Many, many people on social media agree with Samantha Mumba that the ridiculous panel RTE threw out for Eurosong was vile with their comments. Many say they were unnecessarily cruel, obnoxious and sickening.
In response to Samantha Mumba’s criticism of the Eurosong judging panel, Donal Skehan stated that he is standing by his position and the comments he made that evening, reports RTE.
Skehan remarked in an Instagram message that he had “nothing but admiration” for the bravery required to participate and that he appreciated the work that each artist put into their performances.
“I understand that Samantha’s response is personal and comes from a place of deep emotion, something that is entirely understandable in such a high-stakes competition,” he said, reports RTE.
However, he added: “Tearing others down is never a good look, especially when everyone involved has worked to make the process as fair and constructive as possible,” reports RTE.
Mumba had already attacked the panel during Friday night’s The Late Late Show Eurosong Special, when her song My Way came second. Norwegian singer EMMY with Laika Party won the competition and will now represent Ireland in May’s Eurovision.
Skehan dismissed Mumba’s argument that the panel lacked the required qualifications, calling the statement “completely unprofessional,” reports RTE.
“Each of us was chosen for our experience, insights and passion for Eurovision,” he said. “Everyone on that panel took their role seriously and approached the night with thoughtfulness, integrity and respect for the artists.”
“It might be easy to write me off as ‘just a TV chef,’ but my career began in music,” he said in response to criticism of his own credentials. In 2008, I participated in Eurosong, backed groups like JLS and The Pussycat Dolls, and scored two number-one songs in Ireland with my band, Industry.
“My comments were never personal,” he continued. “They were about what would give Ireland the best chance of success on the Eurovision stage,” reports RTE.
Over the weekend, Mumba posted on Instagram to thank her fans and show her delight in her performance.
Mumba wrote: “Those that got it, GOT IT… and those that didn’t, that’s OK too. It’s my art, and I stand by it,” reports RTE.
Mumba added: “(Would have said this in person but they all left the green room before I had the opportunity to) unsurprisingly,” reports RTE.
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