Ireland’s Eurosong 2012 Entrant Donna McCaul – First Interview.

I caught up with Donna McCaul and we spoke at length today as her new Eurosong entry has just been aired for the first time on the Derek Mooney show this afternoon. Here is what Donna had to say:

Amnesia:

Welcome back Donna! Following your announcement that you are returning to the Eurosong Contest in 2012, how do you feel being back?

Donna:

I couldn’t be happier with the news. Really looking forward to getting things rolling again! Its been 6 years since it all started, its good to be back!

Amnesia:

You were backing vocalist for Janvil in Malta’s National Final in 2011 so was this the deciding factor for you to enter Eurosong once again?

Donna:

Yes, I backed Janvil last year, and I loved every minute of it. I did it to get back into the swing of things again, meet everyone and get the feel for the stage again! I took a step back for a few years to see where the competition was going and how the music has changed. Now, I feel I know exactly what they’re looking for this year, and decided to give it a shot!

Amnesia:

With your re entry into the Eurovision circle for 2011, did the Eurovision fans, at home and abroad, welcome you back into their community quite quickly?

Donna:

Yes, the reaction was tremendous, and I couldn’t have received a warmer welcome, here and abroad. I’m so thrilled that I still, even to this day have all that support!!

Amnesia:

So apart from your renewed Eurovision interest with the Maltese selection last year what have you been up to since your last foray into Eurovision in 2005?

Donna:

I have been gigging around Ireland non stop; have recently shot my first music video which is due to be released soon. Other than that I have been living quite a normal life between Dublin and Athlone, working on music with Lauren and seeing where the road takes me!

Amnesia:

Have you always loved Eurovision and was it a big show for yourself and your family to watch growing up?

Donna:

Yes, I have always been a fan of Eurovision since I can remember. My earliest memory was watching Niamh Kavanagh singing In Your Eyes in 1993. All of my family would gather around and have a Eurovision party like every household in the country. It was so exciting hearing the fanfare at the beginning, I still get goose bumps to this day!

Amnesia:

How important is it for you to represent your country again?

Donna:

I can’t describe how important it is for me. I have been looking to get this opportunity on my own since 2005. I believe that if I had the opportunity to once again represent Ireland, I would hope to make everyone proud.

Amnesia:

With the new process in place since 2011, how do you think the new “mentor” style in RTE’s process will differ from the process back in 2005?

Donna:

I am so glad that there is a new system. It’s a good idea to have a mentor and have one person there to help you and guide you along with the song and performance.

Amnesia:

Are you pleased with your mentor, Bill Hughes so far?

Donna:

Absolutely, this guy knows what he is talking about and knows a good song and what Ireland need to win… Hes been in the tv and music industry for over 25 years… and I am so chuffed to be working alongside him

Amnesia:

We have just heard your song played a little while ago on the Mooney show, are you happy with the overall finish?

Donna:

The song is amazing and very well thought of to catch Europes attention. Its got attitude and I personally think its a hit no matter what.

Amnesia:

How do you feel going into Eurosong again as a solo artist this time around?

Donna:

I’m extremely excited. I can’t even describe it. I am looking forward to taking on the challenge!

Amnesia:

With Jedward being back in the competition to defend their title, how do you feel going up against them?

Donna:

Jedward are fantastic entertainers and as well as my fellow contestants I wish them all the best of luck. I think at the end of the day it is the Eurovision Song Contest and it’s about the song.

Amnesia:

I’m sure you will have your family and girlfriend Lauren in the audience of the Eurosong final, will you feel extra pressure to perform to an even higher standard with singer/songwriter Lauren there?

Donna:

My family are always there to support me but no matter what nerves are good and I always have them. It helps you perform better and appreciate the performance more afterwards. Lauren supports me 100%, she helps me immensely, I need her there before I go on stage and it makes me better with her help and guidance AND last minute jitters!!

Amnesia:

Having heard you sing your own version of the 2009 Icelandic entry Johanna’s “Is It True?” at the Eurobash event in Dublin in 2010, we were certainly looking forward to hearing your new song! Having met many Eurovision fans that night as well as the many other Eurovision events, how have the fans reacted to you over time?

Donna:

I’ve been blessed with every performance I’ve done, I’ve had a huge and positive reaction.

My vocal has strengthened so much since 2005 which makes me more comfortable with myself and makes me challenge the biggest songs possible!

Amnesia:

Could you tell me two of your favourite Eurovison songs ever, one from all of the Irish entries and one from the array of songs from all of the countries?

Donna:

My absolute favourite Irish song is Niamh Kavanagh with In Your Eyes, I still get shivers listening to it. And Wild Dances by Ruslana. It has lots of attitude and very energetic! The perfect song to get a Eurovision party started.

Amnesia:

Finally Donna, do you have any message for the fans out there that are reading this today and who will be watching you at the Eurosong final?

Donna:

Yes, thanks so much for all your support, not only now but since 2005, I hope you love the song and performance and I would be grateful for as many votes as I can get!!! Thank YOU from the bottom of my heart!!

Amnesia:

Donna, we would like to thank you so much for speaking to EscIreland.com today and we wish you all the very best in Eurosong 2012 and beyond! We hope to speak to you again soon!

Donna: 

Thank you!! xx

Donna will be competing in Eurosong 2012 on the special edition of the Late Late Show on Friday February 24th on RTE1.