Wild Youth react to being selected as Ireland's Eurovision entry: "It's been such an emotional journey up to that day, so much I broke down in tears after"

Less than a year after they first told Hot Press about their Eurovision hopes, Wild Youth were selected over the weekend as Ireland's entry in this year's Song Contest in Liverpool.

During a special episode of The Late Late Show on Friday, the former Hot Press cover stars, and their song 'We Are One', were selected for the Eurovision following voting by a national jury, an international jury, and a public televote. The competition was fierce, with Wild Youth ultimately winning with 34 points – just 2 points more than Connolly, with 'Midnight Summer Night'. 'We Are One', however, scored top marks from both the public vote and the national jury.

Back in June, Wild Youth's David Whelan opened up to Hot Press about the group's Eurovision dreams.

"Conor put out a tweet and said we wanted to do Eurovision, and we didn't think it would go anywhere, but people have been getting in contact with us asking if we're serious," he said. "And we're like 'Yeah, we're fucking serious!'

"We're gonna come out in our full leather cacks with tattoos and long hair – real rock n' roll shit!" he added.

The members of the band have since taken to social media to thank those who voted on Friday, and to share their reaction to the news.

"I’ve gotten so many messages about how proud my Dad would be of what we have achieved," guitarist Ed Porter wrote on Twitter. "In a bit of delayed reaction it’s hit me today. That’s the thing about major life moments when you lose someone it can be a struggle but I’m gonna celebrate the shit out of this one for him."

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone for every message, every vote and the continued support," singer Conor Donohoe stated on Instagram. "Next stop Liverpool..."

David Whelan also expressed his gratitude for "everyone who voted and supported us on Friday night."

"It’s been such an emotional journey up to that day, so much I broke down in tears after," he noted. "I’m so so happy we get to do this together, it’s so fucking exciting."

"Holy Fuck!" drummer Callum McAdam remarked on Instagram. "WE DID IT. Thank you to every single person who voted, it means the world to us that we get to represent Ireland at the Eurovision."

 

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'We Are One' was written in Sweden, with Grammy-nominated songwriter Jörgen Elofsson.

Wild Youth will perform in the first semi-final at the 67th Eurovision Song Contest in May.

Watch their performance on The Late Late Show below: