RTE TELEVISION in Ireland launched You’re A Star in November 2004 in the search for the next Irish entrant to the Eurovision 2005. Thousands of hopefuls attended auditions around the country in Waterford, Limerick, Sligo, Dublin and Portlaoise. Ann Harrington from Kells in County Meath was voted through by the Irish public as a “wildcard” act and appeared on the first show in January.
Ann is the niece of 1994 Eurovision Song Contest winner Paul Harrington, who performed Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids with Charlie McGettigan, so there were high hopes of double Eurovision glory for the Harrington family. In the early shows, each act performed their own compositions and Ann sang Prayers and Kisses. In subsequent weeks, they performed a variety of well known covers and Ann chose to sing Holiday by Madonna. By February, Eurovision fever reached a peak in Ireland! Each week, two acts were eliminated by the voting public and, although Ann didn’t win, she is widely recognised by the Irish public as a strong musical talent.
Ann knows the Lagos area well and was delighted to be given the chance to perform at the Oceânico restaurant, Estrela do Mar, in the main Avenida in Lagos. She will be singing on several occasions: August 19, 20, 27, 28 and 29.
As August 29 is also the ‘Festa do Banho’ (dip party) in Lagos, where the Portuguese head for the sea at midnight, the audience will be able to take advantage of the fabulous views from the restaurant over the bay of Meia Praia and the main Avenida to enjoy the fireworks at midnight.
