Irish Broadcaster RTE have announced the act that they have internally selected to represent Ireland at Eurovision 2017, and that is Brendan Murray! The announcement was made on Ireland’s The Late Late Show.
Alongside the broadcaster, the man in charge of finding a suitable act for Eurovision was Louis Walsh, who believes that Brendan Murray will represent Ireland in the best way possible. He said, ‘Brendan is perfect for Eurovision, he has a distinctive voice and a look that I think will really appeal to audiences across Europe. I want to find the best song for Brendan to perform on that Eurovision stage. I’m going to use my own contacts in the business and I want to hear songs from Irish songwriters or songwriters abroad until I find the best song. I won’t rest until I do!’
The song that Brendan will sing is a task that Louis Walsh will undertake, using his contacts, and also putting a call out of songwriters to write the perfect song for Brendan to sing. Entries can be submitted until the 16th of January, and not long after, the song will be revealed on The Late Late Show.
Michael Kealy, the Executive Supervisor in charge of Eurovision at RTE has said, ‘Given Louis’ extensive experience in the music business and with Eurovision, we’re delighted that he’s on board with our Eurovision bid this year. In 2017, there will be 42 other countries competing in Kyiv in what is the biggest music competition in the world. We want to find the strongest song that will showcase Brendan’s unique voice for a package I believe will really stand out in this ultra competitive contest’
Brendan himself has talked about his upcoming participation, saying, ‘I’m honoured and excited to be representing Ireland in Kyiv in the biggest music competition in the world. I’m really looking forward to it. I was born in 1996 the last time Ireland won, so I hope that will bring me luck! But most of all I’m really excited about finding a great song that I can take to the Eurovision stage and give it my all’
On the Late Late Show, he performed a piece of Johnny Logan’s Eurovision winning song Hold Me Now, a song that Brendan’s mum and dad had enjoyed, amongst all the Irish Eurovision winners. Listen to his cover down below:
About Brendan Murray
Brendan Murray originates from Tuam in County Galway, and since the age of 17, he was a part of the band Hometown. The band’s first single was called Where I Belong, which became the fastest selling single from a debut act, and the fastest selling single from an Irish act in the year of 2014.
Their follow up single was called Cry For Help, which was released in 2015, and like the previous single, reached number 1 in Ireland. The band has toured extensively throughout Ireland and the UK, and have acted as the support act for Olly Murs, McBusted and the Vamps.
