Jessica McKean set to represent Ireland at this year’s Junior Eurovision Finals in France

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After winning the final of TG4’s Junior Eurovision Éire show in October, Jessica McKean is getting ready to perform her song ‘Aisling’ on behalf of the nation at the finals in Nice, France on today.

Jessica, who lives on a dairy farm in St Johnson, Co Donegal, says she has loved singing her whole life.

“I wasn’t a child who would sing nursery rhymes; I was singing proper songs! My parents realised there was a talent there from a very young age, and signed me up for singing classes at only two-and-a-half years old. I entered my first Feis when I was three, and I won first place in the six and under category!

Jessica also first appeared on TV when she was five years old. “I was on RTÉ Junior’s ‘Two Talented’, where I sang Patsy Cline’s ‘I Love You Honey’ to a studio audience. Since then, I knew I wanted to sing and perform again.”

Preparing and performing

When Jessica heard about auditions for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, she decided to give it a go. “I sent in a video of me singing, along with my application online, and got an audition. Then I travelled to Dublin and had my audition in front of a panel. I later found out I was chosen to participate in the show.”

Junior Eurovision Éire is produced by Adare Productions for TG4 and the series is presented by Louise Cantillon and Darragh Ó Caoimh, along with judges Niamh Ní Chróinín and Aindriú de Paor, as well as guest judges including Niamh Kavanagh, Brooke Scullion, Brian Kennedy, Ryan O’ Shaughnessy, Conor O’Donohoe and Mickey Joe Harte. 

“I was given a song to sing in Irish for the show, and worked really hard learning that song,” says Jessica. “I then performed against seven others that week, in front of the panel and a live audience. I performed again in a ‘sing-off’ to win my place in the semi-finals. It was nerve-wracking, but an amazing feeling!

“I was in so much shock to hear my name being announced as the winner. I’m just so delighted and honoured to be representing Ireland in Nice!”

Since winning TG4’s Junior Eurovision Éire, Jessica has been working very hard to prepare for the Junior Eurovision Finals. “I always enjoy a challenge. I loved the experience of going to record my song. It was amazing. Then there was the making of the music video, which was unreal! Between that, I’ve been studying my song, rehearsing and doing many interviews and promo work. It’s been a crazy few weeks, but I’ve loved it!”

At only 10 years old, Jessica is the youngest ever participant in the Junior Eurovision Finals. She says she is excited to travel to Nice, and have some family and friends travel with her to support her.

“It’s the opportunity of a lifetime and I’m so honoured at only 10 years old, to be representing my country! There is a real buzz in my local community too, so I’m sure everyone will be watching back home. I’m going to do my very best, and hopefully make everybody proud! I’ve never been to Nice either, so that will be fabulous too.”

Making the nation proud

Jessica’s song ‘Aisling’ is an Irish language song and has been written by Niall Mooney and his team. Jessica believes it is very important to share our native language with the world.

“It’s beautiful that we have our own language, but it’s not used as much as it should be. The language sounds beautiful in songs, and we love to share it with the world.

“My song ‘Aisling’ means ‘dream’ or ‘vision’. It is the conclusion of a trilogy. Which is about finding that guiding light, to bring you back to your home.  A place for everyone. In dark times, there will always be light.

“The thing I love most about my song is the flow of it. It’s very slow and eerie and draws you in, as you feel it building. The chorus is beautiful too. It’s just perfect for me, and shows a variety of singing, as it’s a bit of a ballad mixed with pop! I think the video is amazing and very captivating too.”

The music video for ‘Aisling’ was recorded in Johnstown Castle in Wexford.

“We were so lucky as it was such a beautiful day that day,” says Jessica. “The location was out of this world and perfect for the song. The lake was at a nearby quarry – you would never know! And the dresses were by a fantastic designer called Claire Garvey, based in Dublin. Her work is amazing. They were very fitting for the video. I had so much fun dressing up for it, and felt like a princess!”

Speaking about her Junior Eurovision journey so far, Jessica says, “The whole process has been amazing. I’ve had so many experiences that some people could only dream of. I’ve loved every second of it. From recording the shows, to the anticipation of the finals. From recording my single, to making a music video.

“The love and support from people all over the world is unbelievable! I’m truly grateful for each and every second I’ve had doing the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. I really am living the dream and I hope I make the country proud!”

The Junior Eurovision Finals will be broadcast live on TG4 today at 3pm.

People can vote for Jessica’s song ‘Aisling’ from 24th November on JESC.tv

#JESC2023 

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