Eurovision stars unrecognisable as they secretly go undercover backstage at this year's contest
Avid Eurovision fans were left shocked when they discovered an iconic duo secretly undercover backstage ahead of the highly anticipated final.
Unrecognisable behind their baggy outfits, beards and wigs, the pair are identical Irish twins John and Edward Grimes, better known as Jedward, who skyrocketed to fame after appearing in the sixth series of The X Factor in 2009.
The 33-year-old pop icons later went on to represent Ireland at Eurovision in both 2011 and 2012.
In 2011, Jedward finished in eighth place, earning 119 points, with their song Lipstick, followed by a 19th place finish in 2012 that saw them gain 46 points for their song Waterline.
Now, as the countdown is on for Eurovision's Saturday-night final, the duo have been pictured in disguise, surprising two superfans backstage on set in Basel, Switzerland.
Wearing prosthetic noses, fake beards and wigs, the pair were a world away from their usual well-known appearance of bleach blonde quiffs and sparkly outfits.
In an Instagram video that shares the 'most iconic transformation ever', Edward, sat in a makeup chair, declares: 'Next time you see us we won't be Jedward, but we will be somebody'.
As the countdown is on for Eurovision's Saturday-night final, the pop duo have been pictured in disguise. surprising two superfans backstage on set in Basel, Switzerland.
He then turns to Edward, in the process of getting his prosthetic nose fitted, and asks: 'Do you think these superfans are going to know it's us?'
The two fans that Jedward were hoping to fool appeared not to catch on that their favourite pop stars were disguised as members of staff backstage, with one of the band members, fitted with a headset, even jokingly asking a fan for their phone as they had been taking pictures.
Later on, the pair could barely contain their shock as the Irish duo later removed their wigs to reveal their famous bright blonde hair.
Taking to Instagram to reflect on the unique experience, one of the surprised fans commented: 'This was hilarious, you really got us' while the other remarked: 'I was THIS close to giving him my phone, he as that convincincing'.
Other social media users appeared just as amazed by the incredible disguise, with one commenter praising the 'amazing transformation', adding: 'Genuinely would never know it was you!! New metal band coming soon'.
Meanwhile, another said: 'This is hilarious! What a great surprise it turned out to be you!'
The Eurovision final is set to air at 8.pm on BBC1 this Saturday, with the remaining semi-final contest taking place this evening as the remaining nations vie for a place in the prestigious finale.
Featuring performances from the UK's entry Remember Monday, alongside contestants from Austria, France, Israel and Australia, it will be hosted by Rylan and Scott Mills.
Despite backlash surrounding Israel's inclusion in the competition, Yuval Raphael, 24, is set to represent the nation with her song New Day Will Rise at this year's contest, having survived the horrific October 7 attacks just 18 months ago.
Girl group Remember Monday, made up of best friends Lauren Byrne, Charlotte Steele and Holly-Anne Hull, are set to perform their song 'What The Hell Just Happened?' and will be hoping to do better than last year's UK entrant Olly Alexander who sadly received zero points from the public during the 2023 final with his song Dizzy.
When previously asked what his advice to the next Eurovision entrant would be, Olly said ' Get a good therapist '.
As last year's winners, Switzerland are guaranteed a spot in the Grand Final, alongside Italy, Spain, the UK, France and Germany, who all make up the 'Big Five' countries.
On Tuesday, the first Eurovision semi-final took place, with 10 countries: Sweden, Norway, Albania, Iceland, Netherlands, Poland, San Marino, Estonia, Portugal and Ukraine, all qualifying.
The show was dramatic as ever, featuring a stage invader, a broadcasting malfunction, alongside a wholesome appearance from Eurovision icon Celine Dion, 57.
However, fans were left dismayed after Cyprus and Belgium were booted out of the competition, taking to X to share their dismay.
One upset Belgium fan said: 'I try to be as objective as possible, but I genuinely can't find a single reason for why Belgium didn't qualify!?!?!?!?'
'NO WAY IS THIS A EUROVISION NON QUALIFIER???? JUSTICE FOR BELGIUM #Eurovision.'
At the end of the show, Celine Dion left fans in floods of tears as she made a rare appearance via video call.
The singer famously won the contest for Switzerland in 1988 with the winning number Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi.
Making an emotional return to the song contest, Celine shared some advice ahead of the anticipated final, seemingly ruling out an appearance in this year's final after speculation she would be performing amid her battle with stiff person syndrome.
She said: 'I'd love nothing more than to be with you. Switzerland will forever hold a special place in my heart.
'It's the country that believed in me and gave me the chance to be part of something so extraordinary.
'Winning the Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland in 1988, it was a life-changing moment for me and I'm so thankful for everyone who supported me.
'Now, 37 years later, I know. It's so beautiful and emotional to see Switzerland winning and hosting this incredible event once again.
'To the people of Switzerland, thank you for your love. This night is yours and I hope you feel as proud as I do.'
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