Mumba criticises Eurosong panel after losing out

Samantha Mumba has criticised members of the Eurosong judging panel, saying their comments were “unnecessarily rude and vile” following The Late Late Show Eurosong Special on Friday night.

Mumba came second with her track My Way when the public votes, international jury, and national jury votes were counted, losing out to Norweigan singer EMMY who was victorious with her song, Laika Party.

Posting on Instagram at the weekend, Mumba thanked her supporters and expressed pride in her performance.

Mumba wrote: “This that got it, GOT IT… and those that didn’t, that’s OK too. It’s my art, and I stand by it.”

She also commented on the panel, saying: “Special mention to the “panel” (aside from Bambie, who I stan) who not only didn’t have the credentials, experience, or professionalism required and were unnecessarily rude and vile to all the finalists…. (Would have said this in person but they all left the green room before I had the opportunity to) unsurprisingly.”

The panel for this year’s Eurosong featured choreographer and Dancing with the Stars judge Arthur Gourounlian, 2FM broadcaster Laura Fox, chef and TV presenter Donal Skehan and Bambie Thug, who represented Ireland at last year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

In response to Mumba’s comments, a spokesperson for RTÉ said: “We are extremely grateful to The Late Late Show Eurosong panel for their professionalism, insight, integrity and good humour.

“Their role is to give their honest reaction to the performances on the night, offering their thoughts on the likely success of the song and act at the Eurovision Song Contest.

“Our panel did this in a thoughtful and considered way. It seems this was in line with the public vote that ultimately made the decision on the artist and song they wished to represent Ireland at this year’s contest.

“It’s never easy to offer a personal opinion, as not everyone will agree. Our panel did that with the utmost care and we wish to extend our thanks to them for the excellent job they did on Friday night.”

During the broadcast, the panel provided feedback on all competing entries. Speaking about My Way, Gourounlian said: “It felt like ten different demos put together in one song…. The vocals were there, but I couldn’t relate at all.”

Fox said: “Samantha Mumba is an icon in her own right… I just think My Way might be a little too slow.”

Skehan suggested that “if she goes to Eurovision, there is an opportunity for a revamp,” while Bambie Thug said a revamp “could actually boost it”.

After being selected to represent Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest in Switzerland this May with her song Laika Party, EMMY said she was “in shock”.

Reacting to her win, the 24-year-old said: “I’m just in shock, thank you so, so much. This can’t be happening!”

In her Instagram post, Mumba also congratulated EMMY, writing: “The very best of luck to the sweetest @emmykgk00 (EMMY). Please fly the flag and make us proud in Switzerland!”

Watch: Norwegian singer EMMY perform Laika Party which is Ireland’s entry for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest

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