Samantha Mumba and EMMY have been announced as the fourth and fifth finalists in Eurosong 2025 – vying for the chance to represent Ireland in Eurovision 2025.
Samantha Mumba
RTÉ have this biography of Mumba:
Samantha Mumba is a distinguished Irish singer-songwriter, dancer, and actress who ascended to international acclaim at the remarkable age of 17 with her debut single, Gotta Tell You. The song became a global phenomenon, achieving top five positions in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, where it peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her eponymous debut album sold over 4 million copies worldwide, establishing her as a formidable presence in the music industry.
Expanding her creative horizons, Mumba transitioned seamlessly into acting, earning accolades for her performances in a range of compelling films. She starred in The Time Machine, a sci-fi epic opposite Guy Pearce; Spin the Bottle, a charming Irish romantic comedy; Shifter, a gripping horror thriller; and Johnny Was, where she shared the screen with Eriq La Salle.
In 2024, Samantha continues to captivate audiences with a recurring role as Paula Kenny in the fourth season of the acclaimed BBC/Acorn TV series Harry Wild, acting alongside Jane Seymour and Rohan Nedd. Her talents also extend to voice acting, with her portrayal of Jules in Queen Latifah’s Audible series Technically Speaking.
With a career marked by versatility, artistry, and enduring appeal, Samantha Mumba remains an influential figure whose work transcends genres and mediums, leaving an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and her global audience.
The 42-year-old has had seven top five hits in Ireland, and six top ten hits in the United Kingdom, and listed in Billboard’s 100 Greatest Choruses of the 21st Century, for her song ‘Gotta Tell You’ in 2017 – but can her new Eurosong entry live up to its promise and bring Ireland its eighth win?
Mumba’s Eurosong entry is called ‘My Way‘.
Speaking from Los Angeles on the Ray D’Arcy Show on RTÉ Radio 1, Mumba said she was “excited and nauseous in equal measure” about participating in Eurosong:
“I’m too old to be putting myself through the stress! But it’s so so exciting.”
Mumba was chosen as the fast-tracked act for this year’s Eurosong, meaning she did not need to go through the selection process with hundreds of other songs.
When asked on how it came about, Mumba said she was asked about participating “for years”:
“I’m a firm believer that timing is everything with things, and I’ve wanted to do it. To be honest, Eurosong always really intimidating to me, so that was probably a bit scary and off-putting.
“This year is just very personal for me, I’ve just decided I want to play it safe, and push myself out of my comfort zone.”
Mumba also said that Nicky Byrne, Ireland’s 2016 representative, might have also played a role in her being put in contact with people in RTÉ, following her appearance on his podcast.
You can listen to her song below along with her interview with Ray D’Arcy here:
EMMY
EMMY is a 24-year-old Norwegian singer-songwriter. She was born and raised in a family that loves music and has been singing her whole life. When she was seven, she started making her own songs, both alone and with her brother, who is also a singer-songwriter.
Her career got a kick-start in 2015 when she, as a 15-year-old, participated in Melodi Grand Prix Junior, one of the biggest music competitions in her country, for children. Six years later, in 2021, she participated in Melodi Grand Prix, Norway’s national selection of a song for Eurovision Song Contest. The song she performed was Witch Woods.
Today, she is especially known for singing on TikTok, and has a profile with 1.2 million followers, from around the world. She has also been working with big artist producers, such as K-391 and Braaheim.
In 2024, she was in Los Angeles, Latvia and France taking part in songwriting sessions. Emmy is also a freelance graphic designer.
EMMY’s Eurosong entry is called ‘Laika Party‘.
Speaking from Norway on the Ray D’Arcy Show on RTÉ Radio 1, EMMY said that she attended a songwriting camp in Norway, where an Irish songwriter also took part and helped with her song – and said it “felt natural” to submit it in Ireland as a result.
When asked about the name of the song, EMMY said Laika was the name of a dog that went to space in 1957:
“One day, I was doing a weekly quiz with my family, and there was a question about Laika, so I got a little sad thinking about her story, and wanted to make her a tribute where she doesn’t die, but instead lives on and has her own party in the sky.”
Speaking about the staging of the song, EMMY said it should fit the theme of the song, but “also keep the space and astronaut colours and vibe”.
You can listen to her song below along with her interview with Ray Darcy here:
Mumba and EMMY will join four more acts in RTÉ studios on Friday February 7th on the Late Late Show’s Eurosong Special, to choose Ireland’s representative for Eurovision 2025.
Come to the Eurosong 2025 Watch Party!
If you’re looking for a great place to watch Eurosong 2025 alongside fellow Eurovision fans, then look no further than OGAE Ireland’s Eurosong Watch Party & Afterparty, taking place in The Odeon on Dublin’s Harcourt Street on Friday February 7th from 8pm, with the show starting at 9:30pm.
Once the show is over, we will be joined be those who attended the show itself in RTÉ studios, along with as many of the finalists who can make it, where we will all dance the night away to Eurovision hits until 2.30am!
Tickets are FREE, and you can RSVP here!
