Ireland’s multi-show national final Junior Eurovision Éire came to a close today, with Jessica McKean winning the show and the opportunity to perform at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest.
Three contestants qualified for the final show and were asked to perform two covers – one a current and popular song, and the second a former Irish entry at the Eurovision Song Contest.
The cover selections for each artist were as follows:
- Jessica McKean – “Always” and “Hold Me Now” (ESC 1987)
- Clare Keeley – “Someone You Loved” and “Why Me?” (ESC 1992)
- Niamh Beatrix Smith – “Waiting For Love” and “Together” (ESC 2018)
The overall results for the show were determined by a public online voting process that was open from October 1st on TG4’s website. Viewers could also vote during the show up until the end of a live-voting segment.
The show did feature a set panel of jury member’s who offered their feedback and impressions after every performance. They however held no say in the final result. These jury members were:
- Niamh Ní Chróinín,
- Aindriú de Paor
- Mickey Joe Hart
Following the closure of the public vote it was revealed that Jessica, who had qualified for the final through the semi-final “sing off” stage, had won the entire show.
As in previous years, Jessica, TG4 and selected songwriters will work together to write a song for the junior contest. This final song will be revealed publicly at a later time.
At Junior Eurovision 2022 Ireland achieved it’s best ever result with Sophie Lennon’s song “Solas”, finishing in 4th place.
What do #YOU think of Ireland’s artist for JESC? Any composers you want to see in the credits? Let us know in the comments, social media, or on our discord!
