Rumours were rife over the past week, but the news has finally been officially confirmed this morning by RTÉ – radio presenter and former Westlife star Nicky Byrne will be representing Ireland in Eurovision 2016.
The news was announced this morning, with the national broadcaster also revealing details of the song that the dad-of-three will be performing in Sweden, in May.
Titled Sunlight, there will be high hopes for Ireland’s entry in the song competition this year. Co-written by Nicky, he got a helping hand from world-renowned songwriter Wayne Hector and award-winning composer Ronan Hardiman.
If the above names don’t ring familiar, let’s give you a taster of the talent that’s gone into our entry: Hector was the genius behind Westlife’s classic hits Flying Without Wings and Swear It Again, while Hardiman’s CV includes Lord of the Dance.
Today’s announcement marks a break in Ireland’s Eurosong tradition, whereby the public would vote on our competition representative from a series of acts.
Sharing his excitement ahead of the competition, Nicky said today: “I have always felt this song had something different, something special…I can’t wait to be a part of what I’m sure will be an amazing show in Stockholm. Ireland, I will give it my best shot. Sweden…here we come!”
Best of luck to Nicky! What's your verdict on the song?
