Ireland

Emmy Kristine Guttulsrud Kristiansen (born 13 September 2000), known mononymously as Emmy, is a Norwegian singer-songwriter. She represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 with the song “Laika Party”.

Bambie Ray Robinson (born 6 March 1993), known by their stage name Bambie Thug, is an Irish singer-songwriter. They are known to mix numerous genres in their music, coining their own term, “ouija-pop”, out of disdain for being put into one genre. Robinson’s music has been inspired by various subjects, including breakups, witchcraft, and drug addiction. Robinson is the first openly non-binary artist to represent Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest, doing so in 2024 with the song “Doomsday Blue”.

Wild Youth are an Irish pop band formed in Dublin in 2016, consisting of members David Whelan, Conor O’Donohoe, Ed Porter and Callum McAdam. They represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 with the song “We Are One”.

Brooke Scullion, known professionally as Brooke, is a singer from Northern Ireland. She was a contestant on series 9 of The Voice UK, finishing in third place. She represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 with the song “That’s Rich”.

“Maps” is a song by Irish singer Lesley Roy. The song represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

“Maps” is a song by Irish singer Lesley Roy. The song represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Sarah McTernan (born 11 March 1994) is an Irish singer-songwriter from Scarriff, County Clare. She is known for taking third place in the fourth season of The Voice of Ireland in April 2015. She represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with the song “22”.

Ryan O’Shaughnessy is the first EP by Irish singer-songwriter Ryan O’Shaughnessy released on 13 August 2012 in the United Kingdom. The EP peaked at number 1 on the Irish Albums Chart. The album includes the single “No Name”. Ryan O’Shaughnessy represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 with “Together”, finishing in 16th place with 136 points.

Brendan Hugh Francis Murray (born 16 November 1996) is an Irish singer and former member of the Irish boy band HomeTown. He represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 with the song “Dying to Try”, though he did not qualify for the final. He then competed in The X Factor (UK) in 2018, and was the twelfth contestant eliminated.

Nicholas Bernard James Adam Byrne Jr. (born 9 October 1978) is an Irish singer, songwriter, radio and television presenter and former professional footballer. He was a member of the pop group Westlife, one of the most successful Irish boybands of all time. Before his music career, Byrne played as a goalkeeper, winning the FA Youth Cup with Leeds United and representing Republic of Ireland at several teen levels. Nicky Byrne represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 with “Sunlight”, finishing in 15th place with 46 points.

Molly Sterling (born 8 March 1998) is an Irish singer and songwriter who represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 with the song “Playing with Numbers”.

Ireland was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 with the song “Heartbeat”, written by Jonas Gladnikoff, Rasmus Palmgren, Patrizia Helander, and Hazel Kaneswaran, and performed by Can-linn featuring Kasey Smith. The Irish participating broadcaster, Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ), organised the national final Eurosong 2014 in order to select its entry for the contest. Five songs faced the votes of five regional juries and a public televote, ultimately resulting in the selection of “Heartbeat” performed by Can-linn featuring Kasey Smith as the Irish Eurovision entry. Ireland was drawn to compete in the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest which took place on 8 May 2014.

Ryan Dolan (born 22 July 1985) is an Irish pop singer from Strabane in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. He is known for representing Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 with “Only Love Survives”.

John and Edward Grimes (born 16 October 1991), collectively known as Jedward, are Irish media personalities, entertainers, performers, and singers. They are identical twins who first appeared as John & Edward in the sixth series of The X Factor in 2009, generating a phenomenon of ironic popularity described as “the Jedward paradox”. They were the seventh act eliminated and were managed by Louis Walsh, who was their mentor during The X Factor. Jedward have released four studio albums: Planet Jedward (2010), Victory (2011), Young Love (2012), and Voice of a Rebel (2019). Jedward represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 with “Lipstick”, finishing in 8th place with 119 points; and later represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 with “Waterline”, finishing in 19th place with 46 points.

John and Edward Grimes (born 16 October 1991), collectively known as Jedward, are Irish media personalities, entertainers, performers, and singers. They are identical twins who first appeared as John & Edward in the sixth series of The X Factor in 2009, generating a phenomenon of ironic popularity described as “the Jedward paradox”. They were the seventh act eliminated and were managed by Louis Walsh, who was their mentor during The X Factor. Jedward have released four studio albums: Planet Jedward (2010), Victory (2011), Young Love (2012), and Voice of a Rebel (2019). Jedward represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 with “Lipstick”, finishing in 8th place with 119 points; and later represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 with “Waterline”, finishing in 19th place with 46 points.

Niamh Kavanagh ( NEEV KAV-ə-nah; born 13 February 1968) is an Irish singer who sang the winning entry at the Eurovision Song Contest 1993. The 1993 Eurovision Song Contest was held in Millstreet, County Cork, Ireland. She sang “In Your Eyes” to clinch the second of a record three consecutive wins by Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest. The singer represented Ireland again in the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 in Oslo, with the song “It’s for You”.

Black Daisy was an Irish-Lithuanian band that, along with Sinéad Mulvey represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 with the song Et Cetera.

Dustin the Turkey, a character performed by John Morrison is a former star of RTÉ television’s The Den between 1989 and 2010 and for the show’s six-episode revival in 2020. He has been described as “the most subversive comedy force on Irish television”. A turkey vulture with a strong Dublin accent hailing from 376 Pearse Street, Sallynoggin, Dustin first appeared on The Den with Zig and Zag in December 1989, but remained there after their 1993 departure to Channel 4. He also outlasted four human co-hosts, all of whom moved to radio: Ian Dempsey, Ray D’Arcy, Damien McCaul and Francis Boylan Jr. Dustin the Turkey represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 with “Irelande Douze Pointe”, finishing in 15th place with 22 points.

Dervish is an Irish traditional music group from County Sligo, Ireland which has been described by BBC Radio 3 as “an icon of Irish music”. They were formed in 1989 by Liam Kelly, Shane Mitchell, Martin McGinley, Brian McDonagh, and Michael Holmes and have been fronted by singer Cathy Jordan since 1991. They represented Ireland in the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2007, singing a song written by John Waters and Tommy Moran. In 2019 they released an album on the US Rounder Records label called The Great Irish Song Book featuring a selection of classic Irish songs sung by a number of well known singers including Steve Earle, Andrea Corr, Vince Gill, Kate Rusby, Imelda May, Rhiannon Giddens, The Steel Drivers, Brendan Gleeson, Abigail Washburn, and Jamey Johnson.

Brian Edward Patrick Kennedy (born 12 October 1966) is a singer, songwriter, and author from Northern Ireland. He had a number of hit singles and albums in the UK and Ireland during the 1990s and 2000s. He represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 with his song “Every Song is a Cry for Love” and finished in 10th place, with his performance notably marking the 1,000th song to be performed in Eurovision history.

Ireland was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 2005 with the song “Love?”, written by Karl Broderick, and performed by Donna and Joe. The Irish participating broadcaster, Radio Telefís Éireann (RTÉ), organised the competition You’re a Star in order to select its entry for the contest. The competition consisted of 17 shows and concluded with a final, resulting in the selection of “Love?” performed by Donna and Joe as the Irish Eurovision entry after facing a public televote. Ireland competed in the semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest which took place on 19 May 2005.

Christopher Doran (born 22 November 1979) is an Irish singer from Waterford. He was the winner of Ireland’s You’re a Star 2003-2004 talent search competition to find Ireland’s Eurovision Song Contest entry. The competition held auditions throughout Ireland, and the winners went through to the final stages, with one act eventually decided on. The show was aired on RTÉ.

Ireland was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 2003 with the song “We’ve Got the World”, written by Martin Brannigan and Keith Molloy, and performed by Mickey Harte. The Irish participating broadcaster, Radio Telefís Éireann (RTÉ), organised the competition You’re a Star in order to select its entry for the contest. The broadcaster returned to the contest after a one-year absence following their relegation in 2002 as one of the bottom six entrants in 2001. The competition consisted of 20 shows and concluded with a final, resulting in the selection of “We’ve Got the World” performed by Mickey Joe Harte as the Irish Eurovision entry after facing a public televote.

Ireland was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 2001 with the song “Without Your Love”, written by Pat Sheridan, and performed by Gary O’Shaughnessy. The Irish participating broadcaster, Radio Telefís Éireann (RTÉ), organised the national final Eurosong 2001 in order to select its entry for the contest. Seven songs faced a regional televote, ultimately resulting in the selection of “Without Your Love” performed by Gary O’Shaughnessy as the Irish Eurovision entry. Ireland competed in the Eurovision Song Contest which took place on 12 May 2001.

Ireland was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 2000 with the song “Millennium of Love”, composed by Gerry Simpson, with lyrics by Raymond J. Smyth, and performed by Eamonn Toal. The Irish participating broadcaster, Radio Telefís Éireann (RTÉ), selected its entry through a national final.

Ireland was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 1999 with the song “When You Need Me”, written by Bronagh Mullan, and performed by The Mullans. The Irish participating broadcaster, Radio Telefís Éireann (RTÉ), selected its entry through a national final.

Dawn Martin (born 1976 in Dundalk) is an Irish singer. She represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 1998.

Seán Hegarty (born 25 June 1968), better known by his stage name Marc Roberts, is an Irish singer, best known for representing Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1997. His song, “Mysterious Woman”, finished in second place and reached number two on the Irish Singles Chart. He is originally from Crossmolina, County Mayo, and now based in Galway, where he presents a local radio show as well as continuing his singing career. He has to date released six studio albums.

“The Voice” is a song recorded by Irish singer and composer Eimear Quinn with music composed and lyrics written by Brendan Graham. It represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 1996 held in Oslo, resulting an unprecedented fourth win in five consecutive years for a country in the contest, being Ireland’s seventh overall win, and its last win to date. The single, released by Ainm Records, CNR Music and Polydor, peaked at number three in Ireland and number nine in Belgium, and was a top-30 hit in the Netherlands and a top-40 hit in the UK and Sweden. It features subliminal voices by Graham and Tracey Cullen.

Ireland was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 1995 with the song “Dreamin'”, written by Richard Abbott and Barry Woods, and performed by Eddie Friel. The Irish participating broadcaster, Radio Telefís Éireann (RTÉ), selected its entry through a national final. In addition, RTÉ was also the host broadcaster for the third year in a row, and staged the event at the Point Theatre in Dublin for the second time in a row, after winning the previous edition with the song “Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids” by Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan.

Paul Harrington (born 13 May 1960) is an Irish musician, who, with Charlie McGettigan, won the Eurovision Song Contest for Ireland in 1994; the third of a record three consecutive wins by Ireland.

Niamh Kavanagh ( NEEV KAV-ə-nah; born 13 February 1968) is an Irish singer who sang the winning entry at the Eurovision Song Contest 1993. The 1993 Eurovision Song Contest was held in Millstreet, County Cork, Ireland. She sang “In Your Eyes” to clinch the second of a record three consecutive wins by Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest. The singer represented Ireland again in the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 in Oslo, with the song “It’s for You”.

Linda Martin (born 27 March 1952) is a singer and television presenter from Northern Ireland. She is best known as the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 1992 during which she represented Ireland with the song “Why Me?”, the first of a record three consecutive wins by Ireland. She is also known within Ireland as a member of the band Chips.

Ireland was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 1991 with the song “Could It Be That I’m in Love”, written by Liam Reilly, and performed by Kim Jackson. The Irish participating broadcaster, Radio Telefís Éireann (RTÉ), selected its entry through Eurosong ’91. Reilly had already represented Ireland in 1990, with Jackson providing backing vocals for that entry.

Liam Reilly (29 January 1955 – 1 January 2021) was an Irish singer-songwriter and a member of the group Bagatelle, formed in 1978 by drummer Walter (Wally) McConville along with bass player Ken Doyle and guitarist John O’Brien. Liam Reilly represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest 1990 with “Somewhere in Europe”, finishing in 2nd place with 132 points.

Kevin “Kiev” Connolly (born 5 April 1956) is an Irish songwriter, producer and musician. His group, Kiev Connolly and The Missing Passengers, represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest 1989.

Jump the Gun were an Irish pop and rock band, best known for competing in the Eurovision Song Contest 1988 with the song “Take Him Home”. They scored 79 points, finishing eighth in the contest. The song spent five weeks in the Irish Singles Chart in 1988, peaking at number three. The group consisted of Roy Taylor on lead vocals and bass guitar with Eric Sharpe on guitar, Peter Eades on piano and keyboards, Brian O’Reilly on drums, and Ciaran Wilde on saxophone.

Seán Patrick Michael Sherrard (born 13 May 1954), also known professionally as Johnny Logan, is an Australian-born Irish singer, songwriter and musician. He is known for winning the Eurovision Song Contest twice, in 1980 and 1987. He also composed the winning song in 1992. Logan won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1980 with the song “What’s Another Year”, which topped the charts in eight countries.

Luv Bug are a Northern Irish pop band originating from Newry. They are most famous for representing Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 1986 with the song “You Can Count on Me”.

Ireland was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 1985 with the song “Wait Until the Weekend Comes”, written by Brendan Graham, and performed by Maria Christian. The Irish participating broadcaster, Radio Telefís Éireann (RTÉ), selected its entry through a national final.

Linda Martin (born 27 March 1952) is a singer and television presenter from Northern Ireland. She is best known as the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 1992 during which she represented Ireland with the song “Why Me?”, the first of a record three consecutive wins by Ireland. She is also known within Ireland as a member of the band Chips.

The Duskeys was an Irish family pop group, known for their participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 1982 with the song “Here Today Gone Tomorrow”.

Sheeba were an all-girl pop trio popular in Ireland in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The members were Maxi, Marion Fossett and Frances Campbell. They are best known for representing Ireland, the host nation, in the Eurovision Song Contest 1981 with “Horoscopes”.

Seán Patrick Michael Sherrard (born 13 May 1954), also known professionally as Johnny Logan, is an Australian-born Irish singer, songwriter and musician. He is known for winning the Eurovision Song Contest twice, in 1980 and 1987. He also composed the winning song in 1992. Logan won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1980 with the song “What’s Another Year”, which topped the charts in eight countries.

Cathal Dunne (born 14 February 1951) is an Irish singer. He is most famous for representing Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 1979 with the song “Happy Man”. He has since gained a following as Cahal Dunne, performing traditional Irish songs in the United States, where he now lives.

Ireland was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 1978 with the song “Born to Sing”, written and performed by Colm C. T. Wilkinson. The Irish participating broadcaster, Radio Telefís Éireann (RTÉ), selected its entry through a national final.

Thomas “Tommy” Swarbrigg and John James “Jimmy” Swarbrigg are Irish music promoters and former pop musicians. As The Swarbriggs, they represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest 1975 with “That’s What Friends Are For”. As The Swarbriggs Plus Two, with Nicola Kerr and Alma Carroll, they competed again in 1977 with “It’s Nice To Be In Love Again”. The brothers wrote both songs.

Brian “Red” Hurley (born 11 November 1949) is an Irish singer. Hurley’s career includes singing lead for bands such as The Colours, The Wheels, and The Nevada (né The Nevada Showband). He had a series of number one records in the 1970s while performing with The Nevada. Hurley also represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1976 with the song “When”.

Thomas “Tommy” Swarbrigg and John James “Jimmy” Swarbrigg are Irish music promoters and former pop musicians. As The Swarbriggs, they represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest 1975 with “That’s What Friends Are For”. As The Swarbriggs Plus Two, with Nicola Kerr and Alma Carroll, they competed again in 1977 with “It’s Nice To Be In Love Again”. The brothers wrote both songs.

Philomena “Phil” Tully (née Quinn; born 1949/50), known by the stage name Tina Reynolds or simply Tina, is an Irish singer. Tina Reynolds represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest 1974 with “Cross Your Heart”, finishing in 7th place with 11 points.

Maxi (born Irene McCoubrey, (1950-02-23)23 February 1950) is a former musician and radio presenter in Ireland. Maxi performed with two girl groups and the Irish supergroup The Concerned in the 1970s–80s, also representing Ireland at the 1973 and 1981 Eurovision Song Contests. After an automobile accident left her hospitalised, she focused on presenting for RTÉ; she retired from the broadcaster in 2015 after 30 years.

Margaret “Sandie” Jones (9 November 1951 – 19 September 2019) was an Irish singer, best known for representing Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 1972 with the song “Ceol an Ghrá”. This marked the only occasion in the history of the contest on which a song was performed in the Irish language.

Angela Farrell (born 1952 in Portadown) is an Irish singer who represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest 1971 with the song “One Day Love”. With 79 points, she came in 11th position.

Dana Rosemary Scallon (born Rosemary Brown; 30 August 1950), known professionally as Dana (), is an Irish singer, songwriter and politician. While still a schoolgirl she won the Eurovision Song Contest 1970 with “All Kinds of Everything”. It became a worldwide million-seller and launched her music career. She entered politics in 1997, as Dana Rosemary Scallon, running unsuccessfully in the Irish presidential election, but later being elected as an MEP for Connacht–Ulster in 1999.

Muriel Day (born 11 January 1942) is an Irish singer. Born in Newtownards, County Down, she was the first singer from Northern Ireland to represent the Republic of Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest, performing at the 1969 contest. She was also the first woman to perform for Ireland, which had been competing since 1965. After making her name in the Irish showband circuit, and making an uncredited appearance as a dance hall singer in the British film Billy Liar (1963), Day was chosen as Ireland’s Eurovision contestant with the song “The Wages of Love” in 1969.

John Kennedy (fl. 1968, 2009) is an Irish television personality. He is the father of presenter Lucy Kennedy, whom he accompanies as a pianist on the 2009 RTÉ2 chat show The Lucy Kennedy Show. He is also known for composing Ireland’s entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 1968.

Sean Dunphy (30 November 1937 – 17 May 2011) was an Irish singer. He represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest 1967, achieving second place with “If I Could Choose”. He was also the first Irish singer to record in Nashville.

Richard Rock (10 October 1936 – 6 December 2024) was an Irish singer. Chiefly associated with the era of showbands in Ireland, Rock came to prominence as a member of The Miami Showband in the 1960s, subsequently becoming a solo artist in 1973. He represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 1966. Rock continued to tour for several decades until his retirement in 2021.

James Augustine “Butch” Moore (10 January 1938 – 3 April 2001) was an Irish singer and a showband icon during the 1960s. Moore was born in Dublin, Ireland. He achieved celebrity status as Ireland’s first contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1965 and attracted huge crowds with The Capitol Showband in the State’s many ballrooms. Moore was at the height of his success, when he won the National Song Contest to represent Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 1965, in Naples, singing Walking the Streets in the Rain.