd as more than just a publican, but 'a counsellor, someone who was always there if you needed help'. 'He valued us as a people, he knew our ancestors, our ways, everybody was welcomed and cared for under his thatched roof,' continued Cllr Codd. 'Sinnott's was an institution, a men's shed before the term became popular, it was there people went to get the news in older times. And Sammy was the keeper of our oral history; people came from all over to immerse themselves in the rich culture of south Wexford, and no less than the Rolling Stones manager, Chesney Milligan, once served behind the bar.' Mick Berry accepted the award on behalf of the Sinnott family. The late Dick Lambert, who passed away in 2008, was then honoured for his 'outstanding contribution to culture and heritage'. He was the author of three books chronicling the history of Rathangan, books which Wexford County Council is now preparing to have reprinted for a new audience. The tidy towns committee in Carrig-on-Bannow was next to receive a civic award for its work in 'developing its local community' and 'enhancing the environment' in south Wexford. Commending the group for the strides it has taken in promoting biodiversity and sustainability in the area, Cllr Codd noted how inclusive the tidy towns committee is and how it has 'rejuvenated' the village and 'fostered a culture of tidiness'. 'The group ensures the village always looks its best all year-round, and also it is blessed to have two wonderful employment scheme members who are dedicated and motivated in their work,' he added. Established in 1974, Corach Ramblers are now based in Duncormick and boast some of the finest facilities in the county. However, the club had some nomadic years before finally settling in its current home. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more 'They initially played their home matches in Wellingtonbridge, with local publican John Ryan providing a pitch, he also sponsored the team with a new football,' recounted Cllr Codd. That ball remains in the possession of the club and is joined by committee members who have been there since the outset, including Jimmy McWhitty and Willie Wallace. Those two men were heavily involved in the fundraiser in 1998 which led to the club purchasing five acres of land in Duncormick four years later where it established its new home. "There have been a lot very good people involved in the club over the years, but Willie Wallace, Breda Walsh, Toddy and Clodagh Barry, all of whom have given many years working with the club, should get a special mention,' said Cllr Codd. 'Corach Ramblers now has a huge membership with teams competing in underage and adult leagues; it's a hub of activity and a place where lifelong friendships are made.' The last recipient on the night was Áine Kennedy who was recognised for her outstanding contribution to arts and culture in the RMD. A familiar face to all those with even a passing interest in traditional Irish music, Áine became director of the Danescastle Music Group following the retirement of Ms Martha Torpey and now works with over 200 children as they take the first steps towards Fleadh Cheoils and Scór na nÓgs of the future. 'We are so lucky to have the most dedicated director in all of the land,' said Cllr Codd. 'Áine always gives 100 per cent to the children of Carrig on Bannow and surrounding areas that come to learn music in Danescastle. She prepares them for various competitions and events around the county and country and when the group is asked to play at different events, Áine is the person that sends the texts, organises who is going, and generally ends up bringing half the children in her own car." Áine is also chairperson of Wexford Scór and secretary of Leinster Scór Secretary, she is also a member of the Rackard League Committee and combines all these voluntary roles with her full-time job as principal of Danescastle National School "She is an extraordinary principal and gives so much of her time to the children of our parish,' said Cllr Codd. 'We are truly blessed to have Aine as a dedicated principal and musical director.'
Irish Independent
4 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Wexford's Johnstown Castle to be transformed into jazz venue for weekend of world-class music
Among the highlights of the festival, the biggest of its kind in the South East, are the evening concerts on Friday (Scott Flanigan Trio with Kevin Brady and Cormac O'Brien) and Saturday (the Jay Azzolina Trio). Up to twelve acts will perform in indoor and outdoor venues like the Cart Room, the Ballroom, the Courtyard and the Visitors Centre. The festival is funded through Wexford County Council's Small Arts Festival Grant Scheme and supported by Rosslare Municipal District. This year's line-up has many of the biggest names in Irish and international jazz including legendary New York guitarist, Jay Azzolina, accompanied by Wexford drummer Kevin Lawlor and bassist Andrew Csibi. The festival continues its commitment to innovation in jazz: Wexford pianist Terry Byrne is set to reinterpret Keith Jarrett's Köln Concert, while a singer better known for her folk songs, Imelda Kehoe, is switching to jazz with pianist Killian Browne. Although the Friday and Saturday evening concerts are ticketed affairs, the day time programme is free to members of Johnstown Castle. Non-members pay the regular admission fee to the estate. For further information, contact (Tel) 053 918 4671. 'Our curatorial aim this year is to facilitate all expressions of jazz musicianship by blending established jazz performers and emerging musicians and commissioning or supporting new work,' said programmer Tom Mooney. Musicians appearing at Jazz at Johnstown festival this year are Alicija Bar; Fergal Twomey; James Kelly; Graham Lloyd; Bob Batty; Keith Doyle; Cormac O'Brien; Scott Flanigan; Kevin Brady; Kasia Eliasz; Gustavo de Morais; Rafal Szydlowski; Terry Byrne; Carole Nelson; Cormac O'Brien; Dominic Mullan; John Keogh; Matthew O'Connell; Imelda Kehoe; Killian Browne; Meg Lowney; Chris Colloton; Jay Azzolina; Kevin Lawlor; Andrew Csibi; Richard King; Des Mc Hugh; Bob Batty; Fran Dowling; Darragh Groome; Tom Maxwell; Sharon Clancy; Dave Mooney and Tony Rex. FRIDAY JUNE 20 The Scott Flanigan Trio (Visitors Centre, 8 p.m.) The music of The Beatles changed the world, a music which continues to be absorbed by many genres, including jazz. The group's legacy will be revisited in this unique Jazz at Johnstown concert on Friday evening, June 20, by a trio of Ireland's most accomplished musicians: Cormac O'Brien on bass, Kevin Brady on drums and Scott Flanigan on keyboards. So, sit back and enjoy a sumptuous summer's evening tribute to the fab four by the fab three at Johnstown Castle, a lively revisiting of the most popular and addictive music of the twentieth century by maestros of contemporary Irish jazz SATURDAY JUNE 21 Terry Byrne/the Köln Concert (Ballroom /Johnstown Castle, Noon.) January 24, 1975, proved a memorable, magical night for the audience which witnessed American jazz pianist Keith Jarrett perform a solo recital in the majestic surroundings of Cologne's opera house. Fortunately, the concert was recorded for posterity by ECM who released the recording later that year as a double-album. housed in stylish black-and-white artwork adorned with a picture of Jarrett hunched over the piano. The Köln Concert quickly went on to be regarded as a classic and amassed sales of four million and it is still the best-selling piano album of all time. Terry Byrne, Wexford pianist, reinterprets The Köln Concert into the acoustically wonderful Ballroom. Tiny Crimes (Visitor's Centre, 1 p.m.) Tiny Crimes evoke jazz of the late 1930s to early 1940s - when swing was evolving into bebop and electric guitars were making themselves heard for the first time. Two of the great electric pioneers were Charlie Christian and Tiny Grimes, whose playing helped set the standard for this new instrument. Tiny Crimes is a project to celebrate the music of these early pioneers and of their peers, such as Benny Goodman and Lester Young. The members are Richard King and Des McHugh on guitars, Graham Lloyd on bass, Bob Batty on saxophone and clarinet and Fran Dowling on drums. They come from the diverse musical worlds of gypsy jazz, Chicago Blues, bossa nova, straight ahead jazz and world music, with a common belief: 'These tunes aren't good because they're standards; they're standards because they're good'. From Poland, Kasia is an award-winning vocalist with a strong emphasis on jazz, improvised and Brazilian music. She is a recipient of a Music Bursary 2022 from Riverbank Arts Centre: Kasia has been involved in many jazz ensembles (duos, trios, quintets) as a vocalist and a band leader performing at many prestigious festivals and venues, nationally and internationally. She is joined in Wexford by Gustavo de Morais, who performed at Jazz at Johnstown in 2024, and Rafal Szydlowski. The Still Organ Stops (Courtyard, 3.10 p.m.) The Still Organ Stops is a combination of two organ trios in Irish jazz. Comprising three young emerging artists from Dublin - Tom Maxwell on organ, Darragh Groome on drums and Matthew O'Connell on guitar - this trio put their own spin on the unique sound of the organ trio. As Tom plays with Darragh in the Still Organ Trio, and with Matthew as part of Tom Maxwell's Organ Stops, it's not hard to find the reason behind the name! Having gone through college together, the lads often find themselves playing together in different groups and projects around Ireland. Drawing inspiration from all of their own personal influences, from blues to choral works, the jazz tradition and other contemporary music, and with a desire to try out new ideas, the Still Organ Stops bring high energy, creativity and entertainment to their overall sound. Bossa Nua Sextet (Visitors Centre, 4.00 p.m.) The sextet Bossa Nua will bring the golden age of bossa nova to Wexford with faithful renditions of timeless classics, capturing the magic, elegance, and soul of the originals. Drawing from the golden era of Brazilian music, the band is dedicated to recreating the elegant, soulful atmosphere of artists like João Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Astrud Gilberto, and more. Rather than reinterpreting or modernizing these iconic works, Bossa Nua remains devoted to the authentic sound and spirit of the original recordings, preserving the subtle swing, warm harmonies, and gentle intimacy that defined a musical revolution. The line-up comprises: Alicija Bar (vocals); Fergal Twomey (guitar); James Kelly (piano); Graham Lloyd (bass); Bob Batty (saxophone) and Keith Doyle (drums). Jay Azzolina Trio (Visitors Centre, 8 p.m.) New York's Grammy-nominated guitarist and composer Jay Azzolina plays his first ever concert in Ireland at Jazz at Johnstown on Saturday, June 21st at 8 p.m. Jay has been part of the New York Jazz scene for the past three decades. After leaving the Berklee College of Music, where he studied with Pat Metheny, Mick Goodrick and Charlie Banacos, Jay began working and recording in New York with a variety of artists. Jay's associations include Michael Urbaniak, Herbie Mann, Jaco Pastorius, Harvie S, Spyro Gyra, Dave Samuels, Kenny Werner, Chuck Mangione, Ron McClure, John Abercrombie, Randy Brecker, Jerry Bergonzi, The Westchester Jazz Orchestra and John Patitucci. He will be joined for his Jazz at Johnstown concert by drummer Kevin Lawlor and bassist Andrew Csibi. As a leader, Jay has recorded four CD's of original compositions with some of the most influential players in jazz including, Chris Potter, Adam Nussbaum, Larry Goldings, Gary Versace, John Patitucci, Tim Ries and Greg Hutchinson. Jay continues to write and perform vigorously and will be releasing his fifth CD Present Tense on TRR records this year. SUNDAY JUNE 22 Imelda Kehoe and Killian Browne (Ballroom /Johnstown Castle, Noon) Imelda Kehoe is known for her distinctive voice, story-telling and blend of contemporary folk mixed with jazz, blues and soul, described as 'one of the 'finest Irish contemporary songwriters to emerge in recent years'. Her songs are melody-rich, weaving a tapestry of human stories and life experiences written with the listener at heart. In the making of her fourth Album, just released, she met Killian Browne, whose contact details she saved as 'Killian-Amazing Piano player'. This is Imelda's first appearance at Jazz at Johnstown although Killian is a veteran. Expect something magical from this new collaboration. Sharon Clancy Trio (Visitors Centre, 1 p.m.) With Tony Rex on keyboards/piano and Dave Mooney on bass, Sharon can sing straight-ahead jazz with aplomb and yet switch styles in the blink of an eye. Expect a magical set of original compositions and jazz classics from this seasoned West End performer. A frequent headliner over the years at Jazz at Johnstown and Aberjazz, Sharon has both a smouldering and sensuous vocal with a seasoned performer's mastery of the stage. Carole Nelson Trio (Courtyard, 2.15 p.m.) The Carole Nelson Trio, with Carole on piano, bassist Cormac O'Brien and drummer Dominic Mullen, began at the 2015 Dublin Trio Trio Trio Piano Festival. Their first album, One Day in Winter was released in 2017, described as 'a finely-wrought meditation that tapped into the spacious European piano trio tradition of Tord Gustavsen and Marcin Wasilewski.' Arboreal, their second recording, featuring another collection of outstanding original compositions, was followed by Night Vision in 2022. Songs from Through the Storm, due for release in October, will feature at Jazz at Johnstown. 2 Guitars: John Keogh and Matthew O'Connell (Cart Room, 3.10 p.m.) John Keogh and Matthew O'Connell make a welcome return to Jazz at Johnstown after their debut in the Cart Room last year. This year they will showcase original material while also applying a jazz touch to popular classics by James Taylor, Bon Iver and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Guitar duets present a wonderful opportunity to experience the interchangeability of jazz-laden guitar playing. Cluster Funk Quartet (Visitors Centre, 4.00 p.m.) Following his headline performance at the Johnstown Jazz Festival in 2024, drummer and educator Kevin Lawlor revisits a fusion project from 2016 with a new line-up of musicians. Cluster Funk will perform jazz and groove music by artists including Thundercat, Jamiroquai, Mark Guliana, Erykah Badu, Jorja Smith, Terrace Blanchard, Wayne Shorter and more. The band will also use well known hip hop grooves with jazz standards played over as an alternative take on jazz fusion. Expect everything from organ driven funk to ambient jazz. Cluster Funk, supported by Culture Ireland, will make its international debut at Aberjazz in Wales later in 2025. Kevin is an established jazz drummer, educator and composer with five independent jazz albums released to date. Cluster Junk at Jazz at Johnstown is Kevin on drums, Chris Colloton on guitar, Meg Lowney on bass and Tom Maxwell on organ.
Irish Independent
5 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Irish TV tax break gets green light from Europe
RTÉ could be a major beneficiary of the €211m scheme, with The Late Late Show among the programmes that should qualify. The commission examined the plan, announced by minister Jack Chambers in last year's Budget, under EU state-aid rules. The aim is to promote the production of unscripted audiovisual programmes with either Irish or European cultural content. The measure will be introduced for a four-year period, backdated to last December and running until December 31, 2028. The aid is in the form of a tax credit of up to 20pc of the production expenditure that happens in Ireland. The maximum support cannot cover more than 16pc of the total cost of production. To be eligible, a programme must have a minimum cost of €250,000, with half of that being spent in Ireland. A 'cultural test', which will be designed by the Government, will be used to ensure that the unscripted productions 'contribute meaningfully to the promotion and expression of Irish or European culture'. Anthony Muldoon, director of strategic policy at Screen Producers Ireland (SPI), said the tax incentive is a 'transformative' investment for Ireland's creative industry. 'It will empower our producers and creators to develop and produce high-quality programmes that resonate with both domestic and international audiences,' he said. Members of SPI had joined together to campaign for the tax credit, forming an Unscripted Working Group, and had co-operated with the Department of Finance and Revenue, as well as with the Department of Arts and Media. Stuart Switzer, chair of the Unscripted Working Group, said he was thrilled that the European Commission had decided to approve the aid package. 'This is a first in Europe, and a recognition that the creative unscripted sector in Ireland has the potential to emulate the success of our scripted colleagues,' he said. 'The challenge will be to ensure the benefits of the incentive are retained within the independent production sector to build companies of scale.' According to an analysis included in the Tax Strategy Group papers last year, spending on unscripted TV productions could increase from about €90m a year to €300m if a tax credit was introduced. It referred to two similar schemes in Europe, operated by Malta and Cyprus. "If introduced, such a relief could have the potential to support additional employment in the sector and increase demand for studio space,' the report said.
