'This one I think has a really good chance' - Johnny Logan backs Bambie to win 2024 Eurovision

Eurovision Song Contest legend Johnny Logan has given his backing to Ireland's 2024 entry, Bambie Thug.

The non-binary singer battled it out with five other acts on Friday night's (January 26) Eurosong Special before being named the nation's choice for this year's contest in Malmo, Sweden. 

Logan - who won the contest twice - told the Sunday World he believes Bambie could this year's Eurovision with their song 'Doomsday Blues'.

In an exclusive interview, he stated: "It’s probably the best and most original entry that Ireland has had for as long as I can remember.

"I think it’s a very good choice and it will definitely get attention. What I saw last night is that it was eye-catching and different.

"The people who were watching obviously related to it and that’s why it was chosen." 

Bambie - who is from Co Cork - came out on top as the clear favourite with 32 points, followed by Next in Line ('Love Like Us') and Ailsha ('Go Tobann') with 24 points, Erica-Cody ('Love Me Like I Do') with 22 points, JYellowL ('Judas'), and Isabella Kearney (Let Me Be The Fire') with 8 points. 

Logan continued: "If it doesn’t end up doing really well at Eurovision I will be quite surprised. I’ve always hoped that the Irish songs would do well over the last few years, but I never really felt that they would. This one I think has a really good chance. It just depends on the make up of the jury and the other songs that are in the contest." 

According to Logan, Bambie's song is "different" and the set-up is "eye-catching" and will be remembered by Eurovision viewers. 

Former winner Linda Martin also spoke to the Sunday World on Bambie's selection. 

Although she was hoping Next in Line would go forward as Ireland's entry, she has high hopes for Bambie. 

She said, "I’d like to think that Bambie will get us out of the semi-finals and into the big competition. Bambie was confident, they put on a great performance and were very, very good." 

However, she was critical of the production of the Eurosong contest, stating, "My heart goes out to Michael Kealy who does amazing work under the circumstances because the money is not there for a big production.  

"I actually think it demeans the whole contest. If we are to better ourselves within Eurovision then I think we have to make more of it like the Europeans do." 

Many X (formerly Twitter) users agreed with her, and called for an overhaul of the production for next year.  

Speaking just after the Eurosong show, Bambie Thug said: "I don’t know how I feel – I feel incredible! My words are gone… as a lyricist you’d think I’d have more to say but I’m speechless – I’m so excited and I promise I’m going to do you so proud."