Bambie Thug's controversial Eurovision rise: Ireland's final hope

In the Eurovision contest, stirring up controversy often appears to be the key to success. Non-binary artist Bambie Thug underscored this, securing a spot in the final for Ireland with their riveting performance. But who exactly are they?

The first semi-final of Eurovision 2024 has concluded, introducing us to the ten acts that will vie for the crown in the upcoming final. This year, like those before it, was rife with controversy.

After Tuesday's performance, the betting odds for Ireland's representative, Bambie Thug, soared. The non-binary artist performed "Doomsday Blue," which sparked significant controversy. This was particularly notable given Ireland's majority Catholic demographic. In their contest entry, 31-year-old Bambie Ray Robinson explores the theme of a breakup with a blend of alternative rock and avant-pop. The song's dark tone, paired with Thug's striking performance concluding with the scream of "Avada Kedavra" (a fatal spell from the "Harry Potter" series), captivated many.

Bambie Ray Robinson, born in Maroom, County Cork, grew up in a family with Irish and Swedish roots. Diagnosed with ADHD in childhood, Bambie initially pursued ballet before shifting to musical theatre upon moving to London in 2014, marking their first serious foray into music. After graduating, they signed with a talent agency, which pressured them into the bubblegum pop genre, leading Bambie to terminate the contract. Their debut single, "Birthday," emerged in March 2021 during a tumultuous time of drug addiction.

Bambie's Tuesday performance drew polarized reactions, not least for the pentagram they traced on stage within a circle of candles, sparking claims of Satanism. Addressing the ensuing media frenzy, Bambie clarified their practice of neopagan witchcraft, rather than Satanism, focusing on sigil magic and manifestation.

Ireland secured its place in the final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest alongside Serbia (Teya Dora, "Ramonda"), Portugal (Iolanda, "Grito"), Slovenia (Raiven, "Veronika"), Ukraine (Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil, "Teresa & Maria"), Lithuania (Silvester Belt, "Luktelk"), Finland (Windows95man, "No Rules!"), Cyprus (Silia Kapsis, "Liar"), Croatia (Baby Lasagna, "Rim Tim Tagi Dim"), and Luxembourg (Tali, "Fighter"). Following Tuesday's performance, the 31-year-old artist climbed from 7th to 5th place in the Eurovision World rankings, boosting their chances of clinching the title.