Nicky Byrne
Nicky Byrne was selected by RTÉ to represent the country in Stockholm with the song Sunlight. It is the first time that the most successful country in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest has opted for an internal selection.Nicky Byrne was born in 1978 in the northside Dublin suburb of Baldoyle. His first love was football and during his early years he played for local Dublin clubs. In 1995 he signed for the UK premiership club Leeds United as a goalkeeper.
In 1998 Nicky joined Westlife – the most successful pop group of the noughties. In 2012, Westlife decided to take a break and since then Nicky has carved out a very successful career as a television and radio presenter.
He currently presents one of Ireland's most popular radio shows on RTÉ 2FM ‘The Nicky Byrne Show with Jenny Greene’.
He lives in Dublin with his wife, Georgina and their twin sons, Rocco and Jay and daughter Gia.
Things you should know about Nicky Byrne
What are the three most interesting aspects about your entry?
- Sunlight is essentially a love song and its message is one of positivity. The message is clear "Tomorrow is a new day and the sunlight shining on your face at the start of any new day should make you smile be fresh and to begin again"
- When I co-wrote the song I was picturing myself walking up a mountain to reach the summit, breaking through the clouds to see the new morning sunlight.
- I have performed in the Globe Arena with Westlife before and I can't wait to return, it really is one if the best arenas in the world.
What are the three most impressive facts about Nicky Byrne?
- He was in Westlife for 14 years and had 14 UK number 1 hit singles he also also duetted with Mariah Carey and Diana Ross
- He was a goalkeeper with Leeds United Football Club for two years.
- He was also a goalkeeper football for the Republic of Ireland Under 15's, 16's and 18's teams.
Do you have a lucky routine before going on stage?
My lucky routine is always to tap my wedding ring on the plane door before I fly anywhere and to call my Dad's voicemail (he passed away in 2009) just before I go on stage.
Why is the Eurovision Song Contest important to you?
The Eurovision was massive in our household when I was growing up and I have kept up the tradition with my entire family sitting down to watch it together.
I was very fortunate to live through some of the Irish glory years of the 1980's and 1990's when Ireland won so many times.
My aim going to Stockholm is to do my family and my country proud. It would be incredible to qualify for the final and I will do my very best to make that happen.
