Ruth-Anne Cunningham wins Jacob's Song Contest

Ruth-Anne Cunningham fended off the stiffest of competition to win the 2004 RTE/Jacob's Song Contest in Dublin's Vicar St.

A former Billy Barry Stage School pupil, the 17 year-old was given the nod – and €10,000 worth of Yamaha musical equipment – after a rabble-rousing rendition of her 'Battleground' composition. Accompanying her on stage were Dolce Vita, the girl group managed by former OTT man Niall O'Neill.

Says one observer: "There was a definite Destiny's Child thing going on with plenty of bling and booty-shaking. The jury's out, though, as to whether Ruth-Ann will attract the same level of A&R interest that Laura Isibor did after winning the 2003 competition."

Indeed, Isibor is said to be on the verge of signing a major deal with Atlantic Records.
Beaten into second place by the closest of margins was Orlaith Gilcreest, an 18-year-old from Letterkenny whose 'Wide Eyes' was equal parts Tori Amos and P.J. Harvey. Most definitely one to watch.