Ireland reach Eurovision final for first time since 2018 as UK's Olly Alexander delivers first performance

8 May 2024, 03:46 | Updated: 8 May 2024, 05:18

Bambie Thug has become Ireland's first Eurovision Song Contest finalist since 2018.

The 31-year-old singer performed their alternative song Doomsday Blue at the Eurovision semi-finals in Malmo, Sweden.

Ryan O'Shaughnessy made it to the competition for Ireland with Together in Lisbon, Portugal, six years ago - he came 16th.

The UK's Olly Alexander delivered his first performance, which featured an upside-down locker room staging of Dizzy.

It was the first time the UK, which is already through to the finals, has performed in a semi-final.

Alexander had cameras rotated to make it feel as if he and the dancers were spinning.

During their first Eurovision performance Bambi's dancers appeared devil-like in blue paint, highly exaggerated ears and fake teeth.

Halfway through the end of the song they revealed the trans flag on their costume.

Ukrainian duo Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil made the final with Teresa & Maria, Finland's Windows95Man also made it with No Rules! as well as Serbia's contestant Teya Dora with Ramonda.

Other contestants competing on Saturday are Cyprus's Silia Kapsis with Liar, Lithuania singer Silvester Belt with Luktelk, Croatia's Baby Lasagna with Rim Tim Tagi Dim, Slovenia's Raiven with Veronika, Portugal's Iolanda with Grito, and Luxembourg's Tali with Fighter. They will compete with those who go through from the semi-finals on Thursday.

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The UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy - the "big five" - have already made the final along with Sweden's contestant Marcus & Martinus.

The Norwegian-born twins performed Unforgettable, which saw them turn the stage into a dance club.

Eurovision was hosted by Swedish comedian Petra Mede and Hollywood actress Malin Akerman.

(c) Sky News 2024: Ireland reach Eurovision final for first time since 2018 as UK's Olly Alexander delivers first performance