‘My energies are ready to be released’ – Bambie Thug summons fans for one final push to ‘Crown the Witch’ in Eurovision final

However, the non-binary artist spoke yesterday afternoon about a heavy mood surrounding the grand final.

Yesterday’s dress rehearsal was fraught. Those in the arena were surprised when the Netherlands’ act, Joost Klein, did not take to the stage, despite appearing at the opening flag ceremony.

Shortly afterwards, organiser the ­European Broadcasting Union (EBU) issued a statement saying it was “investigating an incident”.

There were disruptions through the dress rehearsal.

Speaking about the “incident”, Bambie Thug said they were asleep at the time it happened, but things had become “very intense” backstage.

The Irish artist, who will perform 10th tonight with Doomsday Blue, said mentally they were in “a different zone” compared with Tuesday’s semi-final.

“I don’t know whether I’m in a more grounded zone or my roots just feel much more clasped into the earth,” they said.

“I’m always ready. My energies are definitely ready to be released on stage. There is a different energy, definitely… a much more fierce energy and a much more heavy energy.”

Bambie Thug arrived at the press conference wearing a keffiyeh – a traditional Palestinian scarf.

There have been continuing calls for the organisers to expel Israel from the contest, as well as protests in Malmo throughout the week opposing Israel’s participation.

Earlier in the week, Bambie Thug said they were ordered by the EBU to remove Ogham writing from their body that read “Freedom for Palestine” and “Ceasefire”. They replaced it with their slogan “Crown the Witch”.

Asked if they thought the controversy surrounding Israel’s involvement was overshadowing the event, they said: “It is a complete overshadow for everything.

“It goes against everything that Eurovision is meant to be. It’s a big community together and their contestant was never allowed to even meet us.

“God forbid we might have some conversation where minds might be changed. It’s definitely a cloud above it for everyone.”

It has been reported that the ­Israeli delegation had been ordered not to leave their hotel due to increased security threats. There has been heightened security around the arena in recent days, with armoured vehicles and a heavy police presence.

It has been a politically tense contest this year, and Bambie Thug said they believe the EBU should “gain some heart and some conscience and some humanity” in relation to how they deal with contentious issues in the future.

Despite the disrupted dress rehearsal, Bambie Thug was feeling confident before their performance tonight and spoke about how much it would mean to win.

The last time Ireland won Eurovision was in 1996 with Eimear Quinn’s The Voice, while the last time we qualified for the final was in 2018 with Ryan O’Shaughnessy’s Together.

“It would mean everything,” said Bambie, who is from Co Cork.

“It would be so incredible for us. I am so proud of my country on a global scale, and of its morals, its heart and art. It would be an amazing year for Cork. Imagine if Cillian Murphy got the ­Oscar and we get the Eurovision?

“I could win and I am fearful that we will miss a lot of votes because of the boycotting… but there are 200 million viewers and, regardless, our performance stands out and it is undeniable how theatrical it is.”

They also encouraged “the witches of Europe” to vote for them, saying “Get out and vote and crown the witch. Get the spells out, get the cleansing energies out.”

Asked why people should vote for them, they said: “You should vote for Bambie Thug for art, for change, to shake things up. And for the best song and the best performer in the competition.”

This evening, 26 acts will take to the stage in the grand final. The favourite to win is Croatian act Baby Lasagna, with their song Rim Tim Tagi Dim, which features the lyrics: “Ay, I’m a big boy now, I’m ready to leave, ciao, mamma, ciao.”

Non-binary Swiss act Nemo is also fancied to make it into the top five with their ‘popera’ song The Code, about self-discovery.

Bambie Thug cited Nemo as one of their favourite acts and said it was amazing having “a little queer gang” in the contest.

Estonia’s 5MIINUST X Puuluup are a bit of a dark horse – the title of their song translates to (We Still) Don’t Know Anything About (These) Drugs; and Sweden’s answer to Jedward, Marcus & Martinus, should do well with their slick song, Unforgettable.

In Malmo yesterday, many Irish fans spoke about their excitement ahead of the grand final. Alex Rice, from Dublin, said Bambie Thug had “done the Eurovision fandom and the country proud”.

British presenter Rylan Clark also said he hopes Bambie does well.

“I love them and am so thrilled you have qualified for the first time in a good few years,” the former X Factor star said.

If Ireland does win, RTÉ’s commentator Marty Whelan said he would be honoured to be asked to help host.

“I’m always available. The suits still fit. Until Winning Streak comes back, the suits are still in the wardrobe,” he said.

Asked what their plans were following Eurovision, Bambie Thug said: “I look forward to getting my own room and somewhere to live, I look forward to opening Download festival and more festivals, more music and creating more art for ever and ever.”