RTE to unveil five singers for Eurovision shortlist including former X Factor stars

The former Hometown star was Ireland's entry in the 2017 contest with 'Dying to try' and music industry sources are tipping him to be one of five acts set to take part in this year's National Song Contest.

Ireland's entry will be picked by combination of a panel of judges and a phone-in vote on the Late Late Show on February 4.

As well as Tuam-based Brendan, RTÉ sources reveal another figure in contention is Dublin crooner Janet Grogan, who was featured in auditions for the X Factor and recently starred in TV's Last Singer Standing.

The winner of that same RTÉ talent show, Corkman Patrick O'Sullivan, is also said to be by insiders to be among those being considered for the final five.

A dark horse is soul singer Mile Graham, who hails from Clondalkin in Dublin and relocated several years ago to Sligo.

The selection panel is also set to throw a curve ball with a mystery Scandinavian artist being mooted, with the song being written by an Irish person.

Lesley Roy represented Ireland last year, but failed to qualify for the final.

Our last appearance in the final itself was in 2017 with Ryan O'Shaughnessy, who finished 16th.

Ireland has won the Eurovision a record seven times, the last being in 1996.