Ireland: National final on February 24th

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RTÉ announced earlier today additional details about the 2012 national selection for the Irish entry to the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest. The five mentors plus the national final date was announced.

RTÉ has decided to adopt the same formula as last year, where mentors will be ‘coaching’ the participating acts. Each of the mentors will select songs and singers who wish to represent Ireland in Baku. The mentors five chosen entries will be performed for the first time on The Late Late Show Eurosong 2012 on February 24th, 2012.

The winner will be decided by a combination of regional jury and televoting. More information about the national finalists and their entries will be announced sometime in the New Year.

The five mentors are;

  • Julian Benson
  • Greg French
  • Bill Hughes
  • Edele Lynch
  • Linda Martin

Mentors:
Julian Benson is a popular showbusiness agent and choreographer. Music producer, songwriter and The Brilliant Things member Greg French will also be a mentor. Bill Hughes is a well known producer and a former Popstars and You’re a Star judge. Singer and songwriter Edele Lynch of B*witched fame and Barbarellas will be joining the project. Eurovision Song Contest winner Linda Martin has already been confirmed as the mentor of returning act and 2011 Irish representatives Jedward.

RTÉ Eurovision Co-ordinator; Julian Vignoles, stated:

“As was the case in previous years RTÉ wanted to offer the Irish public a say in deciding who Ireland’s Eurovision entry should be. We felt last year’s mentoring process was successful in delivering five strong acts which could represent Ireland. This year our five mentors represent all aspects of the Irish music/entertainment industry and have already begun their search for the act which will deliver another strong performance for Ireland at the Eurovision. The mentors are currently sourcing their acts and songs and a number of acts including Jedward have been approached by the mentors to take part in the contest.

Stay tuned!