What’s Going On With Samantha Mumba & Donal Skehan?

Pic: Andres Poveda

Samantha Mumba took to the Eurosong stage on Friday night with the hope that she would represent Ireland in Eurovision later this year.

She went up against the likes of Bobbi Arlo, Reylta, ADGY and NIYL.

The Late Late Show’s Eurosong special saw Norwegian singer EMMY selected to represent Ireland with her song Laika Party.

Taking to Instagram, Samantha reflected on the competition and criticised the judging panel that consisted of Ireland’s 2024 Eurovision entry Bambie Thug, celebrity chef and former Eurosong contestant Donal Skehan, 2FM broadcaster Laura Fox and Dancing with the Stars judge Arthur Gourounlian.

Arthur Gourounlian, Laura Fox, Donal Skehan and Bambie Thug Pic: Andres Poveda

She wrote: “Special mention to the “panel” (aside from Bambie who I stan) who not only didn’t have the credentials, experience or professionalism required and were unnecessarily rude and vile to all the finalists – my parting gift them is a bag of [aubergine emoji] to slowly choke on. (Would have said this in person but they all left the green room before I had the opportunity to) unsurprisingly.”

In the post she thanked her team, her fans and those who helped her get to Eurosong.

“I meant to post this yesterday but I was wrecked,” she began.

 

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A post shared by Samantha Mumba (@samanthamumba)

“Thank you so so much for all the incredible messages and love!! I’ve tried to respond to them all. I am beyond proud of myself and the team for all the work and dedication we all put into this performance. I honestly wouldn’t change a thing. Truly. Those that got it, GOT IT…..and those that didn’t, that’s ok too. It’s my art and I stand by it.”

She then went on to thank the rest of her team and the Late Late team.

Pic: Andres Poveda

She concluded: “Lastly- huge thank you to @latelaterte who has the absolute best crew and team. It was a joy to see and work with you all again!! Most importantly the very best of luck to the sweetest @emmykgk00 please fly the flag and make us proud in Switzerland!!”

Judge Donal later responded to Samantha’s post, saying: “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. However, tearing others down is never a good look, especially when everyone involved has worked to make the process as fair and constructive as possible.

“To insult the credentials of myself and my fellow panelists, Laura Fox and Arthur Gourounlian is completely unprofessional. Each of us was chosen for our experience, insights, and passion for Eurovision. Everyone on that panel took their role seriously and approached the night with thoughtfulness, integrity, and respect for the artists.”

He also shared a selfie of himself with the word ‘BOZO’ across it, and two aubergine emojis.

A spokesperson for RTÉ said: “We are extremely grateful to the Late Late Show Eurosong panel for their professionalism, insight, integrity and good humour. Their role is to give their honest reaction to the performances on the night, offering their thoughts on the likely success of the song and act at the Eurovision Song Contest. Our panel did this in a thoughtful and considered way.

“It seems this was in line with the public vote that ultimately made the decision on the artist and song they wished to represent Ireland at this year’s contest. It’s never easy to offer a personal opinion, as not everyone will agree. Our panel did that with the utmost care and we wish to extend our thanks to them for the excellent job they did on Friday night.”