Jay's 'loving' the Eurovision experience so far

Brimming with excitement that Justin Timberlake will be the interval act at Saturday’s Eurovision finals, Athlone’s Jay Boland is just keeping his fingers crossed that the Irish entry will make it to the same stage as his music idol in Stockholm.

Although he admitted the chances of meeting the US singer are slim given that he is likely to be “mobbed” on the night, stranger things have happened.

But first is the small matter of making it through the second semi-final this evening (Thursday) - which would be the first time Ireland has made to the final since 2013.

The local musician, who will play guitar and sing on 'Sunlight’ performed by former Westlife singer Nicky Byrne, is feeling optimistic despite the challenge of getting out of an 18-strong group of countries vying for ten spots in Saturday’s showdown.

“We’re all raring to go, we’re here over a week now and just looking forward to getting out in front of that crowd,” Jay, who shot to fame in RTE’s The Voice back in 2014, told the Westmeath Independent on Monday during a break in rehearsals.

“ Everyone seems to like it (the song) and Nicky is very popular over here. Westlife were very big in Sweden and he has a big following. It’s so far, so good so let’s hope it continues.”

Asked what the public can expect on Thursday, an excited Jay said there are no gimmicks with the performance this year, it’s very much a simple band set-up, but there will be a “cool light display” on-stage to accompany the music as befits a song called 'Sunlight’.

“Absolutely loving” the “great buzz” of the Eurovision experience so far, the Creggan native highlighted the opening ceremony as particularly memorable on Sunday, with all of Sweden’s previous Eurovision winners performing on the night, including several members of Abba, who treated the huge crowds to a rendition of 'Waterloo’.

The Irish group also had the honour of performing in the Irish Embassy during their stay and at the time of writing were getting ready for the popular Irish Eurovision party.

“The highlight so far is just being in the stadium doing the soundcheck and going through the song. I’m even more excited now to sing in it when it is full, it will be amazing,” he said, noting that back home there will be plenty of family and friends tuned in on Thursday, and should they make to Saturday’s final, an estimated 300 million will be watching as it is due to be aired in the United States for the first time.