Hot Press Hot For 2022 pick Bambie Thug wins Eurosong

In what was a thoroughly enjoyable Eurosong edition of the Late Late Show, Bambie Thug claimed the right to go through to the Eurovision proper in Malmo in May with the brilliantly performed and staged 'Doomsday Blue'.

It's hard to predict what's going to float the Serbian jury's boat, but it's a song that can't be ignored sung by an artist who similarly demands your attention.

While it might seem like the Macroom singer has come out of nowhere, Bambie was one of Hot Press' Hot For 2022 picks.

Here's what we had to say about them: "Irish-born, London-based Bambie Thug’s debut single ‘Birthday’ arrived last March via Toronto’s Unity Records, fuelled by a party-bag of uppers and downers. Elsewhere, hedonistic offering ‘Ritual’ featured trap, pop and electronic sounds to dizzying effect. Follow up single ‘P.M.P’ was proclaimed to be a 'powerpuff witch bitch anthem', and boy is it explosive. The hyper-pop act worked with producers Tylr Rydr and Dimitri Tikovoi, who sprinkled stardust on the SOPHIE-esque track."

Our man Stuart Clark also picked 'Doomsday Blue' out two weeks ago when he talked Eurosong on his Newstalk Pat Kenny Show review slot.

Speaking immediately after their win, Bambie 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."

Among those cheering them on in France was CMAT who messaged, "YESSSSS!!! THEY’RE A STAR!!!" but also added: "I love Eurovision, and watching Ireland’s Eurosong competition has brought me so much joy. I will not however be watching the Eurovision in Malmo this year unless Israel are expelled from the competition, which I believe is the least the EBC can do."