EXCLUSIVE: Janet Devlin to carry our Eurovision hopes
RTÉ chiefs are hoping former X Factor contestant Janet Devlin can bring some chutzpah to Ireland’s Eurovision entry in Israel.
The Irish Daily Mail can reveal that the Co. Tyrone singer, who rose to prominence in the eighth series of the X Factor in 2011, will take part in the contest in May.
It had been rumoured that RTÉ were courting Una Healy. However, it is a different red head that will fly the flag for Ireland in Tel Aviv.
Janet will be the second consecutive reality show contestant to represent Ireland following Britain’s Got Talent alumni Ryan O’Shaughnessy, who last year was the first Irish performer to make it to the final since 2013.
A well-placed source told the Mail that Ms Devlin won’t be fazed by the opportunity to perform on the biggest stage, remarking: ‘Janet has made a career for herself as a singer-songwriter. It is so important that the entry has a stage presence. The production values are so high at the Eurovision that a lesser act can struggle to command a presence on the stage. Janet has been on the X Factor so she won’t have any such issues. She has a unique voice and has been honing her craft for several years now and hopefully she can kick on from Ryan’s fantastic showing last year.’
Following performing on the X Factor Live Tour, Ms Devlin began work on her debut album which she paid for via Pledge Music – a facility where fans can donate and contribute towards the cost of production. The record was released in June 2014 and since then Janet has been prolific on YouTube, recording and releasing original music and covers for her growing fan base.
As for the song she will perform in Israel, last October RTÉ invited accomplished songwriters and performers to submit entries. However, RTÉ also said that it might also approach established acts and songwriters to contribute a song.
All songs submitted were set to be considered by a number of panels, including industry experts.
The closing date for submissions fell in November and the song is set to be unveiled later this week.
The Eurovision is set to be held in Tel Aviv in May. However, Israel’s hosting of the competition has drawn criticism due to the country’s human rights record in Palestine. The Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions group has called for a total boycott of the competition.
‘She has a unique voice’