"Standing out in the SUUUUUHN-LIIIIHIIIIIGHT, we'll stay together, we'll live forever..." Just one of the many poignant lyrics (we say poignant, because it's an Irish person singing very fondly about "sunlight") and you can sing along to thanks to this "Official Lyric Video" just released by RTE.
In case you weren't aware, Nicky is being fast tracked to the Eurovision Semi-Final in the Globe Arena in Stockholm on either Tuesday 10th or Thursday 12th May, to qualify for a place in the Final on Saturday 14th May.
John McHugh, Head of Entertainment RTÉ Television, said, “We have a long and proud history with Eurovision, but we’ve had mixed results over the last few years. Myself and Head of Delegation Michael Kealy took a serious look at our approach, reviewing the entire process and the Eurovision Song Contest itself. The competition is constantly evolving and RTÉ has to be flexible in how we approach it in order to put our best foot forward. Direct selection has proven to be a successful method for other countries and we felt that this year it would give us the best chance at success....
Of the song itself, McHugh added: "The song is called Sunlight and I co-wrote it with two of the music industry's legends; producer and writer Ronan Hardiman and songwriter Wayne Hector. I have always felt this song had something different, something special. I also look forward to re-visiting Sweden, a country where we had so much success with Westlife over the years and I can't wait to be a part of what I’m sure will be an amazing show in Stockholm. Ireland, I will give it my best shot. Sweden… here we come!"
Of being chosen, Nicky Byrne said: "Like many of us, I have grown up watching The Eurovision Song Contest. It always brought great excitement to our house down through the years and I was lucky enough to see Ireland win it on many occasions. I have a great memory as a nine year old, of dancing around our sitting room in a tri-colour sweatshirt when Johnny Logan lifted the trophy in 1987.The Eurovision is a TV show and song contest like no other and for the past three years my Eurovision experience has gotten better and my affiliation grown stronger, as I have proudly delivered the Irish votes live from Dublin. This year I go one step further, and actually walk on that stage to represent my country, I am honoured RTÉ have chosen me and believe in this song like I do."
