Swords star Nikki bids for Eurovision glory

A NORTHSIDE woman is hoping to contest this year’s Eurovision Song Contest for Ireland.

On Friday, February 27 on

‘The Late Late Show’, Swords native Nikki Kavanagh (36), will learn whether she has beaten four other performers for the accolade of representing her country in Vienna in May. The artists who will contend the Eurosong 2015 final along with Nikki are Kat Mohan, Alex Saint, Erika Selin and Molly Sterling. Established singer songwriter Nikki reckons 2015 could be her year.

‘Memories’, co-written by Kavanagh, is a powerful, lyrical composition, and Nikki’s strong vocals ensured a place in the 2015 finals, out of over 300 entries this year.

The professional singer lost out narrowly to Jedward’s

‘Lipstick’ in Ireland’s EuroSong 2011 selection process, where her song

‘Falling’ was the runner-up.

Nikki has been a backing vocalist for Ireland’s Eurovision Song Contest entry four times. She supported Niamh Kavanagh in the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo, where the Irish entry,

‘It’s for You’, qualified for the final.

She also appeared on EuroSong 2008, as a backing vocalist for Ireland’s entry by Marc Roberts, as well as for Zoe Alexis in 2013 and for Patricia Roe last year.

Nikki said

‘Memories’ has had a great reaction from the public and from the music industry.

“It is a fresh arrangement that ticks all of the Eurovision boxes,

? she told Northside People.

“I am lucky to have been part of Ireland’s Eurovision entry twice now, and believe I have the vocal talent and performance experience, as well as the maturity, to deliver for Ireland in Vienna.

?

Ireland is one of the most successful Eurovision participating nations, having won the grand-prix of song seven times.

An experienced live performer, Nikki has sung backing vocals for artists such as Debbie Harry, Cilla Black, Rod Stewart, and Dannii Minogue in her 15-year music career.

Apart from being one of Ireland’s most in-demand wedding singers, the professional singer has performed with the RTE Concert Orchestra and the Modern Gospel Ensemble at major venues including the National Concert Hall, The Helix and Vicar Street.

Another string to Nikki’s bow is her business acumen. The talented Northsider, who is also an award-winning professional make-up artist, recently opened her own bridal boutique in Ratoath, County Meath.

Acknowledged as one of Ireland’s best female vocalists, the great combination of the singer and the song could see Nikki waltzing to Vienna this summer!