Eurovision 2024: Ireland’s entrant Bambie Thug secures place in grand final

All the feels for Australia not making it to the final but Luxembourg hasn't participated for a whopping 31 years. 

The other acts to make it through to the Grand Final were Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Cyprus, Ukraine, Finland, Portugal, Luxembourg and Lithuania.  

AND IT'S IRELAND, WE'RE OFF TO THE FINALS ON SATURDAY!!

Lads, I nearly didn't survive that last montage. But here we are, the results are finally upon us... And as backstage meets front of house, and all the tricolors wave, we have to – wait for a further word from the lovely Martin. We have a valid result!

This interval fellah in his shirtless three-piece white number is really very lovely 'n all but I'm hankering for some results at this juncture. 

I mean, it's still going ... To keep you going, here's some more Bambie Thug love. 

Have to say Petra has certainly been doing the heavy lifting in the presenting stakes this evening. And if you're wondering what that notification noise she was reacting to; again, if you know you know ;-)

Some of the supporters had come dressed in outfits inspired by Bambie. 

Erin Russell arrived in a gothic dress while fan Michael Foley arrived in a black corset and had some of Bambie Thug's tattoo's on their body. 

The pair had travelled from Bambie Thug's hometown of Macroom. "They killed it," he said. "They absolutely represented."  

“Bambie is a breath of fresh air.” Stephen Carlisle from Co Down and works for Eurovision fan channel Eurovision 365 believes Bambie will change Irish attitudes to Eurovision. 

“I think they could change perceptions of Eurovision. In Ireland some artists are scared off Eurovision because it was seen as a career killer whereas they have shown it is something to actively embrace. They could do to Irish Eurovision what Sam Ryder did for the UK," he said.

Ireland hasn't progressed past the semi-final stage since 2018 ... is that about to change?!

The Irish act Bambie Thug has garnered praise from previous contestants. 

1981 Eurovision winner with Bucks Fizz Cheryl Baker said: "I think they will be in the top three in the final and I think they can win it!" they told Heart Bingo. 

"The song is so weird, it's so dark but then transforms into what I would describe as a typical Irish song." 

Logan (69) had a full orchestra as he opted to make the lyrics more emotional and was greeted by applause from the audience.

But before the results, we have – as Petra Mede puts it – "his Royal Highness" Johnny Logan celebrating his inspirational double win, in 1980 and 1987. 

Instead of him singing a mashup of his songs, he's singing Loreen's Euphoria. I might have had a shandie this evening, but I'm sure you'll agree anyone watching will see how beautiful it is. 

It's the enduring spirit of Eurovision in a nutshell.

And, our final song for this first semi-final, comes from Luxembourg. Her name is Tali, the song is Fighter. 

In summary, 2008 wants its song back. TO THE VOTING!