It may only be February, but the Eurovision machine is already cranking up as each participating country selects the act they're putting forward as a representation of their musical culture. Or not.

Ireland is no different, and the act that will represent us in this year's contest - which will be held in Vienna on May 23rd - will be chosen via a public vote via The Late Late Show's Eurosong special tonight. (You can see four of them flouncing around the studio with Tubs for a photocall here.)

Here are the five finalists, their songs and a brief blurb about who they are.

ALEX SAINT - 'She's So Fine'
Born in Zambia, Saint moved to London at 15 and has been living in Belfast in recent years. His rap song - 'She's So Fine' - is accompanied by Derry-based female vocal group The MJs.

KAT MAHON - 'Anybody Got a Shoulder'
27-year-old Longford native Kat Mahon competed in the Rose of Tralee in 2014 and has supported the likes of Delorentos and John Spillane live. Her song, 'Anybody Got a Shoulder', was written by former Eurovision winner Charlie McGettigan.

 

ERIKA SELIN - 'Break Me Up'
There's been a bit of controversy about Erika Selin's inclusion in the contest; the 23-year-old Swede has no connection to Ireland, and is singing a song written by Swedish songwriters. RTE have defended her inclusion, however,, saying "This is not a new rule – in the past we’ve had acts from Slovenia and Latvia take part in our Eurosong final, just as other countries have allowed Irish singers and songwriters enter their national finals. Indeed, Irish national Fionnuala Sherry won the competition for Norway a number of years ago."

 

NIKKI KAVANAGH - 'Memories'
There is no greater indignity than being beaten by Jedward in a singing competition, but despite that happening to Nikki Kavanagh in 2011, she's come back for more. Fair play. She was also part of the Irish team led by Niamh Kavanagh in the 2010 Eurovision finals.

MOLLY STERLING - 'Playing With Numbers'
Sterling is just 16 years old, but the Tipperary native will skip school for the day to compete in Eurosong. She co-wrote 'Playing With Numbers' with songwriter Greg French.