Cian Ducrot wins Choice Prize Song of the Year

Cian Ducrot has reached a significant milestone in his career, clinching the prestigious Choice Prize for Song of the Year with his enchanting track 'Heaven.'

Ducrot's 'Heaven' beat out nominations like:

Chubby Cat – 'Big Dog Barking'

CMAT – 'Stay For Something'

John Francis Flynn – 'Mole In The Ground'

Niall Horan – 'Heaven'

Hozier – 'Eat Your Young'

Jazzy – 'Giving Me'

Kojaque – 'Woof (with Biig Piig)'

Lankum – 'Go Dig My Grave'

Soda Blonde – 'Bad Machine'

The winner will be announced at the live event in Vicar Street tonight by the previous winner, Denise Chaila.

The winner will receive a cheque for €10,000, provided by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) and the Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA).

The winner of Irish Artist of the Year and Irish Breakthrough Artist of the Year will be announced as well. Dave Fanning plans to collect U2's Classic Irish Album Achtung Baby award.

The event will be broadcast live on 2FM with Beta Da Silva and includes performances from a few of the nominated artists on Thursday, March 14 at 22:30 on RTÉ2.

Hailing from the city of Cork, Ducrot's musical journey commenced at a young age, with his passion for storytelling through songwriting serving as his guiding light. Drawing from his personal experiences and emotions, Ducrot has crafted a distinctive sound that resonates deeply with listeners, earning him a devoted following and critical acclaim.

“'Heaven' is a song I wrote about my bond with my brother and our love and everything we've been through. It's a thank you to him and a song that I hope many people will connect with over their bond and love with their siblings and family.”

Huge congratulations to #RTEChoicePrize Song of the Year winner @Cian_ducrot with his song Heaven. https://t.co/wJe7BUBr0A pic.twitter.com/m8O2TlgqT7

— RTÉ Choice Music (@choiceprize) March 7, 2024

In an interview with Hot Press, he explained: “When I dropped out of college to pursue being a songwriter, when not one person believed in me, I reflected on our past and everything my mom managed to do as a single mother to raise my brother and I in not only a system that didn’t welcome her as a foreigner but also one that was extremely patriarchal. I remember asking her, ‘How did you do it? How did you find the strength when you had no money and two kids to take care of? How did you do it?’ My mom replied simply, ‘I had no choice so I figured it out.’

The Choice Prize serves as an annual showcase of Ireland's finest musical talent, recognizing outstanding achievements across various categories. Ducrot's 'Heaven' emerged as a standout contender, captivating audiences with its ethereal melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

The song's haunting beauty and Ducrot's emotive vocals struck a chord with fans and judges alike, making it a frontrunner for the coveted Song of the Year.

Listen to 'Heaven' below: