TG4 has revealed details about the broadcast of their national selection for Junior Eurovision 2017. The shows, which were recorded in May, will start on October 22nd.
As in previous editions, 32 singers will compete over 5 weeks of shows, where a panel of judges will select the next Irish representative. All candidates, who have been selected through live auditions held nationwide, will perform original songs written in Irish language.
Junior Eurovision Eire 2017 will be hosted by Eoghan McDermott, while the resident judges, Fiachna Ó Braonáin and Bláthnaid Treacy, will be joined by a guest judge from Ireland’s Eurovision past. The guest judges will be Dustin the Turkey (2008), Jedward (2011, 2012), Brian Kennedy (2006), Niamh Kavanagh (1993, 2010), Linda Martin (1983, 1992) and Brendan Murray (2017).
Remember that the winner of the Irish national selection for Junior Eurovision 2017 has already been selected, but it will be kept as secret until the broadcast of the final show. The name of the the Irish representative as well as the song will be submitted by the delegation before the contest deadline, but it won’t be made public until the 19th of November. That means the Irish representative/s is/are currently working on preparations for the competition.
The schedule for the Irish shows is as it follows:
- First Semi-Final – October 22nd
- Second Semi-Final – October 29th
- Third Semi-Final – November 5th
- Fourth Semi-Final – November 12th
- Final – November 19th
Junior Eurovision Eire will be broadcast on Sundays at 21.00 CET.