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Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011

Eurovision Song Contest 2011
Country  Ireland
National selection
Selection process Eurosong 2011
2/3 Jury
1/3 Televoting
Selection date(s) 11 February 2011
Selected entrant Jedward
Selected song "Lipstick"
Finals performance
Semi-final result Qualified (8th, 69 points)
Final result 8th, 119 points
Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest
◄2010 2011 2012►

Ireland participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 in Düsseldorf, Germany with the song "Lipstick" performed by Jedward. The song was selected by the Irish public through the national final Eurosong 2011 competition, organised by the Irish broadcaster, Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ).

On 26 November 2010 it was announced that RTÉ would make changes to the format for Eurosong in 2011. Instead of an open call for songs as in previous years, RTÉ has approached five music industry professionals to choose and mentor five acts that will take part with separate songs in Eurosong 2011 held on 11 February 2011 during a Late Late Show Eurosong special.

The winner was chosen from a combination of a public vote and regional juries, as in the last two years. Unlike in the previous year, the jury's choice had a bigger impact on the final result. Former Irish Eurovision winner, Niamh Kavanagh attended the final of Eurosong 2011.

On 2 December 2010, twin duo and UK The X Factor contestants Jedward announced their participation in Ireland's selection.The Vard Sisters were the second act in the final line-up of the Irish national selection.Nikki Kavanagh was also confirmed as part of the line-up.Don Mescall was the fourth candidate. The fifth candidate was an EMI Music quartet.

On 28 January, RTÉ announced all five songs with their mentors and writers of the songs:

Jedward qualified from the second semi-final and came 8th in the final, with 119 points (beating countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany.) It was Ireland's best result since 2000 when they finished 6th. It was also Ireland's first time receiving 12 points in a final since Eurovision 2003, they received 3 sets from Denmark, Sweden and the United Kingdom.


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