Kavanagh Aims For Eurovision Double-Whammy

Ireland's entry into this years Eurovision Song Contest is tipped for success after being voted through to this Saturday's final.

Niamh Kavanagh, who won the title back in 1993, qualified into the top ten from the competition's second semi-final held last night.

She will be joined by Welsh singer Jon Lilygreen, representing Cyprus, and Safura, from Azerbaijan.

Automatic qualifiers Germany, Spain, France, the UK and host nation Norway will also compete in Saturday's final.

In a Eurovision upset, Anna Bergendahl, Sweden's entry was eliminated from the final despite being listed as a favourite.

The Netherlands, Lithuania, Switzerland, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Croatia also failed to impress.

Favourites included Romanian duo Paula Seling and Ovi who shot fire from their hands while singing Playing With Fire, Turkish entrants maNga - who won Best European Act at last year's MTV Music Awards, and Israel with Harel Skaat accompanied by a grand piano.

Upon qualifying Kavanagh commented: "I'm having the best time and I can't wait to get back on the stage on Saturday."

Josh Dubovie, 19, from Basildon in Essex is this year's UK entrant. He will perform That Sounds Good To Me, written and produced by Pete Waterman and Mike Stock.

(BMcN/GK)