RTÉ has revealed that the TV viewing figures for this year's controversy ridden Eurovision Song Contest. In spite of widespread calls to boycott this year's Eurovision as a result of Israel's participation, this year's final was the most watched  since 2018 when Ireland last qualified.

The Eurovision final was held last Saturday night, and saw Irish hopeful Bambie Thug finish sixth place while Swiss entry Nemo was crowned the winner.

The grand final was watched by an average of 666,000 viewers on RTÉ One, representing 54% of the available audience.

The figure of 666,000 is striking not only because so many viewers watched the broadcast but also because the satanic number of 666 holds symbolic significance for Bambie's pagan inspired dark magic act.

Bambie Thug also placed 6th in the jury vote, 6th in the public vote and 6th overall. The artist themselves commented on the coincidence sharing in an Instagram post: "Beyond proud of myself finished 6th Jury vote, 6th televote and 6th overall - #666".

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@bambiethug)

A further 19,000 viewers watched on RTÉ One +1.

On the RTÉ Player, there have been 221,000 streams to date, viewed from 124 countries.

Last year's Eurovision Song Contest final had an average of 362,000 viewers with a 38% share. 9,000 viewers watched on RTÉ One +1 on Saturday 13 May 2023.

The reach across RTÉ One and RTÉ One +1 was 1.48 million viewers.

The large viewing figures come as a surprise as their was a widespread campaign to boycott this year's Eurovision with Alternative Eurovision Parties being held across the country.

Next year’s Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Switzerland.