Norwegian singer Emmy has said that she hopes to “stay connected to Ireland forever” as she represents the country at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Switzerland.
Emmy Kristine Guttulsrud Kristiansen, known professionally as Emmy, will take to the stage for Ireland in Basel on Thursday night.
The 24-year-old was selected as this year’s entry after winning RTÉ’s selection competition, Eurosong, in February.
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Her entry, Laika Party, is an up-beat electropop reimagining of the story of the 1957 Soviet dog who died just two hours into space flight.
Emmy rehearsing alongside her brother ahead at St Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland. (Corinne Cumming/EBU/PA)
The Norwegian singer told The Irish News that it felt “natural” to enter the song for Ireland, given that it was composed alongside Irish singer-songwriter Larissa Tormey.
“I’m a really big animal lover and when I hear something sad, I really like to write about it to get the emotions out or, in this case, to write a scenario that’s better than the reality,” she said.
“I thought her real story was so sad that I wanted this little dog to be happy and alive instead.”
“The songwriter said that she could see the song fit so well in Ireland because of how people in Ireland love animals like we do.”
Emmy, who had never visited Ireland before competing in the national selection, said that the support from the Irish people has been “absolutely amazing” and better than she “could ever hope for”.
Emmy’s song is a reimagining of the story of the 1957 soviet space dog Laika. (Corinne Cumming/EBU/PA)
“I can’t believe how well the Irish people welcomed us,” she said.
“People have been so, so supportive and we’re just so grateful for that.”
Her highlights since winning have included taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin and getting to explore the country as part of a series with Tourism Ireland.
Aside from the “amazing” views at Dingle in Co Kerry, Emmy said that her love for all things Ireland extends beyond just the scenery and the people.
“I love the spice bag in Ireland! It’s really good. I should make it [a staple],” she said.
One of her earliest memories of the contest is Jedward’s 2012 entry Lipstick, which is also one of her all-time Eurovision favourites.
“That’s kind of the performance I remember most; I remember small parts before that but that’s [the one] I remember almost in its full.
“I just find them so iconic.”
She added that she “screamed” when she first got to meet the pair.
“They’re so lovely.”
Emmy said her goal for Eurovision is to “make Ireland proud”. (RTE)
The 24-year-old will be fulfilling a childhood dream when she is joined on-stage by her brother Erland during her performance on Thursday.
She said that their parents have even bought a new TV to watch the special occasion.
“We had this childhood dream of going together that we never, ever thought would come true and now we get to stand on that stage together and we just can’t believe it,” she said.
“It feels so surreal.”
Competing on the 30th anniversary of Secret Garden winning for Norway, the Celtic-pop duo which includes Irish violinist Fionnuala Sherry, she said she would “love” to bring home win number eight for Ireland.
“I would love to repay the favour even though that’s a very tricky challenge!” she said.
“My only goal for Eurovision is to make Ireland proud.
“I would love to be connected to Ireland forever.”
Despite concerns raised around the European Broadcasting Union’s decision to allow Israel to compete in this year’s contest, Emmy said that it was her task as an artist to “spread as much comfort and happiness” as she could, especially in hard times”.
“I think music is really, really important in times like this.”
Emmy will perform third in the Second Semi-Final on Thursday, May 15. You can watch live coverage of the event on RTÉ2 and BBC One from 8pm. The Grand Final takes place on Saturday, May 17, from 8pm.