Linda Martin has revealed she thinks Ireland needs to go back to basics if we ever hope to win the Eurovision again.
The TV star told Goss.ie a ballad is what we need to get back on top after a series of low results for Ireland in the past few years – including not even making the final last year.
She said: “I really think we need to go back to the ballads. They’re really doing well. I think we need to simplify things as well.
Veteran: Linda thinks Ireland needs a ballad to win Eurovision |Â BRIAN MCEVOY
“Last year for the first time ever I predicted the first three, that was Conchita obviously because fabulous voice and fabulous song.
“The Common Linnets were second, again a very simple song, only two guitar and then the third was Sanna Nielsen for Sweden and again a ballad. The three of them were presented very simply, there was no dancers, no fireworks.”
The former You’re A Star judge also revealed she became very close with last year’s winner Conchita when they worked together in London.
She told Goss.ie: “I worked with Conchita. Absolutely beautiful, beautiful to look at and a beautiful person. Really modest, very nice. Very tiny, so slim.
Star: Linda was full of praise for fellow Eurovision winner Conchita | VIPIRELAND.COM
“She was tremendous with everybody, I was working with her in London and we spent a lot of time together back stage and I just got to know her.”
Linda has high hopes for girl group Liir, made up of You’re A Star winner Leanne Moore, Voice of Ireland contestant Kim Hayden and Michele McGrath who hope to represent Ireland in the song contest this year.
“I haven’t heard the song yet but I know the three of them, I’ve heard them singing, it’s a three part harmony, which is gorgeous. They’re gorgeous looking girls as well, blonde, dark and red, perfect,” she said.
Backing: Linda likes the look of Liir
The panto queen is also getting behind another You’re A Star winner, Donna McCaul, who recently got through to the blind auditions of The Voice US.
“Best of luck to her. There’s no reason why she won’t get through, she can definitely sing, there’s no question of that, she really has a great voice so fingers crossed.”
