Although the Irish entry was leaked during the past week, it’s now official that Taylor Hynes will represent Ireland at this year’s Junior Eurovision Song Contest.
A total of six artists competed in the pre-recorded final of Junior Eurovision Éire including two wildcard entries, one of which was Taylor Hynes. It was up to a panel of judges to decide which act would represent Ireland, and this year the panel included former Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh as well as Gráinne Bleasdale and Fiachna Ó Braonáin.
Here are the finalists:
- Jessica Doolan – “Aisling” (Dream)
- Taylor Hynes – “I.O.U.”
- Cora Harkin – “Cibé saol atá romham” (Whatever life is ahead of me)
- Shaniah Llane Rollo – “Cuimhnigh ar na réaltaí” (Remember the stars)
- Anna and Ava – “Táimid le chéile” (We are together)
- Kerry Ann McCreery – “Tóg mo lámh” (Take my hand)
Two entries qualified to the final battle, and those entries were:
- Taylor Hynes – “I.O.U.”
- Shaniah Llane Rollo – “Cuimhnigh ar na réaltaí” (Remember the stars)
Both Niamnh and Fiachna voted for Taylor while Gráinne voted for Shaniah, meaning that Taylor had won the national selection.
I.O.U was written by Taylor Hynes, Niall Mooney and Jonas Gladnikoff. The latter two worked on the Irish Junior Eurovision song of 2015, Réalta na Mara. They have also worked on some of the Irish Eurovision entries including from 2009, 2010 and 2014.
Watch the official video below: