Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Ireland’s Eurovision 2025 Journey: A Perceived Injustice?
Ireland’s Eurovision 2025 representative, Emmy, and her song “Laika Party” unfortunately did not advance past the semi-final round. Many online voiced their disappointment, even suggesting that the 24-year-old was unfairly eliminated. As an Irish observer and devoted follower of Eurovision, I tend to agree. It presented as an ideal Eurovision entry that warranted a chance to shine during the final competition.
Online Reactions to the Semi-Final Results
A brief survey of X reveals numerous posts lamenting her non-qualification following her performance in St. Jakobshalle, Basel, Switzerland.
- “Ireland was robbed in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025,” one user posted.
- Another wrote, “Ireland deserved a spot in the final. I’m sad.”
- A third commented: “Australia and Ireland well and truly robbed, just say you guys hate fun and whimsy #Eurovision2025”.
These sentiments echo my own, as I considered her a strong contender to emulate Bambie Thug’s success, who secured sixth place with “Doomsday Blues” the previous year. Although Ireland has a history of success with ballads, our last victory occurred almost 30 years back in 1996 with Eimear Quinn’s “The Voice.” I have consistently advocated for embracing more Eurovision-friendly songs, given that European countries constitute the majority of the voting base.
Why ‘Laika Party’ Seemed Destined for Eurovision Success
Over the last several years, it appeared that Eurovision organizers had noticed this change in musical preferences. “Laika Party” seemed to embody everything Eurovision traditionally appreciates. It was co-written by Irish and Norwegian songwriters, combining distinct musical influences—a type of cross-national collaboration that Eurovision often favors. One can recall French Canadian singer, Celine Dion, winning for Switzerland in 1988.
Notably, Ireland and Norway have previously seen collaborative success in the competition, when Secret Garden, consisting of Irish violinist Fionnuala Sherry and Norwegian Rolf Løvland, won for Norway in 1995 with “Nocturne.”
Historical Themes and Modern Sounds
The thematic basis of “Laika Party” rested on a historical event, drawing inspiration from the Soviet space dog Laika, one of the earliest animals launched into space. Laika perished from hyperthermia merely hours into its mission on its fourth orbit. Eurovision often embraces songs centered around historical narratives. A prime example is ABBA’s winning track “Waterloo,” which used Napoleon’s defeat as a metaphor for romantic relationships.
Much like two-time Swedish winner Loreen’s popular songs “Euphoria” and “Tattoo,” “Laika Party” is a synth-heavy dance track—a style that has demonstrated considerable success in the Eurovision arena.
Finally, Emmy and her brother Erland, who performed keyboard duties on stage, opted for stylish staging characterised by silver hues and sequins and accompanied by four dancers. Such spectacle frequently appeals to Eurovision audiences!
Emmy’s Passion and the Semi-Final Draw
Having met Emmy at the London Eurovision Party, I can genuinely affirm that her level of enthusiasm for the contest was unmatched. I have encountered various Eurovision winners and performers throughout the years, but her spirited passion was truly infectious, underscoring how meaningful qualification would have been for her.
I initially felt optimistic about the song’s chances. However, I noted that she received an unfavorable position in the semi-final, performing third. Notably, none of the initial three acts progressed. I was equally disappointed for Australia’s Go Jo, who performed first and also did not qualify. One explanation might be that many viewers had not tuned in at the start of the semi-final broadcast.
A Strong Year and Unsuccessful Press?
It is undeniable that this year featured several compelling Eurovision songs. Emmy encountered stiff competition from artists such as Miriana Conte, Malta’s representative, who faced some controversy and was compelled to modify her song title when the original was deemed inappropriate. Perhaps Emmy’s lower public profile disadvantaged her, contrasting with other participants who actively sought media exposure. But there were evidently weaker songs which qualified raising the question of why a perfect Eurovision song was overlooked.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity
Whatever the rationale, Emmy’s exclusion feels unjust, and the final event will undoubtedly lack her distinctive flair.