Britain’s Got Talent star Ryan O’Shaughnessy has made the Eurovision 2018 final, representing Ireland at the music contest.
Ryan finished in fifth place on the ITV talent contest in 2012, impressing viewers with his original song ‘No Name’.
Now he’ll be hoping to win over Europe after the Republic Of Ireland’s national broadcaster RTE selected him as their act for the 63rd Eurovision Song Contest.
The 25-year-old co-wrote his entry, a ballad entitled ‘Together’. It was chosen from a list of 300 candidates by a panel of music industry professionals.
Ryan performed the track in tonight’s first live semi-final and was voted through to the final on Saturday.
It’s the first time since 2013 that Ireland have made it into the Eurovision end game.
“As one of three songwriters on Together, I’m delighted it has been chosen to represent Ireland in Eurovision 2018,” Ryan commented.
“On top of that, to be asked to perform for my country is an absolute honour.
“I plan on doing Ireland proud. I can’t wait to get onto that stage and perform an honest piece for millions of people.”
Following BGT, Ryan released a self-titled EP on Sony Music, which topped Irish charts and reached #9 in the UK.
He now has his own label, Bayview Records, and put out his debut full-length album in 2016.
Alongside Ryan, another TV talent show favourite took to the Eurovision stage in tonight’s semi-final.
X Factor’s Saara Aalto is also through to Saturday’s final, representing the country of Finland with her song Monsters.
The UK Eurovision act for 2018 was confirmed last month. SuRie and her song Storm automatically qualify for the final at the weekend.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2018 takes place in Lisbon, Portugal. The next semi-final is Thursday 10th before the final on Saturday 12th May.
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