Singer Niamh Kavanagh first burst onto the scene in 1993 when she scored Ireland’s second consecutive victory in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song ‘In Your Eyes’.
She represented Ireland at the contest again in 2010, singing ‘It’s For You’ in Oslo, but ranked 9th out of 17 contestants that year.
Now, Niamh continues to work on her music, and spoke to RSVP Live about how she really felt about her time on Eurovision and what it would take for her to get back on that stage again.
In recent years, Eurovision has come under some scrutiny regarding how each country picks their entries for each year.
When asked if she thinks a change needs to be made in the process, Niamh said a definite reboot needed to happen.
“I think the real root of the problem is that the artists themselves are not supported in this situation, and the truth is that we really have to encourage artists to be themselves when competing.
“There is so much talent in this country, and the selection process probably needs to be within its own space so people can feel represented in that area."
The last time Ireland won the Eurovision was in 1996, 3 years after Niamh secured a victory for the Emerald Isle.
Now, Irish contestants are put under pressure to bring home a win, and to regain Ireland’s winning streak, however Niamh doesn’t think that’s the road to victory.
“Sometimes if they’re not doing well in the competition, people can get on their case, and I think that anyone who steps up to represent the country should be backed by the Irish people.
“You have to invest in the Eurovision acts, we all have to be a part of it in order to get anywhere.”
Niamh took home the gold for Ireland in 1993, but didn’t list as high in the competition during her return to the stage in 2010.
However, Niamh says that both instances did wonders for her career.
“I absolutely loved my time on Eurovision, the experiences were one in the same, except the 2010 competition was much longer. It’s a magnificent experience and I really can’t explain it to people.
“You enter into this massive competition, and you become family, whether you win or not. You get to experience other cultures, other bands, and it’s incredible.”
When asked if she would ever consider returning to the Eurovision stage, Niamh says it’s not entirely off the table.
“I never say never to going back to the Eurovision. If the right opportunity came up, why would I say no?
“I’d only go back if the right opportunity came up or if the song is just so amazing that I can’t pass it.
“I'm in my mid 50’s now, I’m going into the next stage of my life and my career, and as amazing as I am, there are other things for me to be doing, but if the right opportunity came up to go back, I wouldn’t say no!”
Niamh is married to musician Paul Megahey, and the pair share two sons together, Jack and Tom.
Niamh detailed her family orientated plans for Christmas, as she finishes off another busy year.
“I’m spending Christmas at home with my family, making Christmas dinner and playing loads of fun games, as we do every year. It’s a really special time for me.
This Christmas, Niamh is proud to be partnering with Tesco on their Annual Christmas Appeal, which seeks to help families all over the country.
Niamh has teamed up with Tesco this year to encourage customers to donate non-perishable food items, clothing or toys to benefit local Family Resource Centres and organisations supporting children and their families this Christmas across Ireland.
“I’m thrilled to be teaming up with Tesco to raise awareness for this year’s Christmas Appeal. Having worked in Tesco myself during the pandemic, I’ve seen first-hand the great work that they do to help families across the country.”
Tesco’s Christmas Appeal runs from Friday 1st of December to Sunday 3rd of December in stores nationwide.
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