Latest news with #LateLateEurosongSpecial
The Irish Sun
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Pass the baton to me' says RTE's Arthur Gourounlian as he throws hat into ring to replace beloved icon in huge TV gig
RTE star Arthur Gourounlian has asked a beloved TV icon to pass over his baton to him. The dad-of-two is a jack of all trades and is constantly on the go with judging on 2 Arthur Gourounlian wants to replace Marty Whelan when he retires from his Eurovision job Credit: Conor Healy / Picture It 2 Marty Whelan has been commentating on Eurovision for RTE for 26 years Credit: Instagram He was also on the national judging panel on the Late Late Eurosong Special twice to comment on the six acts who battled it out to represent Ireland in Eurovision. The 44-year-old said he's a "fanatic" for the international song competition and would love to take Marty Whelan has been commentating through all three stages of Eurovision with the national broadcaster since 2000. read more on eurovision The 68-year-old's He has became synonymous in Ireland for his coverage of the Eurovision. Arthur told The Irish Sun: "Listen to me, this is very exclusive... I'm manifesting - when Marty Whelan is retiring, I want to host as a commentator. Why not? Dream big. "Listen, he looks amazing, I love Marty, I met him, he's like my gemini brother, I love it. read more on the irish sun "But you know what? I love Eurovision so much." Arthur believes himself and his podcast co-host and good pal Arthur Gourounlian gives Donal Skehan 'resignation' from podcast The celebrity choreographer explained: "I even said me and Donal, because we're both obsessed with Eurovision. I was like, 'Imagine you and me doing the commentary for Eurovision. It's like being Ryland or Scott Mills. "Why not? Bring us in. So that's what I would love to do. Forget about creating. I want to be the new Irish commentator for Eurovision for the years to come. Here we go." Pleading to the iconic star, he added: "I'm saying, 'Marty, when you retire, please pass the baton to me and Donal'." Arthur also launched Newbridge Silverware's brand new 'Legendary Blue Box' campaign, which is a tribute to timeless style and craftsmanship, this week. 'BEYOND PROUD' The media personality produced and directed the dance video which sees dancers perform in the Newbridge Silverware showroom and factory to depict the style of the famous Blue Box. The exciting new video will be shared on social media on Saturday May 17, at 7.00pm to coincide with the The video is a complete first for the jewellery company and marks the next chapter in the history of the famous Irish lifestyle company which was established in 1934. Speaking about the new campaign, Arthur said, 'It was an honour. This was a bold and visionary leap for the brand, unlike anything they've done before. "Sitting at the table with such passionate minds, dreaming, crafting, and channelling the timeless heritage and magic of Newbridge Silverware into something so bold was nothing short of unforgettable. "My vision was to tell the story in one continuous shot, with no edits and no interruptions, to heighten the emotion and immerse the viewer in the beauty and rhythm of a dream captured inside the box. This is more than a project; it's a love letter to tradition, elegance, and reinvention. "I'm beyond proud of what we've achieved. And this… this is only the beginning. Here's to the enduring legacy of Newbridge Silverware. May it shine on for generations to come."
Irish Examiner
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Who is Emmy, the Norwegian TikTok star representing Ireland at Eurovision?
Eurovision fans are counting down the hours before Norwegian singer Emmy will take to the stage to represent Ireland at the popular singing event in Basel, Switzerland. The 24-year-old will perform the song Laika Party at the second semi-final, which takes place tonight. Also performing in the second semi-final tonight will be Armenia, Australia, Austria, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, Georgia, Israel, Luxembourg, Malta and Serbia. Flying the flag for Ireland in Basel, Emmy was seen walking the turquoise carpet this week ahead of the singing competition. She was selected to represent Ireland after battling it out on the Late Late Eurosong Special back in February. Six contestants performed on the special Eurosong show to be crowned the winner and go on to represent Ireland at the international song contest. The panel on the night commended all of the songs and the performers who delivered them, but ultimately it was Emmy who was selected to represent the country with the song Laika Party after the national jury, international jury, and public votes were counted. Who is Emmy? Emmy Kristine Guttulsrud Kristiansen, AKA Emmy, is a 24-year-old singer and graphic designer from the village of Sande, south of the Norwegian capital of Oslo. She has been writing songs since she was seven, and her career kick-started in 2015 when she, at 15 years old, participated in Melodi Grand Prix Junior - one of the biggest music competitions in her country for children. Six years later, in 2021, she participated in Melodi Grand Prix, Norway's national selection of a song for the Eurovision Song Contest but she lost out to TIX in the final of the competition. She went on to post consistently on social media and has since become especially known for singing on TikTok, growing a profile with 1.2 million followers. She has now been given a second chance at Eurovision as Ireland's entry, teaming up with Irish songwriter Larissa Tormey, whom she met at a songwriting camp in Norway, to create Laika Party — a song based on a Soviet space dog. Laika was a stray dog from the streets of Moscow who was the first living creature launched into orbit in 1957. Sadly, she died from overheating hours into the flight. Where can I watch Ireland's performance in the semi-final? The second semi-final will take place tonight and will air RTÉ 2 and RTÉ player from 8pm. The grand final of the singing competition will take place on Saturday, May 17. How can I vote? Viewers can vote over the phone, by text or via the Eurovision app.
