Two teenagers, including a young singer from Co Down, will represent Ireland at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest this weekend.
Naomi Gribben, 13, from Mayobridge, and Caleb Kirwin, 14, from Leopardstown in Dublin, will compete in this year’s contest in Malta.
They are the only contestants performing a duet.
Naomi and Caleb made it to the final earlier this month after the search for Ireland’s Junior Eurovision entry came down to the two singers. The judges could not choose between them, so decided both would represent Ireland.
Naomi is the second contestant from Mayobridge to represent Ireland at Junior Eurovision, following Sophie Lennon, who competed in Armenia in 2022.
Unlike the main Eurovision contest, which Ireland boycotted in protest over Israel’s participation in 2026, Israel will not compete in Junior Eurovision, having only taken part three times in the past.
Where is the final being held?
The competition will take place at the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre in Ta’ Qali, Malta.
How can I watch?
The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will be broadcast live from Malta on Saturday at 8pm on TG4.
It can also be streamed live on the Junior Eurovision Song Contest official YouTube Channel.
Ireland’s entry will perform 13th in the running order, with 16 countries taking part.
Can I vote?
Fans will have two opportunities to cast their votes. Viewers can vote for their own country in Junior Eurovision.
The first voting window opened at 10.59pm on Friday and closes at 7.59pm on Saturday, shortly before the live show begins.
Voting will reopen after the final song has been performed, with around 15 minutes for viewers to cast their votes. The points will be announced during the show.
