Ireland’s Eurovision entry includes a beautiful same-sex love story
Former Britain's Got Talent star Ryan O’Shaughnessy has unveiled the track he'll be taking to Lisbon.
By Will Stroude
The Eurovision Song Contest has alway stood as a beacon of love and acceptance, and Ireland’s entry this year is living up to the annual singing contest’s reputation for inclusivity.
The Emerald Isle is sending former Britain’s Got Talent star Ryan O’Shaughnessy to Lisbon in May with lilting acoustic track ‘Together’.
25-year-old Ryan, who previously appeared on The Voice of Ireland before finishing in 5th place on the 2012 series of BGT, unveiled the track’s moving new video this weekend, and it’s sure to prove a hit with Eurovision’s legions of LGBT+ fans.
The sweet visual sees a young gay couple walking through the streets of Dublin hand in hand before breaking into dance.
There’s no doubt that the Irish will be hoping the moving video will help propel Ireland into the Eurovision final for the first time since 2013.
O’Shaughnessey will perform ‘Together’ during the first semi-final in Lisbon on Tuesday 8 May, with the top 10 entries qualifying for the Grand Final on Saturday 12 May.
At least the young singer has history on his side: His uncle Gary represented Ireland in 2001, finishing in 21st place in the final with his track ‘Without Your Love’.
Meanwhile, the UK – who have a pass straight into the Grand Final as one of the ‘Big Five’ nations alongside France, Italy, Spain and Germany – will be represented this year by female soloist SuRie and her track ‘Storm’.
Watch the video for Ryan O’Shaughnessey’s ‘Together’ below: