Former Westlife man Shane Filan looks like he'll be stepping into Jedward's shoes by competing in the next Eurovision Song Contest. First, though, the Sligo man will have to tackle the national Eurosong competition to win the nomination as Ireland's representative. A public vote shouldn't be too big an obstacle for a guy who's played to a sold out Croke Park on more than one occasion, though.
Pop guru Louis Walsh, who has previously managed Eurovision success stories Johnny Logan and Linda Martin, is masterminding the bid as a way to launch Filan's solo career. Walsh's renewed interest in the song contest was sparked by Jedward's international success following their two stints on the show (even though they didn't do very well), and also the success of the recent Swedish winner Loreen, whose song 'Euphoria' sold in advance of 2 million copies after it won.
Bookmakers Paddy Power have made Filan as a 9/2 favourite to get the nod, with Melanie McCabe from X-Factor and Damien McGinty from Glee also tipped as possible.
