Samantha Mumba hits out at Eurosong panel after missing out on Eurovision bid

Samantha Mumba has taken to social media to hit out at the judges on the Late Late Eurosong Special, labelling them as "unnecessarily rude and vile."

The singer, entering with her song 'My Way', was one of six performers hoping to impress the panel, international judges and the public to be selected to represent Ireland at this year's Eurovision Song Contest. Ultimately, it was Norwegian act EMMY and her song 'Laika Party' that were chosen to fly the Irish flag in Basel, Switzerland in May.

"I am beyond proud of myself and the team for all the work and dedication we all put into this performance," Mumba wrote on Instagram. "I honestly wouldn’t change a thing. Truly. Those that got it, GOT IT…..and those that didn’t, that’s ok too. It’s my art and I stand by it."

As well as thanking her team and congratulating EMMY, Mumba gave a "special mention" to the judging panel:

"Special mention to the “panel” (aside from Bambie who I stan) who not only didn’t have the credentials, experience or professionalism required and were unnecessarily rude and vile to all the finalists - my parting gift them is a bag of 🍆 to slowly choke on," she wrote. "(Would have said this in person but they all left the green room before I had the opportunity to) unsurprisingly."

 

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The judging panel consisted of last year's Irish Eurovision representative Bambie Thug, Dancing with the Stars judge Arthur Gourounlian, RTÉ 2FM broadcaster Laura Fox and Donal Skehan, who took part in a failed bid to represent Ireland at Eurovision in 2008 and had two chart-topping singles as a member of the boyband Industry.

"We are extremely grateful to The Late Late Show Eurosong panel for their professionalism, insight, integrity and good humour," a spokesperson for RTÉ said in response to Mumba's comments.

"Their role is to give their honest reaction to the performances on the night, offering their thoughts on the likely success of the song and act at the Eurovision Song Contest.

"Our panel did this in a thoughtful and considered way. It seems this was in line with the public vote that ultimately made the decision on the artist and song they wished to represent Ireland at this year's contest.

"It's never easy to offer a personal opinion, as not everyone will agree. Our panel did that with the utmost care and we wish to extend our thanks to them for the excellent job they did on Friday night."

Six songs competed to become Ireland's Eurovision Song Contest entry in 2025, with EMMY's 'Laika Party' claiming top spot after finishing with a total of 34 points, 8 more than Mumba's 'My Way' in second place. Dublin's Bobbi Arlo and her song 'POWERPLAY' came third, with Reylta, Adgy and NIYL also missing out.