Westlife fanbase to help Eurovision bid - Nicky

Nicky Byrne with backing band Ian White, Jennifer Healy, Jason Boland and Janet Grogan at Dublin Airport. Photo: Kyran O’Brien

Kirsty Blake Knox

A nervous Nicky Byrne said 'Adjo' to his family and fans as he made his way to Stockholm ahead of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest.

The former Westlife star will represent Ireland this year and is hopeful he can bring the Eurovision crown back to our shores.

"It's a massive undertaking but very exciting," he told the Irish Independent. "I'm buzzing really."

Byrne is hopeful Swedish Westlife fans will lend him their support in the coming days.

"I think the Westlife fanbase hopefully around the world will help a little bit. There's a fanbase there in Sweden. It is a sleeping giant," he said.

Byrne will perform 'Sunlight', which he has co-written with renowned songwriter Wayne Hector and Irish composer Ronan Hardiman - who wrote the theme music for RTÉ's 'Six One News', as well as the score for Michael Flatley's 'Lord of the Dance'.

Former Irish Eurovision champion Paul Harrington was among those wishing Nicky well.

"He called into our rehearsals and gave me a great little pep-talk," Byrne said. "It was really nice."

Byrne said his on-stage performance will rely heavily on LED light systems.

Ireland last won the Eurovision 20 years ago with Eimear Quinn's haunting melody, 'The Voice'.

The Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals will air on RTÉ 2 on May 10 and 12.