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Irish Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Westlife tipped to play iconic Irish venue during 25th anniversary celebrations
Westlife have been tipped to play Slane Castle after the band announced they will head back on the road to celebrate their 25th anniversary. Westlife yesterday announced that they are set to return to the stage and release new music for their 25th anniversary. And, now, Slane has been tipped as a possible destination for their upcoming big concert dates. This comes after they performed sell-out gigs in Dublin's Croke Park, 3Arena and the Aviva Stadium and Cork's Páirc Uí Chaoimh in recent years. After announcing they are returning with new music and a string of special shows, Westlife fans are backing the group to take to the iconic Slane Castle stage next summer (2/1). However, the group, which consists of Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan and Kian Egan, will be celebrating their 25th anniversary without Mark Feehily, who won't be part of the group for this new era. He stepped away from the band two years ago due to ongoing health issues. Slane may be just the location for this massive celebration for the boyband. Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes commented: "We are unlucky to not have a Slane concert this year, but it could be the ideal location for Westlife to emerge from their hiatus. "They have such a massive following there is no doubt that Slane would pack out to see them looking like that." However, heir to Slane Castle, Alex Conyngham, declined to respond when contacted by us about the possibility of hosting the boys. A statement confirmed Westlife's comeback. It said: "To our amazing fans, we would like to take this opportunity to share some very important news with you all. "We are thrilled to announce the launch of our 25th Anniversary celebrations... On the 9th February 2001 we kicked off our first ever world tour at the Newcastle Arena. Who would have thought we would still be here 25 years later? We have so many exciting plans to share with you very soon which will include new music, an album, special shows and many, many more surprises along the way. "Sadly, Mark will be unable to join the celebrations. We hope he can join us back on stage when he is ready and able. He sends his love and positivity to you all as always. "The four of us can't quite believe it's been 25 years. We could only have dreamt of the continued love and loyalty you have consistently shown us around the world. We are so lucky to have all of you with us and we can't wait to celebrate together!" Elsewhere, odds have been slashed from 5/1 to 3/1 for Ed Sheeran to appear on the Electric Picnic main stage, according to Ladbrokes. The singer-songwriter is being eyed up for a spot on the main stage at Electric Picnic. After declaring his love for Ireland and identifying as "culturally Irish", fans are clamouring to see the solo artist make his way to Stradbally. Cal Gildart said: "Irish fans will be delighted to hear that Sheeran has now declared himself an honorary Irishman. The rumours are that we will be seeing him on the mainstage at the biggest festival in the Irish calendar."
Irish Daily Mirror
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Eurovision semi final running order, timings and how to watch Ireland perform
Eurovision 2025 is finally here, with the first semi final taking place tonight. A total of 37 countries will take to the stage in Basel in Switzerland over the next few days, ahead of the grand final on Saturday. Ireland's representative this year is Norwegian singer Emmy, who will be flying the flag for Ireland with her song Laika Party. Written in collaboration with an Irish songwriter, the track helped her secure the win on RTE's Eurosong earlier this year. Emmy wrapped up her second dress rehearsal on Thursday, and afterwards said: "We definitely have done some change and even after the first rehearsal, we had to do some changes because of the size of the stage and the prop that we didn't know of. So yeah, there's got to be changes, but trying to keep the core of the Eurovision performance, or some elements of it." Bookmakers had Emmy at 10/11 to qualify for the final just last week. Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes said: "Ireland are being backed by patriotic punters to reach successive Eurovision finals. Emmy's song is proving popular domestically so hopefully it can translate to the Eurovision stage." Last year, Ireland finished in sixth place with an eye-catching performance by Bambie Thug and their song Doomsday Blue. Sweden has been the favourite for a record eighth Eurovision win since February, with odds-on predictions becoming stronger last month. However, Austria's operatic entry has seen a surge in support, causing Sweden's odds to shift to 11/10, while Austria's odds shortened to 3/1. France is third in the betting, although their odds have drifted from 7/1 to 10/1. If Sweden wins this year, they will surpass Ireland, holding the record for most Eurovision wins, currently tied at seven each. Sweden last won the contest in Liverpool just two years ago with Loreen's performance. With hundreds of millions expected to tune in to one of the world's most-watched TV events, here's everything you need to know about how to watch Eurovision in Ireland. The semi-finals will air on Tuesday and Thursday from 8pm to 10.15pm. Ireland will take part in Thursday's show. Each night, 15 acts will perform, but only 10 from each semi-final will advance to Saturday's Grand Final. The final takes place on Saturday, May 17, from 8pm and will continue until just after midnight. RTE will broadcast both semi-finals live on RTE2. Saturday's Grand Final will be shown on RTE One. You can also stream all the shows via the RTE Player or listen on RTE Radio 1. No - Ireland will compete in the second semi-final on Thursday night as the third performer. Sweden has remained the bookmakers' favourite for an eighth Eurovision win since February, with odds strengthening throughout last month. Austria's entry has gained momentum recently, pushing Sweden's odds to 11/10 and shortening Austria's to 3/1. France follows in third place, although their odds have slipped from 7/1 to 10/1. As for the semi-finals, Ireland's Emmy is currently rated at 10/11 to qualify for Saturday's Grand Final. Fifteen acts will compete tonight for ten places in Saturday's show tonight. Here's the running order: Iceland - VÆB - RÓA Poland - Justyna Steczkowska - GAJA Slovenia - Klemen - How Much Time Do We Have Left Estonia – Tommy Cash - Espresso Macchiato Spain - Melody - ESA DIVA Ukraine - Ziferblat - Bird of Pray Sweden - KAJ - Bara Bada Bastu Portugal - NAPA - Deslocado Norway - Kyle Alessandro - Lighter Belgium - Red Sebastian - Strobe Lights Italy - Lucio Corsi - Volevo Essere Un Duro Azerbaijan - Mamagama - Run With U San Marino - Gabry Ponte - Tutta L'Italia Albania - Shkodra Elektronike - Zjerm Netherlands - Claude - C'est La Vie Croatia - Marko Bošnjak - Poison Cake Switzerland - Zoë Më - Voyage Cyprus - Theo Evan - Shh Note: Italy, Spain and Switzerland automatically qualify for the Grand Final but will perform and vote in this semi-final. Australia - Go-Jo - Milkshake Man Montenegro - Nina Žižić - Dobrodošli Ireland - EMMY - Laika Party Latvia - Tautumeitas - Bur Man Laimi Armenia - PARG - SURVIVOR Austria - JJ - Wasted Love United Kingdom - Remember Monday - What The Hell Just Happened? Greece - Klavdia - Asteromáta Lithuania - Katarsis - Tavo Akys Malta - Miriana Conte - SERVING Georgia - Mariam Shengelia - Freedom France - Louane - maman Denmark - Sissal - Hallucination Czechia - ADONXS - Kiss Kiss Goodbye Luxembourg - Laura Thorn - La Poupée Monte Le Son Israel - Yuval Raphael - New Day Will Rise Germany - Abor & Tynna - Baller Serbia - Princ - Mila Finland - Erika Vikman - ICH KOMME France, Germany and the UK automatically qualify for the final and will vote during this semi-final. Emmy, Ireland's Eurovision 2025 representative, has promised a "bigger" production for her performance of Laika Party. The track, written with an Irish songwriter, helped her secure the public vote to represent Ireland earlier this year. She said: "I would say this is like, it's a European Song Contest. I don't think it's about me. It's about the song. And the song is partly Irish because of the songwriter. And also, I think it's more about what song and what message the people of a country want to send, rather than who I am as a singer, you know." When asked about what's next, she added: "So first we need to understand that this is actually happening, and then rehearse and plan. And you know, we will definitely try to keep the same vibe but maybe make it bigger, you know. So, yeah, we're really, really excited for these next few months."
Irish Daily Mirror
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Eurovision 2025 set to be a two-way race as Irish win looks unlikely
Austria's odds of winning this year's Eurovision Song Contest have been cut to 5/2 as the competition gets under way in Basel this week, turning the title race into a two-way tussle. Ladbrokes now predicts that Sweden - with odds of 11/10 - and Austria will duel for top honours come Saturday night. A double Eurovision winner, Austria last took the title in 2014, while Sweden aims to dethrone Ireland as the contest's most dominant by winning a record-setting eighth crown this year. Alongside the two contenders, Ladbrokes has also lengthened France's odds to 10/1 from 7/1. Meanwhile, the UK and Ireland's chances of a win this week are looking increasingly slim, with odds of 66/1 and 100/1 respectively. 'It's looked like Sweden's contest to lose for a long time, but this odds shift is making people think again," said Ladbrokes' Cal Gildart. "Those who phone in to vote for Austria will be hoping their support isn't wasted love." Previously, all signs had pointed towards a Swedish whitewash this year - with the seven-time champions the odds-on favourites to win last month. However, a late surge in support for Austria's entry, 'Wasted Love' by JJ has changed the complexion of the contest just days before the opening ceremony. Outside of the top two, the chance still remains for a smaller nation to snatch a surprise win. With odds of 14/1, Belgium is well-placed to deliver a shock victory, with their entry Red Sebastian and his techno-flavoured single 'Strobe Lights'. After a strong sixth place finish in last year's final, Ireland seeks to replicate Bambie Thug's success in 2025. 'Laika Party', penned by Norwegian singer-songwriter Emmy, fended off tough competition from Bobbi Arlo and Samantha Mumba to win this year's Eurosong. Taking the nomination with 34 points in hand, the song received the top score in both the jury and national vote. Emmy will perform 'Laika Party' in the second semi-final on Thursday evening where she will be hoping to bag a place in Saturday's eagerly anticipated grand final in Basel, Switzerland. Having competed in 46 finals as of this year, Ireland has firmly carved out its place in Eurovision history - but its accomplishments, such as an impressive four wins in the 1990s - have proven to be a double-edged sword over time. With Eimear Quinn's 'The Voice' in 1996 the country's most recent Eurovision win to date, questions have been raised over whether Ireland could ever return to its winning ways. While the title favourites seem to be all but locked in, a return to fighting form in 2024 could mark the beginning of an Irish resurgence in the contest. 2025 Eurovision Song Contest contenders - odds All betting odds taken from Ladbrokes and correct at the time of publication.
Irish Daily Mirror
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Irish entrant Emmy odds-on to qualify for Eurovision final
Ireland's Eurovision hopeful Emmy is 10/11 to qualify for the final of Eurovision, according to bookmakers. Emmy takes part in the second semi-final with her song, Laika Party, along with the Czech Republic, Finland and Malta, among others. Austria is the favourite to top the table in the semi-final. Ireland finished sixth in the final last year with Bambie Thug and their song Doomsday Blue. Ladbrokes spokesman, Cal Gildart said: 'Ireland are being backed by patriotic punters to reach successive Eurovision finals. 'Emmy's song is proving popular domestically so hopefully it can translate to the Eurovision stage.' Elsewhere, Boylesports say Emmy is an odds-on shot at 8/11 to get through Thursday's second semi-final. Ireland shares top position in the Eurovision charts alongside Sweden with seven victories apiece. But the latest odds from Boylesports make the Swedes 5/4 favourites to top this year's leaderboard. Lawrence Lyons of BoyleSports, said: 'Sweden are all the rage this year so while Ireland boasts an impressive Eurovision legacy, there could be a key change coming at the top of the all-time records.' The likes of Austria (9/4), France (9/1) and Israel (12/1) are being backed to give Swedish group KAJ a run for their money in Basel. But the chances of Emmy's Laika Party sparking celebrations for those waving the Irish tricolour are rated unlikely at odds of 66/1.
