Ireland participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 in Düsseldorf, Germany with the song "Lipstick" performed by Jedward. The song was selected by the Irish public through the national final Eurosong 2011 competition, organised by the Irish broadcaster, Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ).
Eurosong 2011
On 26 November 2010 it was announced that RTÉ would make changes to the format for Eurosong in 2011. Instead of an open call for songs as in previous years, RTÉ has approached five music industry professionals to choose and mentor five acts that will take part with separate songs in Eurosong 2011 held on 11 February 2011 during a Late Late Show Eurosong special.
The winner was chosen from a combination of a public vote and regional juries, as in the last two years.[1][2][3] Unlike in the previous year, the jury's choice had a bigger impact on the final result.[4] Former Irish Eurovision winner, Niamh Kavanagh attended the final of Eurosong 2011.[5]
Contestants
On 2 December 2010, twin duo and UK The X Factor contestants Jedward announced their participation in Ireland's selection.[6]The Vard Sisters were the second act in the final line-up of the Irish national selection.[7]Nikki Kavanagh was also confirmed as part of the line-up.[8]Don Mescall was the fourth candidate.[9] The fifth candidate was an EMI Music quartet.[10]
Competing entries
On 28 January, RTÉ announced all five songs with their mentors and writers of the songs:[11]
Jedward qualified from the second semi-final and came 8th in the final, with 119 points (beating countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany.) It was Ireland's best result since 2000 when they finished 6th. It was also Ireland's first time receiving 12 points in a final since Eurovision 2003, they received 3 sets from Denmark, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Split results
In the Semi-final 2 Ireland came 8th with 68 points: the public awarded Ireland 6th place with 78 points and the jury awarded 10th place with 66 points.
In the Final Ireland came 8th with 119 points: the public awarded Ireland 10th place with 101 points and the jury awarded 6th place with 119 points.
Ireland
