Louis Walsh has given his verdict on the chances of Wild Youth claiming Eurovision glory this year, explaining that the Irish band will do well but ultimately "won't win" the annual song contest.
The music mogul has managed hugely successful Irish pop acts like Westlife, Boyzone, Johnny Logan and Jedward.
On Friday, he attended the launch of pal and former Eurovision winner Linda Martin's new Dublin Dog Hub in Meakstown north Dublin.
READ MORE - Ireland Eurovision hopefuls Wild Youth promise 'big and bold' performance in Liverpool
Speaking to Dublin Live, Louis said that he thinks there is "no chance" that Wild Youth will win the Eurovision Song Contest in May. He said: "They're not going to win, there's no chance. I think if they get through they'll do lovely.
"They're a great band, but it's up to the song. There's a lot of better songs in the competition," he explained and when asked who he'd back as most likely to win the Eurovision, Louis named Sweden's Loreen and her song Tattoo.
Louis said: "I think Sweden is going to win, they have a great song."
Louis also praised his long-time pal Linda for her "hard work" in setting up her new Dublin Dog Hub sanctuary, saying how it was always Linda's dream to win the Eurovision and then start a dog sanctuary."
He said: "It's amazing because she's done it all herself, she's worked really hard and she is an amazing animal lover. It's a great thing for everybody in Dublin.
"She did it all herself, if you want something done you do it yourself and she did it herself," added Louis.
Speaking to Dublin Live at the launch of her new sanctuary, Linda Martin said that Friday's event was a "soft launch" as she welcomed fellow animal lovers to their new premises and to hopefully encourage others to get involved.
She said: "When Ashtown pound closed I knew I had to put my money where my mouth was, because the dogs are very well looked after up at Straffan but it's a hell of a way away. It's 20 miles outside of Dublin, so I just knew I had to do something.
"It's taken me the two years to get the planning cleared and get the building up," she added.
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