After withdrawing from Junior Eurovision last year, Ireland has confirmed that they intend to return to the contest.
Irish broadcaster TG4 and Adare Productions have announced that they are accepting applications for the Irish national selection for Junior Eurovision 2021.
Ireland withdrew from Junior Eurovision 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, they are now the 5th country to confirm participation in this year’s contest. Ireland is also the first country not in last year’s contest to return.
Junior Eurovision 2020 winners and 2021 hosts France, Spain, The Netherlands, and Russia are the other nations signed up this year.
Interested singers can apply HERE. Groups of up to six can also participate, but must be part of the same household. All participants must be between 9 and 14 years old. Naturally, all participants must live in Ireland or be an Irish national. The deadline for entry is March 19, 2021. TG4 did not specify the details of the “heats” or the process of selection.
Ireland entered Junior Eurovision in 2015, participating five times. Zena Donnelly’s “Bríce ar bhríce” is Ireland’s best performer at the contest, finishing 10th at Junior Eurovision 2016. However, the Irish Junior Eurovision has been praised for sending in Irish language entries.
Anna Kearney’s “Banshee” was Ireland’s last entry, coming in 12th at Junior Eurovision 2019.
What do #YOU think of Ireland’s return to Junior Eurovision? Do #YOU wish the adult Irish contingent sang in Irish as well? Let us know in the comments below, on social media, or in our forum.
