TG4, the broadcaster which oversees Ireland’s Junior Eurovision participation, has announced new details about the country’s approach to the 2022 contest.
Once again, Ireland’s representative will be chosen through TG4’s show Junior Eurovision Éire; however, there will be some notable changes. The most dramatic change to the format is that, in the final, the winner will now be chosen by public vote.
As was the case in 2019 and 2021, only the artist will be decided through Junior Eurovision Éire; the song itself will be composed afterward and tailored to the winner.
A number of familiar faces from senior Eurovision history will be present on the guest judge panel, including last year’s representative Brooke Scullion. The other guest judges will also all be Eurovision alumni: Brian Kennedy (2006, Every Song is a Cry for Love); Ryan O’Shaughnessy (2018, Together); Linda Martin (runner-up in 1984 with Terminal 3, winner of Eurovision 1983 with Why Me?); Paul Harrington (winner of 1994 with Rock n’ Roll Kids); and Niamh Kavanagh (winner of 1993 with In Your Eyes, also participated in 2010 with It’s For You).
The guest judges will be joined by two additional judges to complete the panel. These will be Niamh Ní Chróinín, who holds experience managing the Irish-language radio station Raidió Rí-Rá; and Chris Greene, a presenter for popular radio station RTÉ 2fm. Presenter Louise Cantillon returns, this time alongside Darragh Ó Caoimh.
Since its debut at Junior Eurovision in 2015, Ireland has yet to win the competition. To date, Ireland’s best result in the contest remains Zena Donnelly’s Bríce ar Bhríce (Brick by Brick) which placed 10th in 2016. Last year’s Maiú Levi Lawlor placed 18th with Saor (Disappear).
Junior Eurovision Éire will air this Autumn over the course of six weeks.
The winner will then travel to Yerevan, Armenia, for the contest on the 11th of December.
Will #YOU be tuning in to Junior Eurovision Éire? How do you think Ireland should approach Junior Eurovision 2022? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, on our social media @ESCUnited, our forum, or our Discord server!
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