Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Dublin Live
Dublin Live
Entertainment
Amy Donohoe

X-Factor legend Mary Byrne turned down chance to sing in Eurovision

X-Factor legend and former Tesco worker Mary Byrne has confessed that she was once asked to sing in the Eurovision....by another country.

The singer said she was approached by two song writers but she turned them down.

During an interview on Newstalk with Charlie McGettigan, Mary revealed: "I was asked by a foreign country, when I came out of The X-Factor, I think it was Switzerland or Sweden.

"Two writers wrote to me and asked me if I would like to represent their song in the Eurovision.

"But that never came to pass....because I wouldn't represent another country."

While Mary didn't end up singing in the Eurovision, she says she would love to represent Ireland someday.

Mary pledged to try and take part in the iconic competition due to take place in May.

"We'll make a little agreement here between you and me: I'll write the song and you sing it next year. Will we try that?" said Charlie.

"I would love to do that, Charlie big time", she said.

"I would love to represent my country in the Eurovision, but I'm far too old I think at the moment.

"But I do agree with Charlie saying that it's the song - you need a good song, and I'm with Charlie on the fact that I like a good song that has lots of lyrics.

"I love the Eurovision - to sit and watch a song that means something to me, and all the viewers that are there, would be the winner for us.

"Ireland has sent in some fantastic songs - with great meanings to them, with great lyrics to them - and that's how they won.

"So we need something that's really going to capture the hearts of the people.

"I would be shaking in my boots, but the pride that would run through me would be unbelievable.

"Win or lose, I think being up there and doing that for your country - and doing a great job - would be the most powerful feeling any human being, any singer or artist could get."

To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up for our free newsletter.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.