THIS YEAR'S ENTRY

 SELECTION
Early rumours suggested that RTÉ's budget cuts might throw a question mark over Ireland's participation in Oslo, however by September it was known that RTÉ were making plans to have a 2010 selection. In early December, plans for Eurosong 2010 were made public and on March 5th, five songs competed to represent Ireland in Oslo. The show presented by Ryan Tubridy, was staged in Dublin's RTE studios, as a "Late Late Show" special and six regional juries and a public televote chose the entry. There was full consensus on the winner as "It's For You" performed by 1993 Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh, won the ticket to Oslo.

 BIOGRAPHY
Often referred to as one of the best voices to have ever come out of Ireland, Eurovision Song Contest winner Niamh Kavanagh proudly returns to the Eurovision stage.

In the 1993 Eurovision Song Contest , before an international audience of over 350 million people, Niamh wowed audiences with a powerful rendition of In Your Eyes and achieved a resounding victory for Ireland. The second of Ireland’s famous three-in-a row victories, the song, In Your Eyes, went on to achieve double platinum status.

Niamh returns to the Eurovision Song Contest stage in 2010 inspired by the quality of the song It’s For You. An Irish/Swedish collaboration, this emotional ballad perfectly showcases her ability to tell a story through melody.

Niamh has been singing for most of her life, beginning with choirs and small local bands, training her voice, while at the same time indulging her love for music. She really came into her own in 1990 when Alan Parker, director of The Commitments film, paid tribute to her vocal talent featuring her commanding renditions of several soul classics on the film’s hugely successful soundtrack album. She toured extensively with the group performing at such illustrious events as the 1992 Grammy Awards in New York and the Commitment to Life Concert in Los Angeles.

Niamh has also collaborated with some of the finest Irish and international artists including, Mary Chapin-Carpenter, who featured on her debut album, Flying Blind and complimented Niamh on her unique voice.

 REACTION
As a former winner, Niamh Kavanah's return to Eurovision has been warmly welcomed by most Eurovision fans and most internet polls have Ireland in the Top 10. Niamh has visited several countries to promote her return to Eurovision. Ireland is available at 66/1 to win the contest, but is among the countries that bookmakers believe will reach the final from the second semi.

 INTERVIEW

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