Nikki Kavanagh, one of the backing singers that joined Niamh Kavanagh on the Eurovision stage last year, was confirmed as one of the five acts that will fight for the right of representing Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2011.

Ireland decided to change the format of the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest in order to increase its chances to win the competition. RTÉ will select five singers that will be trained by five different professionals involved in the music industry. The selected acts will perform live versions of their Eurovision entries at a special edition of the Late Late Show. The winner will be chosen by a combination of jury and televoting, just like last year.

Nikki Kavanagh was confirmed as the newest addition to the line-up of Ireland's national selection for this year's Eurovision Song Contest. The young singer from Swords, Dublin will fight for the Irish ticket having Düsseldorf as a destination against Jedward and The Vard Sisters.

Nikki Kavanagh is a professional Irish singer most known for being the backing vocalist of former Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh at last year's Eurovision Song Contest. Also, she is constantly performing with The RTE Concert Orchestra & The Modern Gospel Ensembleand has toured Ireland, Europe and the United Arab Emirates. Moreover, she is a talented make-up artist with a rich past experience in TV ads and commercials.

The Irish national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 will take place on February 11th.