Ireland has a love-hate relationship with Eurovision. It has won the contest a record seven times in total, but has also failed to qualify since 2018.
Then along came Bambie Thug, who have dazzled audiences with their self-described “Ouija-pop” and claimed a place in Saturday’s Eurovision final, with their rendition of original song “Doomsday Blue”.
The song tackles big themes around heartbreak and deception, while the singer has described their song as “explosive” and “hard-hitting”.
The artist does not shy away from heavy-hitting topics, and found themselves caught up in controversy on Tuesday after they revealed the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) had mandated the removal of a pro-Palestinian message from their performance just before they performed.
Bambie Thug had attempted to display a messages in Ogham script on their face and leg, messages advocating for a “Ceasefire” and “Freedom for Palestine“.
A spokeswoman for the EBU later clarified that the written statements on Bambie Thug’s body during dress rehearsals breached contest regulations, which aim to preserve the apolitical essence of the event.
This decision came amidst significant backlash from various segments of Irish society when 400 Irish musicians, artists, dancers, writers, and poets had penned a letter urging Bambie to honour the Palestinian call for a competition boycott as Israel’s war on Gaza continues.
Who is Bambie Thug?
Robinson is from Cork, in Ireland and initially pursued ballet and studied dance at Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa, then transitioning to musical theatre studies at the Urdang Academy in London after receiving a partial scholarship.
After graduating, Robinson ditched the leotard and pursued songwriting and singing, spending two years honing their skills before their music career took off in 2020 with their feature on the song “Mean” by Fike and Fabich.
In 2021, Robinson released their debut single “Birthday,” a reflection of their tumultuous experiences, followed by several other singles throughout the year, each delving into themes of self-discovery, sexuality, and substance use.
Personal struggles intertwined with artistic expression as Robinson navigated a toxic relationship which inspired the release of “Merry Christmas Baby” in 2022.
How did Bambie Thug get selected for Eurovision?
In 2024, Robinson’s journey reached a turning point as they clinched victory in Ireland’s Eurovision Song Contest with “Doomsday Blue.”
Despite criticism from some sections of conservative Ireland for identifying as they/their, Robinson triumphed in both national jury and televote, securing Ireland’s nomination for Eurovision.
Advancing to the Eurovision semi-final, Robinson secured a spot in the final alongside nine others and is an outside favourite to win the competition at 14/1.
What are the lyrics to ‘Doomsday Blue’?
Avada Kedavra, I speak to destroy
The feelings I have, I cannot avoid
Through twisted tongues, a hex deployed on you
That all the pretties in your bed
Escape your hands and make you sad
And all the things you wish you had you’d lose
I, I, I know you’re living a lie
I, I, I see the scars in your eyes
I, I, I know you’re living a lie
I, I
I guess you’d rather have a star than the moon
I guess I always overestimate you
Hoodoo, all the things that you do
I’m down, down in my doomsday blues
I, I, I know you’re living a lie
I, I, I know you’re living a lie
Avada Kedavra, the thoughts in my head
The places I touch when lying in bed
The visions of you, the words that you said, undo
My heartbeat buried in the ground
And to the strings I bind, you’re bound
So when you sleep, you’ll hear the sound (ah!)
I, I, I know you’re living a lie
I, I, I see the scars in your eyes
I, I, I know you’re living a lie
I, I
I guess you’d rather have a star than the moon
I guess I always overestimate you
Hoodoo, all the things that you do
I’m down, down in my doomsday blue
I guess you’d rather have a star than the moon
I guess I always overestimate you
Hoodoo, all the things that you do
I’m down, down in my doomsday blue
For your romance, I’d beg, steal and borrow
It’s draining me hollow, you
(I guess you’d rather have a)
(Star than the moon) you slow dance me out of my sorrow
(I guess you’d rather have a star than the moon) but your favourite colour
Compared to the others is doom, doomsday blue
Blue
Blue
Blue, blue, blue, blue
Blue, blue, blue, blue
Blue, blue, blue, blue
Blue, blue, blue, blue
Avada Kedavra, I speak to destroy!
