A former Northern Irish Eurovision contestant has shared his top tips for Co Derry singer Brooke Scullion ahead of Thursday's semi-final.
Belfast-born Brian Kennedy represented Ireland in the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest in Athens, where he sang 'Every Song is a Cry for Love'.
His performance in the semi-finals marked the 1000th song to feature in the history of the Eurovision competition before placing 10th overall.
Read more: What you need to know about Ireland's Eurovision 2022 entry Brooke Scullion
Sixteen years on, Brian is still remembered as a crucial part of Ireland's Eurovision history and explained that Brooke should be "extremely proud" of herself for becoming part of it too.
Speaking to Belfast Live, the singer-songwriter said: "I usually go to a Eurovision party but we haven't been able to do that for two years so I am really looking forward to a Eurovision party this year - I can't believe I was part of this whole thing.
"She will never forget this experience, regardless of how she does, it will stay with her forever and it is something to be extremely proud of I think."
He stressed that she should "enjoy every second" of the experience as it is something that only a handful of people will get to be part of in their lives.
"There are few things that we can represent our country at - I stopped being Brian Kennedy the second I arrived in Athens, I became Ireland.
"They record you from the minute you arrive so you've got to be on top form from the moment you get up so just look after yourself, be realistic in what you are capable of doing and just enjoy every moment," he explained.
Brooke will be singing her original song 'That's Rich' on Thursday's second semi-final event where she will fight it out for a spot on Saturday's grand final.
Brian added: "It is three minutes of a performance and then it is over and it is a tense thing waiting on the results but it is the campest and most fun part of anyone's career.
"I would just say do your own thing, have your own way with it and know that you have been chosen to represent your country. People are already so behind you."
Read more: Co Derry singer Brooke Scullion set to represent Ireland at Eurovision 2022
Read more: Singers from NI who have performed at the Eurovision Song Contest
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