Eurovision hopeful Brooke Scullion has said Dana Rosemary Scallon will hopefully help her get into the final of the song contest – calling her a “mentor.”
The 22-year-old Derry singer will fly the flag for Ireland in Turin in May with her catchy song, That’s Rich, on the Eurovision stage.
Dana has advised her not to look at any other entries, something she did before she won with All Kinds of Everything back in 1970.
Brooke said she’s been regularly speaking to Dana and is like her mentor to her.
She said: “I have heard from Dana. Dana has been really really good. I’ve called her a few times and she’s called me so she’s going to be a big help I think, a really good mentor.
“She’s a great rapport with people,” she told the Ray D’Arcy Show on RTE Radio One.
Dana joined her on the line and said: “We’re very proud of her and I do feel that the country is behind her. It’s wonderful she won by a public vote.
“I didn’t watch any other entrants and I’m sure Brooke you’re tempted to look at the stuff that’s up on the internet with all the other songs.”
Brooke said: “I haven’t listened to any other song entries, apart from Italy and Spain.”
Dana added: “I think you’re right not to. No matter how confident you feel, to watch other people, it is really hard. I couldn’t watch anyone else because I knew my confidence would be destroyed.
“Don’t look at anybody else. Just go in and do your thing. Give it your best shot and we’re all behind you,” she added.
Brooke also revealed the people she co-wrote That’s Rich with also wrote the song for the Eurovision film, starring Will Ferrell, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.
“The people I wrote it with actually wrote a song for the Eurovision film, the one with Will Ferrell.
“The song for the 21st century Vikings, they wrote that song. It just feels like it was fate. Everything fell into place.”
Brooke said she doesn’t feel the pressure to win the Eurovision – despite Ireland’s massive achievements at the song contest.
“It is a massive achievement… It is not a weight I feel burdened by because everybody has been so supportive.
“No matter where I go people are saying I watched you on the Late Late Show. I can’t believe how nice everybody has been. I really do hope I can do everybody proud.”
