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Wednesday, January 13, 2016 11:43am ET by  
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Westlife's Nicky Byrne representing Ireland during Eurovision

Former Westlife singer, Nicky Byrne, will represent his country, Ireland, at this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

Scheduled to take part in Stockholm on Saturday May 14, the event will be televised globally as usual.

News of Byrne's participation was confirmed on the official Eurovision website following a week of rumours. The singer re-confirmed it on his Twitter (see left).

The Irishman will sing a song he co-wrote with Wayne Hector, who has written several Westlife No. 1 singles including 'Flying Without Wings'. Their Eurovision song is called 'Sunlight'.

The Irish have a history of winning the competition, starting with Johnny Logan winning in 1987 with 'What's Another Year'. The country has won a total of 7 times. Former Westlife manager and X Factor judge, Louis Walsh, was his manager then.

However, Jedward was the country's biggest disappointment getting the lowest score for the country in all its Eurovision history at 11th place in 2011 with 'Lipstick.'

Byrne said: 

'I have a great memory as a nine year old, of dancing around our sitting room in a tri-colour sweatshirt when Johnny Logan lifted the trophy in 1987. Eurovision is a TV show and song contest like no other and for the past three years my Eurovision experience has gotten better and my affiliation grown stronger, as I have proudly delivered the Irish votes live from Dublin.

'This year I go one step further, and actually walk on that stage to represent my country. I will give it my best shot. Sweden… here we come!’

Byrne will have to qualify from one of the semi-finals in order to secure a place in the Eurovision final. One semi-final will take place on May 10, and the other on May 12.

Byrne also announced that he has signed a recording contract with Universal Ireland today.

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Watch the winning song 'Heros' performed in last year's Eurovision Song Contest, and Nicky Byrne's lyric video for 'Sunlight', below: 

 

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