CO Derry's Brooke Scullion has said "thank you to everyone for your support and love" after missing out on a place in the Eurovision final.
The Bellaghy singer/songwriter also described performing for Ireland in the semi-final at the PalaOlimpico in Turin as an experience "I'll never forget".
The 23-year-old, who was third on The Voice UK in 2020 with mentor Meghan Trainor, had been hoping to change Ireland's recent fortunes in the contest.
Despite receiving a rapturous applause following her energetic performance of the song That's Rich last night, Ms Scullion - who wore a coordinated blue outfit as she opened her performance lying on a pink heart on the stage - failed to win over the international audience.
BBC Three commentators Scott Mills and Rylan Clark shared their commiserations with Ireland, with Clark saying: "I must say this as well, gutted for Ireland.
"But I know Brooke is just going to go out and have a really good night tonight."
Ireland has competed in the competition 54 times, triumphing on a record seven occasions, but has not won since 1996 with Eimear Quinn's The Voice. Ireland last qualified for the Eurovision final in 2018 with Ryan O'Shaughnessy and his song Together.
Speaking on RTÉ this morning, Ms Scullion said: "I am so proud of how far I've come and the support from home has been amazing.
"This Eurovision experience has been one I'll never forget and I hope is only a stepping stone to my career.
"Thank you to everyone for your support and love."
Tomorrow's final will see the 10 successful countries from Thursday night's semi-final join the 10 who secured places in Tuesday's semi-final round.
It will be broadcast on BBC Three, with commentary from TV star Clark and Radio 1 presenter Mills.
