Bambie Thug is feeling “emotional” and “proud” ahead of their Eurovision semi-final tonight.
The Cork artist will be fourth on stage in Malmö, Sweden tonight performing ‘Doomsday Blues’ in a bid to reach the final this Saturday.
Some 15 countries will be performing tonight, with the best ten going through.
Already in the final is last year’s winner Sweden and the ‘big five’ who automatically qualify; Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the UK.
Speaking to Newstalk reporter Henry McKean after their final rehearsal in Malmö today, Bambi said they were feeling good.
“There’s always room for improvement and we notice things nobody else notices, but I was happy with it,” they said.
“I had a bit more adrenaline today because there was a crowd there.
“It’s been amazing seeing how much it’s touching people; it’s quite emotional actually.
“I feel good, it feels amazing, and I’m really proud of myself.”
“Crown the witch and give you a bed.” Bambie Thug on couch surfing and how Eurovision could change things for them. @PatKennyNT @NewstalkFM 9am. #Eurovision2024 #Malmo pic.twitter.com/hpbYnQCCYJ
— Henry McKean (@HenryMcKean) May 7, 2024
Bambie Thug also thanked their fans for being so supportive.
“I’m so proud of my fans, they’re all so creative,” they said.
“I think when you do something out of the box, it allows people to push themselves out of the box too, I think it’s beautiful and I’m really grateful.
“I’m from a little town but it doesn’t matter where you’re from, if you have enough drive and don’t stop – you can do whatever you want and be whoever you want.
“You don’t need to stick in a box just because you’re from a small town.”
Non-binary
Ireland’s Eurovision hopeful said they are doing this for trans and non-binary people everywhere.
“In the world at this moment, it’s very dangerous for trans and non-binary people,” they said.
“I want to show support as much as I can, we deserve the same rights, the same recognition and the same love as everyone.
“I will scream it from the rooftops in any way I can - forever.”
"I don't think it's entirely fair to bully us so much" @HenryMcKean asks Bambi Thug if the calls for a boycott of #Eurovision2024 have had an effect on them. pic.twitter.com/tBrxQAgQE5
— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) May 7, 2024
Asked if they were confident ahead of tonight’s performance, Bambi said: “I believe in my art”.
Bambie won’t be the only Irish act on stage in Malmö tonight as Johnny Logan is set to perform during the interval.
The three-time Eurovision winner will be singing a cover of last year’s winning song ‘Euphoria’ by Loreen.
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