The McElhinney twins broke the mould yesterday when they became the first duo to qualify for the Irish national final 2003. More duets and groups than usual participated in last night's “quarter final” of You're a Star, which was organised in Kilkenny.

By singing the Céline Dion/Barbara Streisand song Tell Him, the McElhinney twins won the gala show with 24% of the votes, which was enough to beat Trevor O' Neill, who finished second. The identical twins consist of the two 16 year old girls Shauna and Caoimhe McElhinney, who both tried to qualify for You're a Star on their own, but without success.

The viewing rates of the RTE show were once more broken this week. Next edition of You're a Star will be held on Sunday in the city of Galway.