The six songs vying to be Ireland's Eurovision entry in 2023 were released in January with some high-profile names in the hat.
Dublin four-piece Wild Youth and former Sex Pistols frontman Johnny Rotten are the stand-out contenders and will face competition from some of the most exciting young talent in the country.
ADGY, Connolly, Leila Jane and K Muni & ND make up the other four acts and all six songs will battle it out on a special RTE Late Late Show on February 3.
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The winner will be chosen by a combination of National Jury, International Jury, and Public vote.
Liverpool will host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine, and the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will take place in the Liverpool Arena next to the River Mersey on Saturday May 13, with Semi-Finals on Tuesday 9th and Thursday 11th.
The six songs were selected from hundreds of entries received by RTÉ following a callout for submissions last year. We have taken a first listen to the songs and we think we may have a Eurovision winner on our hands.
Ireland has found it tough in recent years but we could have a great chance of at least making the televised final this year. Here's what we thought of all six songs:
SONG 1 - Too Good for Your Love
Performer: ADGY
This dance track is a collab between Donegal artist ADGY (Andrew Carr) and producer Boksay. It starts slow but builds nicely to a heavy dance chorus. The lyrics are somewhat lacking and while the chorus has a strong sound, the verses can get a little lost and become a bit tedious to listen to as they go on. Dance songs have become more popular at Eurovision in recent years so it could fit that mould but at the same time, could blend in to the rest and see us struggling to fight for our share of votes. RATING 6/10
SONG 2 - Midnight Summer Night
Performer CONNOLLY
This is a more pensive slick track that has a lot of Billie Eilish vibes from the get-go. Jennifer Connolly's voice is beautiful to listen to and she is certainly a star on the rise but we feel the chorus of this song is just lacking that energy and big venue sound. The backing track wouldn't be out of place on a Coldplay album and is strong, as are the vocals. There's not a lot to criticise here but a downbeat song at the Eurovision has to be a stand-out and we don't think this song is quite at that level. RATING 5/10
SONG 3 - We are One
Performer: Wild Youth
Wild Youth's entry will be the favourite on the night and probably justifiably so. The track has all the vibes of a Eurovision anthem with a strong beat that will only be helped by the live staging and performance. The lyrics are powerful too having been co-written with Grammy-nominated write Jörgen Elofsson. There is great light and shade in the track which will help the 'We Are One' chorus and 'We go down, we go down, we go down' hook stand out. This one will be hard to beat on February 3. RATING: 9/10
SONG 4 - Wild
Performer: Leila Jane
The piano intro to this song is just beautiful and it draws you in to the lyrics from the beginning. The song is about the enduring strength of a woman's spirit and you get that sense from it with beautiful lyrics. - 'I only survive in the wild' is a fitting chorus and the song's pace also matches the message. Starting slow on the piano, the track soon turns into a foot-stomping, high energy modern pop song. In any other year, this would be the favourite to make it but it might just miss out. RATING 7/10
SONG 5 - Down in the Rain
Performer: K Muni & ND (Kofi Appiah and Nevlonne Dampare)
This would be a very cool Irish entry from Longford rappers K Muni & ND. They had rapping grandmothers from Russia a few years ago, so there is precedent. It is fast-paced and modern with a nice message - never give up on your dreams. The chorus is not enough of a reprieve from the rapped verses. If this could have been a collab with a female vocalists, Tolu Makay perhaps, this would have been a stronger option with more variety for the stage. RATING 5/10
SONG 6 - Hawaii
Performer: Public Image Limited
John Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten, is the biggest surprise among the entries for this year's Irish Eurovision entry. He had previously said he would go for the competition if the opportunity and so here he is, channelling his softer side and Irish roots, with a gentle love song. His voice is such a distinctive sound and would fill up Liverpool Arena but it is an acquired taste, as is this unusual song. The music does transport you to Hawaii and delivers on its message of hope. The lyrics are repetitive and the track doesn't really lift at any stage. You either love it or hate it and then strap in for the whole song at the one pace. It's not our cup of tea. RATING 4/10
You can listen to all six songs here.
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