i do think it’s a double edged sword though; represent gay in ‘straight’ music and it’s a cynical ploy to cash in for the pink pound, don't and it’s ‘v gay’ artists only and exclusion from the mainstream

I am happy for LGBT people to be shown when they have any relevance to the song or entrant. I am not happy for them to be shown when they are a desperate attempt to please the gays by a delegation that has realised that they have no other selling points. Sure, there is merit in raising awareness of LGBT+ people to Europe and beyond, but I'd rather it not be done because it's easy votes. I don't understand how you don't have a problem with people trying so blatantly to manipulate the minority you belong to for votes.

But, when I heard the song I didn’t pick up on it inherently relating to a heterosexual relationship either (without wishing to investigate the singer’s/songwriter’s sexuality of course!). It comes off as an unspecific, universal song about love and heartbreak that lends itself to the listener’s interpretation. And is it not a good thing that we’ve now reached a time where a gay couple being featured in a video for such a vague song can feel just as fitting as a straight couple? Same-sex relationships are so commonplace in (most of) Europe now that I don’t feel this translates as an attempt at novelty or to target a niche, especially in the context of Eurovision... whereas maybe it would have 10+ years ago.

 

I don’t know, I get your point about it all possibly being a very strategic move to please Eurovision fans (which I don’t think is particularly problematic in itself as the execution is subtle and respectful), but I’d also like to give it the benefit of the doubt and be content that non-heterosexual relationships are continuing to be casually depicted in various forms of media.

 

(That’s not to say I totally disagree with you though when you take into account the lack of inspiration among the Irish delegation!)

I don't doubt that it may have been a strategic move, but I'm not against that by any means. Any video like that is still a 'strategic move' because of the reaction of some. The more it's in the public eye, the more normal it'll be seen. Personally I want to be seen as an equal, not a minority.

#JudgingFromTheVideoWithoutSound

 

They look cute together and there definitely is some gay chemistry between them.

 

8/10.

I don't think even the video will get us anywhere this year.

18th in the running order, fingers crossed for Ireland. Every time I hear it, I love it a little bit more. I've NEVER been a fan of Irish entries - save "Heartbeat" and for some reason "It's For You". I do hope this is a 'shock' qualifier.

He performed it on the Late Late Show last night here in Ireland and i have to say i really enjoyed it. The live version really sold it to me.

He performed it on the Late Late Show last night here in Ireland and i have to say i really enjoyed it. The live version really sold it to me.

Was there any indication of the live performance in May or was it just Ryan with a band?

In a quiet semi, I think he’d have a shot in hell. If there’s gonna be a shock qualifier, I’d put my money on Lithuania. But in this semi, I don’t want any shock qualifiers! I think there will inevitably be shock non-qualifiers of course...

Edited April 8, 20187 yr by ScottyEm

It has a rock n roll kids vibe (ireland winner 94) which could be popular with the juries. Of course it will need to be staged well.

Ryan looked so shocked and relieved to go through. It is very different from all the other songs,could it surprise everyone and do way better than anyone expected as his odds for getting out of the semi were stacked against him.

The song has stayed in my head since the performance. Simple but effective song and delivery. That said, it is hard to predict how it will get on in the final.

 

It is the type of song that will end up bottom 2 or make the top 10 is how i feel with it.

I really really really hope Ireland will show lgbt love on the stage.

So happy my wish came through! And the performance was much better than I dared to expect. For me it was the most moving performance in Eurovision I have ever experienced.

Many appear to have found the performance moving and in large the performance has had a positive response.

i think the video was well executed; a gay couple in love and the nuances of all that. it’s very easy to be cynical in the world of eurovision i know but i thought it worked for the most part and it sort of fits with the direction eire is moving in with these sorts of social issues doesn’t it?

 

 

Stop calling us Eire :huh:

I found it a beautiful performance and it's elevated the song to new heights for me too. Didn't expect it to qualify but am beyond pleased it has :wub:

Now just outside the top 10 on the bookies odds!

It's turning into a bit of a dark horse which is a great turn around from been totally ruled out of even qualifying.

Now 9th favourite!

I do understand why people are getting behind it, it is solid and performed well.