FORMER Westlife singer Nicky Byrne has lost out on winning Ireland a place in the Eurovision Song Contest final after his entry Sunlight failed to gain enough support.
The singer took to the stage in Stockholm in a leather and suede jacket, keeping staging simple with just his band in the background.
A spotlight was trained on Byrne as he belted out his song from the centre of the stage - in contrast with the complex choreography and flashy outfits which featured in many other contestants' acts.
Byrne was one of 18 acts vying for a place in the final. He lost out to several other entries, including from Bulgaria, Belgium and Australia.
Ireland is the most successful Eurovision country, with seven wins in total, but it has been 20 years since the country last held the crown.
Speaking before his performance on Thursday, he said he would try his best on the Eurovision stage.
"My attitude is that I'll go out there and give it my very best shot. If I do that then I know I've done my family and country proud," he said.
"The level of support I've received from home has been incredible. I can't wait to get out on stage tonight and just go for it!"
It was the first year that Ireland's entry had been chosen without a public vote. There was added pressure on Byrne with the eyes of America watching, as the show was broadcast across the pond for the first time too.
Byrne said he had "been thinking for a while" about moving between presenting the results for RTÉ and standing on the stage himself and the timing this year seemed like serendipity.
"I presented the results for the last few years on RTÉ and I've seen the disappointment when the Irish entry doesn't get through to the final," he said.
"I was working on my first solo album and I thought Sunlight could be the perfect track for Eurovision."
He "absolutely" believes that Eurovision produces credible pop songs and has already called on Ireland's up-and-coming acts to think about entering next year.
"It's an incredible opportunity to represent my country in front of a global audience. I would recommend it to any music act to take on the challenge next year - there is no bigger platform. I'm so proud that I have the opportunity to fly the flag for Ireland at Eurovision 2016."
France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK are automatic finalists, along with host nation Sweden.
