Ireland’s sensational Eurovision star Bambie Thug leaves fans feeling like they’ve ‘joined a cult’

The 2024 Eurovision Song Contest has officially begun, with nations including Ukraine, Cyprus and the United Kingdom kicking off the competition during the first semi-final on Tuesday night.

The UK’s Olly Alexander finally had the chance to reveal his gravity-defying performance of his track Dizzy, with the singer surrounded by scantily-clad singers.

But before the former Years and Years singer took to the stage, Ireland’s act Bambie Thug blew Eurovision fans away with an utterly unforgettable, surreal and magnificent spectacle.

The musician’s performance of their song Doomsday Blue saw the singer – who is non-binary – dress like a witch with horns on their head, scream to the heavens and be twirled by a dancer wearing devil-inspired prosthetics.

Honestly – it had everything, and fans watching at home are already convinced that Bambie could end up winning the whole competition for Ireland.

Plenty of viewers were in a state of astonishment over what they’d just witnessed, with a comparison drawn between the artist and Cate Blanchett’s Goddess of Death Hela from the Marvel movie Thor: Ragnarok.

Bambie put on a SHOW! (Picture: AP/Rex)

‘I feel like I joined a cult in a good way #Eurovision #Ireland,’ wrote @FormulaY4DE on X.

‘IRELAND YOU ARE NOT PLAYING,’ added Stephen, among those under the belief that Ireland might not only qualify for the final for the first time in years, but also clinch the victory.

X user Madox described Bambie as the ‘dark horse of the year’, adding that they reckon the win could be theirs.

We feel as though we’ve been transported to another world (Picture: BBC)

‘Bambie Thug from Ireland coming out on stage dressed as a non-binary demon…. oh I absolutely have to stan!’ another called Jungle said.

Chris also quipped: ‘Bambi Thug casually giving every kid across Europe nightmares there.’

Near the end of Bambie’s performance, they underwent a costume reveal, unveiling the trans flag underneath their witchy ensemble, for which they’ve received high praise.

All eyes will certainly be on Bambie when they – we’d expect – make it to the grand finale.

Metro.co.uk recently had the chance to speak to the artist, as they expressed their pride in having the chance to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest.

‘I’m an independent artist and other than this I would have never been put in front of so many people, so soon, unsigned or anything, so that’s incredible,’ they said.

Fans are convinced the singer could win the whole competition (Picture: AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

‘I think it’s a feat in itself to get there, and for us to be in the top 10 after my country not being in the top 10 or in the final for 10 years, and even just for the alt scene, and the queer scene and goths, it’s great that we’re there.

‘Seeing that the doors are opening for more not-so-Normcore music is really encouraging, and I’ve gotten a lot of love since being involved and people finding my art, finding my old songs and it’s been a good boost because it is hard grinding this plane independently so I’m proud of myself regardless.’

The Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals air on Tuesday, May 7, and Thursday, May 9, at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer. The Grand Final airs on Saturday, May 11, at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

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