Louis Walsh speaks on Eurovision and RTE plans for next year!
Former UK X-Factor judge and music manager Louis Walsh spoke to Sunday World and was asked about Ireland in Eurovision. The former manager of Eurovision winners Linda Martin and Johnny Logan revealed that if there is a good song and artist, he would be involved with RTE and Eurovision while he hinted about a new approach of the broadcaster for next year.
When asked about Ireland in the contest he answered:
“I think Ireland has to forget about the past and how we did in the past and just get a great song. We need a great song and a great singer, and the performance is key. It wasn’t cool for a lot of people to do Eurovision in the past, but I think the Italian group, Måneskin, changed all that after they won. They’re now a hugely successful worldwide act thanks to Eurovision. (…) England hadn’t done well in recent years, but they sent a great song and a great singer to the Eurovision this year and they nearly won, and that’s what we have to do”
He revealed a new head of entertainment for RTE is appointed, already planning “something great”.
“So the power is there if you’ve got the right song and the right artist. We cannot be sending amateurs. RTE has a new head of entertainment and music called Alan Tyler and I know that he’s got plans for it. Both him and Michael Kealy [executive producer] are bound to come up with something great. They are already talking about it.”
Do you think Ireland can return to the Grand Final next year? Tell us in the comments!
Source: Sunday World
The notion that a great song or winning Eurovision can only come from a professional is nonsense, as Louis Walsh states in discounting armatures. Ireland has struck out with the current formula twice with two dance numbers which have cost a fortune to produce. There is a well known saying in the music business and it is less is more. RTÉ might be seen to only deal with people already established within the music business — so what is the point in saying it is a competition, which is decided on your music background if you have any. The Eurovision seems to be more about launching or helping the careers of musicians in the music industry than looking for a song. RTÉ can take a song written by an unknown writer with a bedroom recording and make it professional and get it sung by a professional. It doesn’t seem to be helping either that songs are accompanied by dancing, which can detract from the singing performance. Again, less is more. The last two songs “22” and “That’s Rich” were heavily choreographed with dance. They both failed to qualify. Dana sat on a stool and just sang, so did others who won. The woman who won last time for Ireland didn’t budge on stage. However, I do not think any country should have to qualify for the Eurovision. Larger countries who are members of the EBU such as Britain automatically qualify no matter how poor their entry song might actually be if it was put to a national vote. Themes also seem to be getting into the Eurovision such as the gay theme with some performers appearing as gay or gender neutral style, and whether this could be a deciding factor in song or qualifying selection? If so, then the notion that the Eurovision is a song contest in the pure sense is nonsense and could be regarded as heavily politicized? RTÉ needs to look for a ‘song’, not a pedigree or a stable where a good song might come from because anyone can write a hit.