Bambie Thug claps back at RTE star's 'jarring' Eurovision song comment
Irish Eurovision fans rejoiced last night as Bambie Thug secured Ireland’s first finalist spot since 2018.
The Cork-born singer, 31, secured a spot in the final after a witchy and mesmerising performance of their alternative song Doomsday Blue during the opening semi-final in Malmo, Sweden. Bambie now has a chance to win the Eurovision for Ireland, which hasn’t happened since 1996 with Eimear Quinn’s The Voice.
Prior to gracing the Eurovision stage, Bambie addressed remarks made by RTE Radio 1 presenter Louise Duffy, who expressed hesitation in playing their song on her show, citing concerns that it might be “jarring” for some listeners. Louise said last month: “I can appreciate what they (Bambie) are doing and how special that is in it’s own area but I wouldn’t be playing it on my show because I feel it’s too jarring for maybe an older listener.”
In response, Bambie fired back at the RTE star, telling RSVP Live: “I would love to see what Louise’s own playlist is like on a daily basis. I would probably be like, ‘Next’. Saying it’s ‘jarring” is just an excuse not to play the song. We need more support across the board, and more queer artists.”
Irish singer-songwriter Bambie Ray Robinson, aka Bambie Thug representing Ireland with the song
Despite going through to the final, Ireland’s odds have taken a slight hit off the back of last night’s semi-final performance. Having been a 9/1 shot this time yesterday, Bambie Thug is now 14/1 to go all the way. Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Ireland’s chances of winning have taken a slight hit as Bambi Thug now stands at 14/1, with Croatia already beginning to pull away as clear favourites to win in Sweden.”
However, Bambie is not feeling the pressure. They said: “I beat the odds already, I wasn’t favourite to win Eurosong. It’s great that we’re climbing the odds, but it’s not impacting my sense of worth as an artist and my ability to perform. I’m not worried about my performance and I’m not worried about the millions of viewers watching at home. I’m so grateful for this platform.”
Bambie Thug added that they’re happy with how things are shaping up for Eurovision, praising their team for their hard work to make this year’s Irish entry stand out. They said: “I’ve an incredible director working with me and the stage and the props look really good. I’m happy with the concept and I’m happy with the routine. I’m happy with my gorgeous dance partner and choreographer. It’s all set to be a really good performance.”
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