Eurovision role for Graham
A simple text from Louis Walsh and one or two auditions later was all Graham Kelly needed to send him on the way to the Eurovision Song Contest 2017.
The 24 year- old from Strandhill will spend the week rehearsing with singer and musician Brendan Murray as they prepare to represent Ireland at the Eurovision song contest in Kiev Ukraine next week. .
The song, a ballad called ‘ Dying to Try’ was co- written by Swedish song writer Jörgen Elofsson and British song writer James Newman and was chosen from over 320 entries by a judging Pic: panel of six industry professionals.
While this will be Graham’s first experience as a backing vocalist, he is no stranger to the stage having performed in various Talent Shows and in the Hawk’s Well Theatre down throughout the years.
“I have never had anything major like this before and it will be my first experience with the Eurovision. It is an amazing opportunity.
“I am nervous but not too bad, come closer to the time I will.
“The song is very good, it might not win you over on the first listen but if you keep listening to it, it is pretty good.” said Graham.
Graham will spend the week rehearsing in Dublin before flying out to Kiev on Monday.
Ireland has competed in the Contest almost continuously since the country’s debut in 1965 and last won in 1996, its seventh success.
However, for the past three years Ireland has failed to make it to the final and in fact has finished last in 2007 and 2013.
British song writer James Newman has also penned hits like Waiting All Night by Rudimental, Love Me Like You by Little Mix as well writing one hit wonders for Westlife like If I Let You Go, Fool Again and Unbreakable.
The semi- finals take place on the 9th and the 11th of May before the final on the 13th that Ireland will hopefully be taking part in.