EMMY has reflected on Ireland’s Eurovision loss and despite being “disappointed”, she’s nonetheless “very happy that I got to fulfil my childhood dream.”
EMMY, whose full name is Emmy Kristine Guttulsrud, represented the Emerald Isle with the song Laika Party at the competition taking place in Basel, Switzerland.
The song tells the story of a Soviet space dog and was born at a songwriting camp in EMMY’s homeland, and is co-written by West Meath songwriter Larissa Tormey.
Sitting in a Kerry jersey for a group interview following her Eurovision elimination on Friday morning, the singer told The Irish Sun: “Even though the people around me and the team said we would qualify, and we were going to go through, I was always unsure.”
“When I realised it was all over, I cried. There were so many emotions because it was a childhood dream to sing at Eurovision.”
The 24-year-old also expressed her genuine surprise at Ireland not getting through to the final.
“It’s a bit weird because we were told at the pre-Eurovision parties we had the song that most people could sing along with,” she said.
However, the 24-year-old shared that she and her team were “very very happy with the performance.”
Ireland’s own treasures and former Eurovision contestants Jedward were there in Basel to support Emmy, and she shared with Goss.ie that “they were amazing.”
“I have actually met them before and they gave me so much advice and they’re so lovely!”
Jedward represented Ireland twice in the competition back in 2010 and 2011, having performed the hit Lipstick their first time competing.
The duo are not the only Irish celebs that were rooting for Emmy prior to Thursday’s semi-final, as Westlife star Nicky Byrne shared a sweet message wishing her luck.
In a video shared by RTÉ One on Instagram, the singer began by saying: “Hey Emmy! Nicky Byrne here checking in. Wow. Big day at Eurovision in Switzerland is just around the corner.”
“Let me take this opportunity to wish you and all the gang the very best of luck. Go out there, enjoy the moment. Do your best. Be brilliant. And the whole of Ireland is completely proud of you.”
“If you can bring the trophy home back to where it belongs, that would be lovely too.”
“Do your best, EMMY. See you when you get back. Have fun.”
The Eurovision Song Contest final is taking place tonight and will be available to watch on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player at 8pm.
