In a heartwarming twist that has sent waves of excitement through Irish and international Eurovision circles, a beloved member of the iconic Irish boyband Westlife is making a spectacular return to the Eurovision spotlight—nine years after fans claim he was “robbed” of victory.
Mark Feehily’s Grand Return
RTE confirmed earlier this week that Mark Feehily, the powerhouse vocalist of Westlife and long-time favorite of both pop aficionados and Eurovision enthusiasts, will step into a major role for Ireland’s 2025 Eurovision campaign. The news has ignited jubilation across social media, with hashtags like #MarkIsBack and #EurovisionJustice trending within hours.
Feehily, who first attempted to represent Ireland in 2016 with a soaring ballad that critics and fans hailed as “a Eurovision classic in the making,” was ultimately overlooked during the national selection process—a move many called one of the biggest Eurovision snubs in Irish history. At the time, the track was praised for its emotive delivery, strong vocals, and staging potential. But the opportunity slipped away, leaving Feehily’s fans disheartened and accusing RTE of having fumbled what could have been a winning hand.
‘We Never Forgot’: Fans Rejoice
Fast-forward nearly a decade, and the redemption arc is complete. RTE’s announcement has confirmed that Feehily will not only be returning as Ireland’s 2025 Eurovision performer but will also serve as a creative director and co-writer for the song—cementing his role as both a vocal and artistic force behind the campaign.
Social media erupted with messages of support:
“We NEVER forgot what they did to Mark in 2016. This is justice. This is the comeback of a king!”
—@eurofan88
“Ireland sending THE voice of Westlife with creative control? Finally, a smart move. Welcome back, legend.”
—@EurovisionHeart
Westlife’s official account also chimed in, tweeting:
“The best is BACK. So proud of our brother Mark—go show Europe what we’ve always known! 🇮🇪🎤🌟”
The Song: What We Know So Far
While full details remain under wraps, insiders at RTE have confirmed that Feehily’s entry is “a powerful anthem blending modern production with timeless ballad sensibilities”—a description that instantly evokes memories of Westlife’s signature style. The track was reportedly co-written with a team of acclaimed songwriters, including Sweden’s Linnea Deb and Ireland’s RuthAnne Cunningham, both of whom have penned Eurovision hits in the past.
A short teaser of the song, played during a late-night RTE music segment, featured swelling strings, a pulsing beat, and Feehily’s unmistakable voice rising in a soul-stirring crescendo. Already, Eurovision pundits are touting it as a potential top contender for 2025.
A New Era for Ireland?
Ireland, once a Eurovision powerhouse with seven wins, has struggled in recent years to recapture its former glory. Last year’s entry failed to qualify for the final, sparking renewed criticism of RTE’s selection methods and a national conversation about what kind of representation Ireland should send to the competition.
Bringing in a household name like Feehily—who combines vocal talent, international recognition, and pop pedigree—is widely seen as a signal that RTE is serious about reasserting Ireland’s dominance on the Eurovision stage.
“Mark has the voice, the experience, and the charisma to connect with millions,” said Eurovision expert Siobhán McCarthy. “But just as importantly, he understands how the contest works. This could be a real turning point.”
The 2016 ‘Robbery’: A Painful Memory Revisited
For many fans, the announcement has stirred old emotions surrounding Feehily’s 2016 entry, which was passed over in favor of a lesser-known act. At the time, fan outcry was fierce, and a petition demanding his reinstatement garnered over 10,000 signatures. Though Feehily remained gracious, he admitted in a later interview that the snub “hurt deeply.”
“It was one of the most personal songs I had ever written,” he said. “To put that out there and not even get the chance to bring it to the Eurovision stage—it was tough. But maybe it wasn’t the right time. Maybe this is.”
What Lies Ahead
Feehily is expected to unveil the full version of his Eurovision entry at a live televised special this autumn, where staging plans and promotional strategies will also be revealed. He will embark on a pan-European promo tour in early 2025, visiting key markets like Sweden, the UK, Italy, and the Netherlands ahead of the contest in May.
In a statement released by RTE, Feehily expressed his excitement and gratitude:
“This is a dream I’ve held onto for a long time. To be trusted with this opportunity, and to represent my country on such a global stage, is incredibly humbling. I can’t wait to share this journey with you all.”
A Moment of Hope
For Irish Eurovision fans long-starved of success, Mark Feehily’s return feels like more than just a musical comeback—it’s a rekindling of national pride, a mending of past wounds, and perhaps, a long-awaited return to Eurovision glory.
As one fan succinctly put it:
“He never needed a second chance. He just needed his moment. And now it’s here.”
would you like a version of this for print or social media formats too?
