Ireland ELIMINATED from Eurovision 2021

Ireland has been eliminated from the Eurovision Song Contest.

On Tuesday night, singer Lesley Roy performed her entry – a song called Maps – in an elaborate spectacle involving a paper forest. But her hopes were ultimately dashed as she was knocked out of the running.

Instead, Israel, Russia, Malta, Azerbaijan, Norway, Sweden, Cyprus, Lithuania, Ukraine and Belgium have all secured their place in this weekend’s final.

They’re out: Ireland has been eliminated from the Eurovision Song Contest after singer Lesley Roy performed her entry in an elaborate spectacle involving a paper forest

On Thursday, the competition continues at the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam as another 18 countries will be whittled down to 10.

The top 10 from both semi-finals will appear in the grand final on Saturday alongside France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK – who automatically qualify – and host nation the Netherlands. 

This follows a shock for Australia, after their entry Montaigne failed in qualifying for the final.

The singer-songwriter, whose real name is Jessica Cerro, was forced to perform her song Technicolour remotely, sending a prerecorded ‘live’ entry which was broadcast at Wednesday’s semi-final.

The dream is over: But her hopes were ultimately dashed as she was knocked out of the running

The dream is over: But her hopes were ultimately dashed as she was knocked out of the running

Fail! Australia's Eurovision Song Contest entry Montaigne has missed out on qualifying for the Grand Final of the competition - the first time Australia has failed to gain entry since being granted entry in 2015

Fail! Australia’s Eurovision Song Contest entry Montaigne has missed out on qualifying for the Grand Final of the competition – the first time Australia has failed to gain entry since being granted entry in 2015

Travel restrictions and the coronavirus pandemic prevented Montaigne, 25, from travelling to the Netherlands city of Rotterdam as the competition returned following last year’s cancellation, potentially handicapping Australia’s chances.

In missing the event, Montaigne made history as the first person to ever compete in the contest without setting foot on stage.

All fifteen other countries had a representative perform live at the event.

This is the first time Australia has failed to qualify for the Grand Final since being granted entry into the competition in 2015. 

Montaigne’s performance was unable to feature all the bells and whistles of her opponents and stuck out like a sore thumb. 

No-show: In missing the event, Montaigne made history as the first person to ever compete in the contest without setting foot on stage, potentially hurting Australia's chances. By contrast, all fifteen other countries had a representative perform live at the event

No-show: In missing the event, Montaigne made history as the first person to ever compete in the contest without setting foot on stage, potentially hurting Australia’s chances. By contrast, all fifteen other countries had a representative perform live at the event

Giving it a miss: In a post on Instagram in April, Montaigne, 25, announced she was unable to travel to the Netherlands .Pictured performing at Summer Salt 2021 in Perth last month

Giving it a miss: In a post on Instagram in April, Montaigne, 25, announced she was unable to travel to the Netherlands .Pictured performing at Summer Salt 2021 in Perth last month

Elsewhere, Rylan Clark-Neal had to pull out of presenting the Eurovision semi-final on the BBC on Tuesday night, due to illness. 

The presenter, 32, was set to host BBC Four’s coverage for the semi-finals on Tuesday and Thursday alongside Scott Mills and Chelcee Grimes – but he will appear on Thursday’s show via a pre-recorded video link. 

But Sara Cox, 46, revealed she was stepping in as Rylan’s replacement during her BBC Radio 2 show on Monday night, ahead of the Eurovision final set to take place on May 22. 

Under the weather: Rylan Clark-Neal has had to pull out of presenting the Eurovision semi-final on the BBC on Tuesday night, due to illness (pictured last year)

Under the weather: Rylan Clark-Neal has had to pull out of presenting the Eurovision semi-final on the BBC on Tuesday night, due to illness (pictured last year) 

She said: ‘I’m really excited, I’ve got a new little job this week. I will be co-hosting the Eurovision semi-finals on BBC Four tomorrow night and Thursday night. 

‘Rylan is unwell, so obviously we wish him better. 

‘So I’ll be stepping into Rylan’s sparkly tux tomorrow and Thursday, 8pm, BBC Four, all the action from the Eurovision semi-finals.’

Last minute replacement: Sara Cox, 46, revealed she was stepping in as Rylan's replacement during her BBC Radio 2 show on Monday night

Last minute replacement: Sara Cox, 46, revealed she was stepping in as Rylan’s replacement during her BBC Radio 2 show on Monday night

Sara, who previously presented coverage for Eurovision in 2001 and 2002, added: ‘I’ll also be rekindling the flames of fun with my old Eurovision mucker Scott Mills, and we’ll be joined by Chelcee Grimes and many guests as well.’ 

The radio host said Anita Rani would stand in for her to present her Radio 2 show. 

The BBC said in a statement: ‘Unfortunately Rylan is unwell so won’t be providing commentary for the upcoming Eurovision Semi Finals on BBC Four, however Eurovision superfan Sara Cox will be joining Scott Mills and Chelcee Grimes live in London bringing viewers all the action from the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam tonight & later this week.’ 

They added Rylan’s illness isn’t COVID-related. MailOnline has contacted Rylan’s representatives for comment.  

Rylan, who joined the presenting team in 2018, had previously spoken about how excited he was for Eurovision 2021. 

He said: ‘There was a big Eurovision shaped hole in my life last year, so I am super excited to see what everyone brings to the table for 2021 – it’s the best time of the year.

Unwell: Rylan, 32, was set to host BBC Four's coverage for the semi-finals alongside Scott Mills and Chelcee Grimes (pictured with Graham Norton and Amanda Holden)

Unwell: Rylan, 32, was set to host BBC Four’s coverage for the semi-finals alongside Scott Mills and Chelcee Grimes (pictured with Graham Norton and Amanda Holden)

‘I am looking forward to being reunited with Scott for the semi-finals and to welcome Chelcee to the team. Plus Embers is an absolute tune – I can’t wait.’  

It comes after Rylan and Scott gave their best impression of AC-12’s Steve Arnott and Ted Hastings as they grilled UK hopeful James Newman during a Line Of Duty parody ahead of Tuesday’s show. 

The spoof, named Line Of Eurovision, sees the former X Factor star and the radio host, 47, interrogate musician and the UK’s 2021 entry James, 35, as they investigate his plans for this year’s contest in Rotterdam, the Netherlands

The hilarious mock police interview sees Superintendent Clark-Neal and Detective Inspector Mills – heads of the BBC‘s ESC-21 Investigation Team – come face-to-face with the singer and his fierce union rep Chelcee.

Funny: It comes after Rylan and Scott gave their best impression of AC-12's Steve Arnott and Ted Hastings as they grilled UK hopeful James Newman during a Line Of Duty parody

Funny: It comes after Rylan and Scott gave their best impression of AC-12’s Steve Arnott and Ted Hastings as they grilled UK hopeful James Newman during a Line Of Duty parody

Eurovision Odds 

 From BetFair

Grand Final Winner

Italy 12/5

France 3/1

Malta 5/1

Cyprus 9/1

Iceland 10/1

Switzerland 14/1

Bulgaria 14/1

Ukraine 22/1

Lithuania 33/1

Russia 50/1

Greece 50/1

San Marino 66/1

Sweden 66/1

Finland 80/1

United Kingdom 125/1

Croatia 125/1

Norway 150/1

Portugal 150/1

 

 Israel 150/1

Ireland 200/1

Romania 200/1

Germany 250/1

Latvia 250/1

Belgium 250/1

Albania 250/1

Denmark 250/1

Azerbaijan 300/1

Serbia 300/1

North Macedonia 300/1

Netherlands 300/1

Australia 300/1

Austria 300/1

Czech Republic 300/1

Estonia 300/1

Moldova 300/1

Georgia 500/1

Spain 500/1

Poland 500/1

Slovenia 500/1

 

 

Things kick off with a flashback to a ‘previous’ episode as it mimicked the hit BBC One police drama, which concluded its sixth series with a ‘disappointing’ finale earlier this month. 

With Scott channelling his inner DS Steve Arnott (Martin Compston) in a smart waistcoat, it was down to Rylan to give Superintendent Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar) a run for his money, with the presenter raging: ‘Mother of Gina G!’ in frustration over the case. 

While singer and footballer Chelcee, 29, proves to be tough opposition for ESC-21 as feisty attorney and shouts at them: ‘If you want to speak to my client, you’ll have to go through me!’

The teaser clip, to which will be shown in full at the competition’s first semi-final on Tuesday, then moves on to the interview room, with Rylan and Scott preparing to cross-examine James on everything from his new song ‘Embers’, his lyrics and his staging plans for the competition.

While no stone will be left unturned as he’s also set to be grilled on his career so far and questioned on why he’s entering the competition with a dance track, despite the UK known for performing ballads on the famous stage.    

Viewers will have to wait and see the outcome of the interrogation when the skit is screen on May 18, amid the 65th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest.    

The BRIT Award winner will take to the stage in Rotterdam with a new song after the 2020 final was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic.

Due to the cancellation all of last year’s Eurovision acts have been invited to represent their country in this year’s final, which is expected to have social distancing measures and a limited crowd in place.

Speaking about his return he said: ‘I’m so excited and honoured to be getting a second chance at representing my country in the Eurovision Song Contest.  

Investigated: The spoof, named Line Of Eurovision, sees the former X Factor star, 32, and the radio host, 47, interrogate musician and the UK's 2021 entry James, 35

Investigated: The spoof, named Line Of Eurovision, sees the former X Factor star, 32, and the radio host, 47, interrogate musician and the UK’s 2021 entry James, 35

Drama: The hilarious mock police interview sees Superintendent Clark-Neal and Detective Inspector Mills come face-to-face with the singer and his fierce union rep Chelcee Grimes

Drama: The hilarious mock police interview sees Superintendent Clark-Neal and Detective Inspector Mills come face-to-face with the singer and his fierce union rep Chelcee Grimes

Steve, is that you? Scott Mills channelled his inner DS Steve Arnott (Martin Compston) in a smart waistcoat

Steve, is that you? Scott Mills channelled his inner DS Steve Arnott (Martin Compston) in a smart waistcoat

Mother of God! It was down to Rylan to give Superintendent Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar) a run for his money, with the presenter raging: 'Mother of Gina G!' in frustration over the case

Mother of God! It was down to Rylan to give Superintendent Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar) a run for his money, with the presenter raging: ‘Mother of Gina G!’ in frustration over the case

What a pair! Martin Compston as Detective Inspector Steve Arnott and Adrian Dunbar in character as Superintendent Ted Hastings

What a pair! Martin Compston as Detective Inspector Steve Arnott and Adrian Dunbar in character as Superintendent Ted Hastings

‘I haven’t stopped making new music in lockdown and I can’t wait for everyone to hear the song I’m taking to Eurovision in 2021.’ 

Jo Wallace, Acting Controller Entertainment Commissioning for the BBC, says: ‘We are so pleased to have James back with us and representing the United Kingdom at Eurovision 2021. 

‘After 2020 and the postponing of the 65th song contest Eurovision is exactly what everyone needs!’   

Tough cookie: While singer and footballer Chelcee, 29, proves to be tough opposition for ESC-21 as the feisty attorney as she shouts at them: 'If you want to speak to my client, you'll have to go through me!'

Tough cookie: While singer and footballer Chelcee, 29, proves to be tough opposition for ESC-21 as the feisty attorney as she shouts at them: ‘If you want to speak to my client, you’ll have to go through me!’

He's back! James Newman, 35, will return to represent the United Kingdom at the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest

He’s back! James Newman, 35, will return to represent the United Kingdom at the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest

Mel Balac, Creative Director for BBC Studios, says: ‘James has really embraced being part of the Eurovision family and team ESC UK are delighted that he is getting another shot at Eurovision.’

James won a BRIT Award in 2014 for Best British Single after co-writing Rudimental and Ella Eyre’s Waiting All Night. 

Michael Rice represented the UK in 2019, but finished the nation’s poor run of results in the final, finishing in last place with just 11 points after a vote correction. 

This year’s Eurovision is expected to see many 2020 acts return with new songs to compete, as rules state they cannot return with the same track as last year.

Superstar: BRIT Award winner James will take to the stage in Rotterdam in The Netherlands on 22nd May with a new song after the 2020 final was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic

Superstar: BRIT Award winner James will take to the stage in Rotterdam in The Netherlands on 22nd May with a new song after the 2020 final was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic

Last year many fans called for Iceland’s viral track Think About Things by Daði og Gagnamagnið to be crowned the winner even before the final had been cancelled.

Bosses opted to replace the competition with a special Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light which showcased the artists due to take part at a sombre time when the continent was gripped by the pandemic. 

As one of the Big Five countries (United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, France, Italy), the United Kingdom does not have to qualify from the semi-final stage of the competition and will gain automatic access to the Saturday Grand Final. 

The Netherlands, as the incumbent champion, will also not need to qualify from the semi-final stage and will gain automatic entry to the Grand Final. 

The Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final will air on BBC One on Saturday 22nd May in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. The semi-finals will also air on BBC Four on Tuesday 18th and Thursday 20th May. 

Give it the title! Last year, before the final was cancelled, many fans called for Iceland's viral track Think About Things by Daði og Gagnamagnið to be crowned the winner

Give it the title! Last year, before the final was cancelled, many fans called for Iceland’s viral track Think About Things by Daði og Gagnamagnið to be crowned the winner