Shortly after winning the The Late Late Show – Eurosong 2006 in Dublin, Brian Kennedy faced the national press and photographers. He was also joined by Kevin Linehan, commissioning editor for RTÉ and Head of Delegation, Julian Vignoles.
Press conference
The session started with Brian thanking everybody, from RTÉ, songwriters and composers and especially the Irish public for voting and supporting him. Kevin Linehan followed suit, saying it had been a “tough process and on behalf of RTÉ Entertainment to thank especially Brian for accepting to be the representative for Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest in Athens.”
The first question was perceived as being slightly negative, when the journalist asked: “Did the disqualification of Brian Hughes' song affect you in any way this week?” But Brian was diplomatic in his reply, and credited the other artists for their music but “didn't care about the disqualification and that rules are rules.”
Asked also about improvements to the performance, he replied; “We'll review tonights national final performance and see what can be done to improve it, if anything”. RTÉ were also stressing the point that Ireland does well with ballads and “that is what we're good at”, referring to previous victories.
You're a star
Going back to You're a star, Julian Vignoles felt that that the show “revived the Eurovision Song Contest in Ireland”, given the dismal performance of Ireland in 2001 which led to relegation in 2002. Brian felt that reality shows “give speed in fame which is no requirement” and that “they give rise to amateur performers, who don't have enough experience to perform at a huge event such as the Eurovision Song Contest”.
Given the recent poor performance of Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest, Brian was very upbeat and was focused on the positive side of the event saying that he loves taking risks and that he's going to win it for Ireland and restore the “former glory”.
About the song
On the issue of the song Every song is a cry for love, written and composed by Brian Kennedy, he said that it was very personal to him and for the public to have voted for it, in a estimated count of over 200,000 votes, he felt shock and awe at such a substantial vote in Ireland. Speaking about a forthcoming release of the song, Brian said all three songs may feature on a forthcoming new album and that Every song is a cry for love will probably be released in April, according to the Head of Delegation.
If he doesn't win Brian feels that he will hope to achieve “flexibility and a much greater experience” by singing at the Eurovision Song Contest.
Finally, Brian adds, his favourite song from the contest is Johnny Logan's Whats another year saying that, “Johnny's voice was brilliant”.
Extra
The Irish audience have also been asked to vote for Ireland's best ever Eurovision Song Contest entry. Here are the full results of the top ten;
1. Rock 'n' roll kids '- Paul Harrington and Charlie Mcgettigan (1994)
2. What's another year – Johnny Logan (1980)
3. Hold me now – Johnny Logan (1987)
4. In your eyes – Niamh Kavanagh (1993)
5. All kinds of everything – Dana (1970)
6. Why me? – Linda Martin (1992)
7. It's nice to be in love again – The Swarbriggs Plus Two (1977)
8. The voice – Eimmar Quinn (1996)
9. Come back to stay – Dickie Rock (1966)
10. I'm walking the streets in the rain – Butch Moore (1965)
Dickie, Linda, Niamh, and Paul and Charlie all performed their songs live on the show.
