Eurovision in Liverpool is now less than a month away. In the run-up to rehearsals we will be getting to know a little more about this year’s artists, their discography and their Eurovision journey so far. The next act we will be previewing is Ireland’s Wild Youth.
Wild Youth’s Eurovision Journey so far….
Wild Youth were selected to represent Ireland at Eurovision 2023 through national final Eurosong on The Late Late Show. They placed 2nd in the international jury vote and 1st in the national jury and public vote, winning in a field of six entries.
Ireland will perform 6th in the running order in semi-final one on 9th May.
Wild Youth performed at almost every pre-party in the 2023 season. They appeared on stage at the Barcelona Eurovision Party, the Polish Eurovision Party, PrePartyES in Madrid, Eurovision in Concert and the London Eurovision Party.
Tim had the opportunity to chat with Wild Youth behind the scenes at the Polish Eurovision Party!
What do we think of “We Are One”
The team at That Eurovision Site has been doing their reviews for this year’s contest. Rory and Janek gave their thoughts on “Blood and Glitter”, which you can see here.
Who are Wild Youth?
Wild Youth were formed in Dublin in 2016 by singer Conor O’Donohoe, drummer Callum McAdam, guitarist Ed Porter and keyboard player David Whelan. Not long after, they released their debut single “All Or Nothing”. Their first (and so far only) album, The Last Goodbye, was released in 2019, followed by EP Forever Girl in 2021.They have also supported some of the world’s biggest names on tour, including Niall Horan, Zara Larsson, Lewis Capaldi and Westlife.
O’Donohoe in particular has seen success as a songwriter for some major acts, with credits on songs performed by ABBA’s Agnetha Fältskog, The Script ,Westlife and Britney Spears. He was awarded a Grammy in 2013 for “Stronger”, performed by Kelly Clarkson. He was one of the writers of Ireland’s 2017 Eurovision entry, “Dying To Try”.
In an interview with Eurovision World, O’Donohoe discussed how the lyrics of “We Are One” are reflective of Eurovision more broadly:
I believe that people are incredibly accepting, and it feels like there’s no judgement. That’s why I feel like Eurovision is an incredible place. I think a lot of people can learn from it because it does feel like a place where everyone is one. We’re all human at the end of the day, and we all have hearts and we all care.
People are so kind and giving with their time and compliments. And that’s why the lyrics contain “tonight we are one,” because it feels like that in that moment. The world could take inspiration from that feeling.
Conor O’Donohoe
“We Are One” was written by members Conor O’Donohoe and Ed Porter, alongside Jörgen Elofsson.
Ireland’s Eurovision Journey
In 1965, Ireland made their debut in the Eurovision Song Contest with Butch Moore and the song “Walking the Streets in the Rain”, which managed to place 6th. Since their debut, Ireland has participated 55 times (making the Grand Final 45 times), and has won the competition seven times, which is currently the record for most wins.
Ireland’s latest Eurovision participation saw them being represented by Brooke Scullion, with her song “That’s Rich”. She placed 15th in the semi-final, receiving 47 points from the jury and televote.
What do you think of We Are One? Can Wild Youth get Ireland back to the final? Let us know your thoughts! Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok as we prepare for Eurovision 2023!
News Source: That Eurovision Site/Wild Youth
Photo Credit: Mollie McKay/RTÉ
