Russian grannies, Polish milkmaids, and the Bearded Lady – what’s not to like?
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Ireland’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Butch Moore was Ireland’s first entry back in 1965, and, since then, the song contest has been a regular feature in RTE’s schedule – providing a soundtrack and point of reference for successive generations in Ireland.
Ireland has won the Eurovision more than any other country, and the song contest has been a launching pad for some of Ireland’s most successful acts. But Ireland’s love affair with the Eurovision has not always been an easy one – and we have also had our share of flops and disappointments.
The song contest has been written off many times, but it is still the most watched entertainment show in the world. In this special documentary, designed to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of Irish involvement, Angela Scanlon goes backstage to find what really happens behind the power ballads, sequinned costumes and glitter cannons.
In Ireland and the Eurovision – the Good, the Bad and the Mad, Angela will remind us of some of the most memorable moments of the past fifty years: the highs, the lows – and the downright embarrassing. She will explore how the event has changed since Butch Moore first stepped onto the Eurovision stage to sing for Ireland – as we prepare for this year’s competition in Vienna.