Fri May 16 00:20:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Ireland Fails to Qualify for Eurovision Grand Final**

BASEL, SWITZERLAND – Ireland’s hopes for Eurovision glory have been dashed as singer EMMY did not qualify for Saturday’s Grand Final. EMMY, performing her upbeat song “Laika Party,” a tribute to the Soviet space dog, failed to secure enough votes in Thursday night’s second semi-final in Basel. This marks a disappointing turn for Ireland, who tied for the most wins with Sweden but made a return to the final in 2024 after several years.

This year’s loss means Ireland will not be represented in the final watched by millions worldwide. Ireland hasn’t placed high in recent years, with its last win in 1996 with Eimear Quinn’s “The Voice.” Previous Irish Eurovision winners include Dana (1970), Johnny Logan (1980, 1987), Niamh Kavanagh (1993), Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan (1994), and Linda Martin (1992).

Ten countries secured their place in the Grand Final during the second semi-final, including Austria, Armenia, Denmark, Luxembourg, Finland, Latvia, Malta and Greece. However Australia and Czechia were unsucessful in making it to the final. The semi-final performance of Israeli singer Yuval Raphael didn’t experience the same disruption as previous rehearsals, with a small disturbance being removed.

The “Big Five” (United Kingdom, France and Germany) performed during the semi-final. The UK’s Remember Monday, France’s Louane and German duo Abor & Tynna will all go straight through to the Grand Final on Saturday.

The Grand Final will take place on Saturday, promising a night of exciting performances and fierce competition.

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