LONDON – Punk icon John Lydon has failed in his bid to become Ireland’s nominee for the Eurovision Song Contest.
The former Sex Pistols frontman and his post-punk band Public Image Ltd. entered the song “Hawaii” into the national runoff for the continent-wide competition in May.
Judges and viewers at a televised final on Friday chose the song ‘We Are One’ by the band Wild Youth to represent Ireland at the competition in May. “Hawaii” finished fourth out of six finalists.
Once known as Johnny Rotten, the ex-punk firebrand was born in London to Irish parents. He said “Hawaii” is a tribute to his wife Nora, who lives with Alzheimer’s disease.
Eurovision was founded in 1956 to unite a continent scarred by World War II. More than 40 countries are fighting for the continent’s pop music crown.
The 2023 competition will be held in the English city of Liverpool after Britain was asked to hold the event on behalf of Ukraine.
Ukraine won the right to host the pop extravaganza when their entry, folk-rap ensemble Kalush Orchestra, won the 2022 competition. Second was the Brit Sam Ryder.
UK organizers say the event will be a celebration of Ukrainian culture and creativity, as well as Liverpool’s musical heritage.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, transcribed or redistributed without permission.
