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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Nadia Breen

Co Down teen heading to Armenia to represent Ireland at Junior Eurovision

A Co Down schoolgirl is preparing to represent Ireland at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest.

Sophie Lennon from Mayobridge is heading to Armenia this weekend with her mother ahead of the show on Sunday, December 11.

The 13-year-old pupil went viral on Belfast Live when she was just 10 with her rendition of 'O Holy Night'.

Read more: NI schoolgirl becomes singing sensation after going viral on Belfast Live

She has since been picked up by a talent company in London, starred in the West End, won BBC School Soloist of the Year 2022 and appeared on Britain’s Got Talent.

The teen is now set to represent Ireland this month at Junior Eurovision 2022 in Yerevan with her song Solas.

Sophie is representing Ireland at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest (Junior Eurovision Song Contest)

Sophie's mum Theresa told Belfast Live: "We head away this Sunday with all the team. Me and Sophie are heading on Sunday and the rest of the family all leave next Friday.

"Sophie [entered to represent Ireland] last year and she got third place. She went back then this year, there was over 5,000 who applied and there was only around 30 in the heats.

"The heats went on for four weeks and she won her heat with the highest score ever.

"The final went to a public vote and Sophie was voted as the winner."

She continued: "I can't believe it. It's all a bit of a dream at the minute. We are just so proud of her.

"She is a great wee girl and she's a great help to me.

"I can't believe this is all happening. The phone hasn't stopped. A German TV [company] came over last week and spent a whole day filming her for a TV show.

"It's all go, go, go."

Sophie, who is a registered young carer for her older brother, is excited to go over to Armenia and meet the other contestants.

"They've all been phoning each other and there's a few she's got close with.

"She is just so excited. She can't take it all in," Theresa added.

For info on how to vote, CLICK HERE.

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