Birthday girl Aimée bids for Eurovision glory

Up
and coming recording artist and dancer Aimée Fitzpatrick, from Rivervalley in
Swords, will compete against four other hopefuls on this Friday’s Late Late
Show (February 22).

Aimée,
who will turn 18 on the day, is hot favourite to win a place on the Eurovision
stage with her song

‘Crashing Down’.

The
stunning Northside teen, one of the hottest new talents on the Irish music
scene, was chosen to sing by mentor Mark McCabe.

Mr
McCabe was among those tasked by RTE to find an act and a song worthy of
representing Ireland in Sweden this year.

“I
was absolutely delighted and shocked to have been approached to sing, I
couldn’t believe it,

? Aimée told Northside People.

“I
was always a big fan of the Eurovision but I never dreamed that some day I
might get the chance to compete to represent Ireland in it.

?

The
teenager, who records under the name Aimée, only started singing two years ago
but has already made a name for herself. She has garnered the affections of a
legion of fans from her YouTube videos, where she performs her own adaptations
of well-known popular chart songs by artists who inspire her.

Over
the past three months her YouTube channel has seen over half a million viewers
from a loyal fan base. Her most recent recording had over 120,000 views in less
than 72 hours.

Last
minute nerves were replaced with worries last week when she came down with an
illness.

“I
woke up with a sore throat last Thursday so I freaked out thinking that I
wouldn’t be well for this week,

? she said.

“I’m
sure I’ll be fine though even though I’m very nervous. Hopefully, I won’t let
that show on the night.

“The
performance will be very simple with me, a piano and a guitar.

?

Aimée
is also an accomplished dancer and choreographer and often teaches at the
renowned Backstreet Dance Studios, which is run by her mother Tina and sister
Nikki.

Irish
songwriter Robert Grace wrote

‘Crashing Down’.

Mentor
Mark McCabe, who is a radio DJ and music produced, described how he knew
instantly that Aimée would be the right fit for the song.

“As
soon as I heard Aimée singing this song, I knew straight away it was what I was
looking for,

? he said.

“We’ve
lost our way with the Eurovision over the last few years.

“Aimée
and this song bring it right back to what it’s all about. Not glitz, not glam
nor production. It’s about the song.

?

Mr
McCabe said he has no doubt that Aimée has a massive career ahead of her.

“Her
distinct vocal ability is of an international standard, and this song is just
the start of things to come,

? he added.

“She is a star.

?

As
was the case last year, Ireland’s Eurovision entry will be selected by a
combination of public and regional jury vote.

This
year’s Eurovision will be held in Sweden with Ireland competing in the first
semi-final on Tuesday May 14. The final will take place on Saturday May 18.