Ireland Eurovision star Bambie Thug said they dealt with “an immeasurable amount of hatred” since the song contest.
The Cork native was the first singer to qualify Ireland for the final of the contest since 2018 with their song, Doomsday Blues. But despite the non-binary artist’s achievements since Eurovision, they admitted they’ve been dealing with a lot and have been unable to celebrate the major milestones.
Bambie said: “It’s important to highlight that while that’s amazing, it was also a very difficult year of my life. I was battled on all sides. Where there was immeasurable love there was immeasurable hatred thrown at me.
“I lost friends and my eyes were opened to so much wrong with the world and the system. I did it all while edging burnout, still having no base and in intense therapy for complex PTSD (which always decides to rob me of moments I should be celebrating).
Bambie Thug of Ireland performs the song Doomsday Blue during the dress rehearsal for the first semifinal at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, Monday, May 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
(Image: AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
“The lessons were hard but I’m grateful for the lessons. I’m so proud of myself cuz I won’t ever give up on me. I’m going into the new year definitely softer but also definitely stronger and dedicated to healing even more through honesty and art.
“I don’t know what is in store for me in 2025 apart from a bloody arena tour with Baby Metal…but that’s a pretty good start. Thank you to everyone who picked me up, held me and believed in me this year.
“Take Care of yourselves, be kindest to your own heart and make sure you rest when you need it…..Of course there is new music coming, lemme reboot xx”
Last year, Bambie said they learned a lot during the intensive Eurovision period.
“I think my media training went up tenfold, which is great. I learned a lot about performance for TV, which is awesome. I learned a lot of eye-opening stuff about how that side of it works.
Bambie Thug pictured out and about in Malmo Sweden
(Image: Andres Poveda)
“I think the lesson is to just continue to be honest and authentic. That will always win. People can have problems with me, but if I’ve been honest then it’s not my fault they have problems.”
“I grew up a lot and learned a lot and it’s given me an amazing platform,” they continued. “And I’m grateful to it. You need a lot of confidence and strength to get through any type of TV show.
“It’s a beautiful step on my journey and now my journey is going to go… [I] don’t know! But I’m excited. You know, I’m just really grateful for the scope that it’s given me.”