Doomsday Blue
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Short description|2023 song by Bambie Thug}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Doomsday Blue
| cover = Doomsday Blue.jpeg
| alt =
| caption = Intimate version cover artwork
| type = single
| artist = Bambie Thug
| EP = Cathexis
| released = {{Start date|2023|10|13|df=yes}}
| recorded =
| studio =
| genre = Electro-metal
| length = 3:03
| label = Self-released
| writer = * Bambie Ray Robinson
- Olivia Cassy Brooking
- Sam Matlock
- Tylr Rydr
| producer = Tylr Rydr
| prev_title = Last Summer (I Know What You Did)
| prev_year = 2023
| next_title = Hex So Heavy
| next_year = 2024
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|3IWAke4NPEU|"Doomsday Blue"}}}}
{{Infobox song contest entry | embed=yes
| song = {{flagicon|Ireland}} "Doomsday Blue"
| image =
| caption =
| year = 2024
| country = Ireland
| artist =
| as =
| with =
| language = English
| place = 6th
| points = 278
| place_semi = 3rd
| points_semi = 124
| clip =
| prev = We Are One
| prev_link = We Are One (Wild Youth song)
| prev_year = 2023
| next = Laika Party
| next_year = 2025
| next_link = Laika Party
}}
{{External music video|header=Official performance video|{{YouTube|BNc5zTYkTaQ|"Doomsday Blue" (First Semi-Final)}}
{{YouTube|UMq8ofCstMQ|"Doomsday Blue" (Grand Final)}}}}
}}
"Doomsday Blue" is a song by Irish singer-songwriter Bambie Ray Robinson, known by their{{efn|Bambie Thug uses they/them and fae/faer pronouns; this article uses they/them pronouns for consistency.}} stage name, Bambie Thug. Self-described as "an electro-metal breakdown", it was written by Robinson, Olivia Cassy Brooking, Sam Matlock, and Tylr Rydr. The song was self-released on 13 October 2023, as part of their first extended play, Cathexis. The song represented {{esccnty|Ireland|y=2024}} in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, where it finished in sixth place at the final with 278 points. It marked the first time since {{esccnty|Ireland|y=2018|t=2018}} that {{esccnty|Ireland}} had qualified for the final.
The song was met with a divided reaction amongst Irish society, becoming a polarising song between various political and social groups in Ireland. It was met with praise from numerous past Irish contestants and media personalities, who remarked that the song was more unique than past Irish Eurovision entries. However, it was also derided by several conservative personalities. "Doomsday Blue" drew commercial success, becoming Robinson's first charting song in their home country.
Background and composition
"Doomsday Blue" was composed by Bambie Ray Robinson, Olivia Cassy "Cassyette" Brooking (who also provided uncredited backing vocals), Sam Matlock, and Tylr Rydr. In interviews given out by Robinson, Robinson claims the song is about heartbreak, deception, and the pain of unrequited love, describing it as "explosive" and "hard-hitting" but also "sweet" and "soulful".{{Cite web |last=Ten Veen |first=Renske |date=11 January 2024 |title=Ireland: Bambie Thug releases Eurosong 2024 song "Doomsday Blue" |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2024/01/11/ireland-bambie-thug-releases-eurosong-2024-song-doomsday-blues/279143/ |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=Wiwibloggs |archive-date=13 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313163000/https://wiwibloggs.com/2024/01/11/ireland-bambie-thug-releases-eurosong-2024-song-doomsday-blues/279143/ |url-status=live }} In an interview with ESCBubble, they said that the song was originally written in Wembley. They explained that whilst writing the song with Rydr, they intended to include as many different genres as possible, describing the song as "genre-defying".{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS4tPFEoHpA&ab_channel=ESCBubble |title=Bambie Thug - Doomsday Blue / Eurosong 2024 Ireland Eurovision / Interview |date=22 January 2024 |last=ESCBubble |type=Video |access-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128085838/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS4tPFEoHpA&ab_channel=ESCBubble |archive-date=28 January 2024 |url-status=bot: unknown |via=YouTube |website= }} They described the song's composition as a mixture of alternative rock, pop, and jazz. They also described the song as "an electro-metal breakdown" that shows their music style and performance, including using a variety of genres and "switching things up" at the end of the song. The BBC's Mark Savage described the song to be "about having [one's] potential overlooked, and the marginalisation of the queer community".{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crgy7l6er7vo|title=Eurovision 2024: Your guide to all 37 songs|date=5 May 2024|first=Mark|last=Savage|publisher=BBC|access-date=11 May 2024}}
The song's lyrics feature numerous "spells", including the Aramaic incantation "Avada Kedavra", a phrase popularised by the Harry Potter franchise, in which it is used to refer to the "Killing Curse", a curse that causes instantaneous and painless death. In a post on Twitter, Robinson stated that, as a non-binary person, they were "not a fan" of J. K. Rowling due to her views on transgender topics, but instead a "fan of being clever with language".{{Cite tweet |user=Bambiethug |number=1745532901372932236 |title=ts origins can be traced back thousands of years to the Aramaic language it means ' to destroy'. I was a Harry Potter fan as a kid but obviously as a nonbinary person I am not a JK Terf fan. I am however a fan of being clever with language xx}}{{Cite web |last=Ó Liatháin |first=Concubchar |date=27 January 2024 |title=From Macroom to Malmo: Cork's Bambie Thug chosen to represent Ireland at Eurovision 2024 |url=https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41318752.html |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=Echo Live |language=en |archive-date=31 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131105910/https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41318752.html |url-status=live }}
According to Robinson, they initially applied for Eurosong 2024 to "curse out" memories of being raped in May 2023 by an unnamed acquaintance, around three weeks before they were set to make their debut festival performance.{{Cite web |last=Hammond |first=Saoirse |date=31 January 2024 |title=IRISH EUROVISION STAR BAMBIE THUG OPENS UP ABOUT THEIR 'BATTLE TO GET THROUGH EVERYDAY' FOLLOWING SEXUAL ASSAULT NIGHTMARE |url=https://goss.ie/showbiz/irish-eurovision-star-bambie-thug-opens-up-about-their-battle-to-get-through-everyday-following-sexual-assault-nightmare-367809 |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=Goss.ie |archive-date=31 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131125958/https://goss.ie/showbiz/irish-eurovision-star-bambie-thug-opens-up-about-their-battle-to-get-through-everyday-following-sexual-assault-nightmare-367809 |url-status=live }} When applying for Eurosong, they decided that out of the songs they had considered, "Doomsday Blue" worked best for Eurovision and the Irish audience. On 11 January 2024, Robinson was officially announced as a participant in Eurosong 2024.{{cite web |date=11 January 2024 |title=Bambie Thug revealed as fifth Eurosong hopeful |url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2024/0111/1426016-bambie-thug-revealed-as-fifth-eurosong-hopeful/ |access-date=31 January 2024 |publisher=RTÉ |language=en |archive-date=11 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111160130/https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2024/0111/1426016-bambie-thug-revealed-as-fifth-eurosong-hopeful/ |url-status=live }}
Music video and promotion
An accompanying music video was released on 8 March 2024, and was produced by Dublin-based production company CAMP. According to Robinson, they initially intended for the video to be "very dark" but relented after hearing that children liked their song, instead making it "a little more cutesy, spooky and comedic".{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=William Lee |date=8 March 2024 |title=Hex on the ex! Bambie Thug shares "Doomsday Blue" music video — and gives Eurovision song a cutesy twist |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2024/03/08/hex-on-the-ex-bambie-thug-shares-doomsday-blue-music-video-and-gives-eurovision-song-a-cutesy-twist/280507/ |access-date=6 April 2024 |website=Wiwibloggs |language=en-US}} The music video features a young witch writing in a "blaze bible" to cast a boyfriend, later transferring into a "candy-coloured dream world" that Robinson claims was inspired by the colours of the transgender flag. The boyfriend later ends up turning into a creature with the world breaking down, signalling the start of a toxic relationship, and for Robinson, "how quickly a situation can turn unsafe [for queer people]".{{Cite magazine |last=Reilly |first=Nick |date=8 March 2024 |title=Eurovision: Ireland's Bambie Thug shares 'Doomsday Blue' video |url=https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/news/eurovision-irelands-bambie-thug-shares-doomsday-blue-video-satanism-37439/ |access-date=6 April 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-GB |archive-date=7 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407044601/https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/news/eurovision-irelands-bambie-thug-shares-doomsday-blue-video-satanism-37439/ |url-status=live }}
To further promote the song, Robinson confirmed their intent to participate in several Eurovision pre-parties throughout the months of March and April, including Pre-Party ES 2024 on 30 March,{{Cite web |last=Garnett |first=Georgia |date=16 March 2024 |title=🇮🇪 Bambie Thug to perform at Pre-Party ES 2024 |url=https://thateurovisionsite.com/2024/03/16/bambie-thug-pre-party-es-2024/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407044600/https://thateurovisionsite.com/2024/03/16/bambie-thug-pre-party-es-2024/ |archive-date=7 April 2024 |access-date=6 April 2024 |website=That Eurovision Site |language=en-GB}} the London Eurovision Party 2024 on 7 April,{{Cite web |last=Melvan |first=Mario |date=13 March 2024 |title=Bambie Thug from Ireland will bewitch at London Eurovision Party 2024 |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2024/03/13/bambie-thug-london-eurovision-party/280397/ |access-date=6 April 2024 |website=Wiwibloggs |language=en-US}} and Eurovision in Concert 2024 on 13 April.{{Cite web |last=Gannon |first=Rory |date=6 March 2024 |title=🇮🇪 Bambie Thug to perform at Eurovision in Concert 2024 |url=https://thateurovisionsite.com/2024/03/06/bambie-thug-eurovision-in-concert-2024/ |access-date=6 April 2024 |website=That Eurovision Site |language=en-GB |archive-date=7 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407044600/https://thateurovisionsite.com/2024/03/06/bambie-thug-eurovision-in-concert-2024/ |url-status=live }}
Critical reception
= Irish media and personalities =
"Doomsday Blue" has drawn praise from numerous past Irish Eurovision entrants. Johnny Logan, who won Eurovision for Ireland in {{Escyr|1980}} and {{Escyr|1987}}, stated in the Sunday World that he believed the song could win the contest, praising the song's uniqueness and staging visuals.{{Cite web |last=Rowley |first=Eddie |date=28 January 2024 |title=Johnny Logan says Bambie Thug could 'win Eurovision with this song' |url=https://www.sundayworld.com/showbiz/irish-showbiz/johnny-logan-says-bambie-thug-could-win-eurovision-with-this-song/a117382674.html |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=Sunday World |language=en |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128132038/https://www.sundayworld.com/showbiz/irish-showbiz/johnny-logan-says-bambie-thug-could-win-eurovision-with-this-song/a117382674.html |url-status=live }} Ireland's 2022 entrant, Brooke Scullion, also believed that the song could win.{{Cite web |last=Mallon |first=Sandra |date=31 January 2024 |title=Former Eurovision star makes bold claim about Bambie Thug representing Ireland |url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/showbiz/former-eurovision-star-brooke-scullion-32011692 |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=The Irish Mirror |language=en |archive-date=31 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131143053/https://www.irishmirror.ie/showbiz/former-eurovision-star-brooke-scullion-32011692 |url-status=live }} Multiple beat reporters have also praised the song; Rita Dabrowicz, a writer for the indie music review site Vanadian Avenue, praised the song, stating beliefs that "[Robinson] will bring a hell of a spectacle with them that surely will be remembered for a long time."{{Cite web |last=Dabrowicz |first=Rita |date=24 January 2024 |title=Bambie Thug – Doomsday Blue single review |url=https://vanadianavenue.co.uk/2024/01/24/bambie-thug-doomsday-blue-single-review/ |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=Vanadian Avenue |language=en |archive-date=31 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131234014/https://vanadianavenue.co.uk/2024/01/24/bambie-thug-doomsday-blue-single-review/ |url-status=live }} Ed Power, writer for The Irish Times, praised the song as a "sugar-and-spice mix of pop and industrial metal [that] will undoubtedly land with a splash in Malmö."{{Cite news |last=Power |first=Ed |date=27 January 2024 |title=Late Late Show's Eurosong special review: Bambie Thug wins as Patrick Kielty avoids any cringe moments |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio/2024/01/27/the-late-late-shows-eurosong-special-review-bambie-thug-wins-as-patrick-kielty-cheery-unflappability-avoids-any-cringe-moments/ |access-date=27 January 2024 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en |archive-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127112751/https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio/2024/01/27/the-late-late-shows-eurosong-special-review-bambie-thug-wins-as-patrick-kielty-cheery-unflappability-avoids-any-cringe-moments/ |url-status=live }} Power later wrote that he thought that the song was "a thrilling throwback to Ireland's pre-Christian heritage."{{Cite web |last=Power |first=Ed |date=8 May 2024 |title=Bambie Thug is the most Irish Eurovision act in years |url=https://inews.co.uk/culture/music/bambie-thug-irish-eurovision-act-years-3046766 |access-date=12 May 2024 |website=i |language=en}}
Numerous conservative personalities and groups have criticised the song and Robinson. Hermann Kelly, leader of the far-right Irish Freedom Party, posted a tweet comparing Robinson to {{esccnty|Ireland|y=2008|t=2008 Irish Eurovision}} entrant Dustin the Turkey and calling the song "woke nonsense [typical] of the Irish Establishment" that "celebrat[es] Satanism".{{Cite web |last=Fetherstonhaugh |first=Neil |date=27 January 2024 |title=Bambie Thug's Eurosong victory strikes sour note for far-right |url=https://www.sundayworld.com/showbiz/music/bambie-thugs-eurosong-victory-strikes-sour-note-for-far-right/a1124765726.html |access-date=27 January 2024 |website=Sunday World |language=en |archive-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127183745/https://www.sundayworld.com/showbiz/music/bambie-thugs-eurosong-victory-strikes-sour-note-for-far-right/a1124765726.html |url-status=live }} By 6 February, over 2,000 people had signed a petition calling to disqualify Robinson from competing at Eurovision on the basis of "[Robinson] making a mockery of [Irish] national culture."{{Cite web |last=Cunningham |first=Kieran |date=6 February 2024 |title=Kieran Cunningham: Bambie Thug is nothing new in the world of music |url=https://www.irishstar.com/culture/music-nightlife/bambie-thug-nothing-new-music-32053482 |access-date=7 February 2024 |website=Irish Daily Star |language=en |archive-date=7 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207160605/https://www.irishstar.com/culture/music-nightlife/bambie-thug-nothing-new-music-32053482 |url-status=live }} Two days later, Father Declan McInerney, an Irish Catholic priest, also heavily criticised the song and Robinson, stating in a sermon that "the poor devil can neither sing nor dance", while also claiming that Robinson was trying to push "certain orientations" on the Irish public and declaring that "[Ireland] is finished as a country".{{Cite web |last=Mallon |first=Sandra |date=8 February 2024 |title=Priest slams Bambie Thug and says Ireland is 'finished' in controversial sermon |url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/showbiz/priest-slams-eurovisions-bambie-thug-32080004 |access-date=11 February 2024 |website=Irish Mirror |language=en |archive-date=8 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208234200/https://www.irishmirror.ie/showbiz/priest-slams-eurovisions-bambie-thug-32080004 |url-status=live }} Tony Wilson, a writer for British Christian magazine Premier Christianity, admitted that while he thought Robinson had good intentions writing the song, he wrote that "how the lyrics support this theme is beyond me... We should all be concerned when the occult is normalised." However, he also criticised the Catholic Church, stating that "Christians need to acknowledge that this movement has been spurred on by the serious past failings of Christendom... The Church has been guilty of abuse and repression. We are witnessing something of a backlash to this."{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Tony |date=14 May 2024 |title=Bambie Thug's Eurovision song was drenched in darkness. Stop normalising the occult |url=https://www.premierchristianity.com/opinion/bambie-thugs-eurovision-song-was-drenched-in-darkness-stop-normalising-the-occult/17637.article |access-date=2 June 2024 |website=Premier Christianity |language=en}}
Eurovision Song Contest
{{Main|Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024}}
= ''Eurosong 2024'' =
Ireland's national broadcaster Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ) broadcast a Eurosong 2024 special episode of The Late Late Show on 26 January 2024, to select the Irish entrant for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. This edition was the eighth iteration of the national final in this format. The winning song was selected via a combination of international jury, national jury, and public voting, with each group having a third of the total vote.{{Cite web |last=Matthews |first=Jane |date=26 January 2024 |title='Same energy as Russia': Two of Ireland's Eurovision hopefuls say Israel should be cut from contest |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/eurovision-boycott-israel-erica-cody-6281716-Jan2024/ |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=TheJournal.ie |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128005151/https://www.thejournal.ie/eurovision-boycott-israel-erica-cody-6281716-Jan2024/ |url-status=live }}
File:Eurosong_2024_-_Bambie_Thug_-_Reprise_(1).jpg after winning Eurosong 2024.]]
"Doomsday Blue" was announced to compete in Eurosong 2024 and premiered on 11 January 2024 on an episode of The Ray D'Arcy Show broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1. It was drawn to perform second.{{Cite news |last=Conte |first=Davide |date=26 January 2024 |title=🇮🇪 Ireland: Eurosong 2024 Running Order Revealed |url=https://eurovoix.com/2024/01/26/ireland-eurosong-2024-running-order-revealed/ |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=Eurovoix |language=en-GB |archive-date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126064053/https://eurovoix.com/2024/01/26/ireland-eurosong-2024-running-order-revealed/ |url-status=live }} In the final, Robinson came in third with the international jury, scoring eight points. However, Robinson was able to win both the televote and the national jury votes, securing two sets of 12 points, combining for a total of 32 points. The total was eight more than the second-place finishers; Ailsha, with "Go Tobann", and Next In Line, with "Love Like Us". As a result, the song won the right to perform as the Irish entrant for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.{{Cite web |last=O'Donoghue |first=Denise |date=26 January 2024 |title=Revealed: Cork singer Bambie Thug will represent Ireland at the 2024 Eurovision in Sweden |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsandculture/arid-41318692.html |access-date=26 January 2024 |website=Irish Examiner |language=en |archive-date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126233648/https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsandculture/arid-41318692.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Veen |first=Renske ten |date=26 January 2024 |title=Bambie Thug will represent Ireland at Eurovision 2024 |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2024/01/26/ireland-eurosong-2024-results-eurovision-bambie-thug-doomsday-blue/279388/ |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=Wiwibloggs |language=en-US}}
= At Eurovision =
The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 took place at the Malmö Arena in Malmö, Sweden, and consisted of two semi-finals held on the respective dates of 7 and 9 May, and the final on 11 May 2024. During the allocation draw on 30 January 2024, Ireland was drawn to compete in the first semi-final, performing in the first half of the show.{{Cite web |date=2024-01-30 |title=Eurovision 2024: Semi-Final Draw results |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2024-semi-final-draw-results |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=Eurovision.tv |publisher=EBU |language=en |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130182906/https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2024-semi-final-draw-results |url-status=live }} Robinson was later drawn to perform fourth in the semi-final, behind {{esccnty|Lithuania|y=2024}}'s Silvester Belt and ahead of {{esccnty|Ukraine|y=2024}}'s duo of Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil.{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=William Lee |date=26 March 2024 |title=Eurovision 2024 Semi-Final Running Order Revealed |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2024/03/26/eurovision-2024-semi-final-running-order-revealed-tonight-from-1800-cet/280818/ |access-date=6 April 2024 |website=Wiwibloggs |language=en-US |archive-date=27 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240427034238/https://wiwibloggs.com/2024/03/26/eurovision-2024-semi-final-running-order-revealed-tonight-from-1800-cet/280818/ |url-status=live }}
For the Eurovision performance of "Doomsday Blue", Sergio Jaén was appointed as the staging director.{{Cite web |last=Álvarez |first=Jesús |date=12 March 2024 |title=¿Cuáles son los equipos de trabajo de las diferentes candidaturas de Eurovisión 2024? |trans-title=What are the working teams behind the various entries for Eurovision 2024? |url=https://www.escplus.es/eurovision/2024/cuales-son-los-equipos-de-trabajo-de-las-diferentes-candidaturas-de-eurovision-2024/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312220123/https://www.escplus.es/eurovision/2024/cuales-son-los-equipos-de-trabajo-de-las-diferentes-candidaturas-de-eurovision-2024/ |archive-date=12 March 2024 |access-date=12 March 2024 |website=ESCplus España |language=es-ES}} The performance featured the heavy use of smoke along with a circle of candles.{{Cite web |last=O’Donoghue |first=Anna |date=7 May 2024 |title='Crown the Witch': Bambie's Eurovision show will be like something from a fantasy film |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsandculture/arid-41389474.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=Irish Examiner |language=en}} Robinson wore a Mariusz Malon-designed black outfit adorned with antlers, with an accompanying male dancer performing "balletic choreography" around Robinson.{{Cite news |last=Power |first=Ed |date=7 May 2024 |title=Eurovision 2024: Ireland's entry Bambie Thug performs tonight in first semi-final – can they win and who are the favourites? |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/2024/05/07/eurovision-2024-irelands-entry-bambie-thug-performs-tonight-in-first-semi-final-can-they-win-who-are-the-favourites-and-more/ |access-date=8 May 2024 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Davy |date=11 May 2024 |title=Bambie Thug: Meet the designer behind their look |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czd87k5y31no |access-date=11 May 2024 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}} Midway through the performance, Robinson removes the black outfit, revealing an outfit inspired by the colours of the transgender flag.{{Cite web |last=Blake Knox |first=Kirsty |date=6 May 2024 |title=Bambie Thug to make statement about trans rights on stage during Eurovision performance |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/bambie-thug-to-make-statement-about-trans-rights-on-stage-during-eurovision-performance/a241826718.html |access-date=7 May 2024 |website=The Irish Independent |language=en-IE}} Robinson was originally slated to wear line makeup that featured the message "ceasefire" and "freedom for Palestine" in Ogham as a medium of support for a ceasefire amongst the Gaza war.{{Cite web |last=Ampatzidis |first=Ioannis |date=6 May 2024 |title=Ireland: Bambie Thug calls for ceasefire from Eurovision stage! |url=https://eurovisionfun.com/en/2024/05/ireland-bambie-thug-calls-for-ceasefire-from-eurovision-stage/ |access-date=7 May 2024 |website=Eurovision Fun |language=en-US}} However, according to Robinson, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) forced them to remove the message, only allowing the message "crown the witch" to be displayed.{{Cite web |last=Brophy |first=Daragh |date=8 May 2024 |title=Bambie Thug says EBU 'ordered' change to make-up that spelled out pro-Palestine messages in Ogham |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/bambie-thug-says-ebu-ordered-change-to-make-up-that-spelled-out-pro-palestine-messages-in-ogham-6373691-May2024/ |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=TheJournal.ie |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-05-08 |title=Eurovision 2024: Organisers asked Bambie Thug to change secret Ogham body markings before performance |url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/eurovision-2024-organisers-asked-bambie-thug-to-change-secret-ogham-body-markings-before-performance/a517557292.html |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=Irish Independent |language=en}} Robinson, who considers themself pro-Palestinian, also faced numerous calls to withdraw from the contest due to Israel's participation in that year's contest; they rejected it, stating that withdrawing "would mean one less pro-Palestinian voice at the contest".{{Cite web |last=Becker |first=Kendra |date=7 May 2024 |title=Ireland's Eurovision Entrant Bambie Thug Calls For 'Ceasefire' During Dress Rehearsal For Semi-Final |url=https://goss.ie/showbiz/irelands-eurovision-entrant-bambie-thug-calls-for-ceasefire-during-dress-rehearsal-for-semi-final-378817 |access-date=7 May 2024 |website=Goss.ie}} "Doomsday Blue" finished in third, receiving 124 points and securing a spot in the grand final.{{Cite news |last=Hilliard |first=Mark |date=8 May 2024 |title=Eurovision 2024: Bambie Thug goes through to Saturday's final, Ireland's first since 2018 |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/2024/05/08/eurovision-2024-bambie-thug-goes-through-to-saturdays-final-irelands-first-since-2018/ |access-date=12 May 2024 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Vautrey |first=Jonathan |date=12 May 2024 |title=Eurovision 2024 semi-finals: Detailed results show Croatia and Israel won each show |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2024/05/12/eurovision-2024-semi-finals-croatia-israel/281694/ |access-date=12 May 2024 |website=Wiwibloggs |language=en-US}} The qualification was the first for Ireland since {{esccnty|Ireland|y=2018|t=2018}}.{{Cite web |last=O’Donoghue |first=Anna |date=7 May 2024 |title=Bambie Thug takes Ireland to Eurovision Grand Final for the first time since 2018 |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsandculture/arid-41390272.html |access-date=12 May 2024 |website=Irish Examiner |language=en}}
File:Bambie Thug Eurovision Song Contest 2024 final dress rehearsal 02.jpg
Robinson performed a repeat of their performance in the grand final on 11 May, with the notable exception that at the end of their grand final performance, Robinson proclaimed, "Love will triumph over hate!"{{Cite web |last=Rigotti |first=Alex |date=11 May 2024 |title=Watch Bambie Thug proclaim "love will triumph over hate!" at the end of their powerful Eurovision performance |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-bambie-thug-proclaim-love-will-triumph-over-hate-at-the-end-of-their-powerful-eurovision-performance-3755471 |access-date=12 May 2024 |website=NME |language=en-GB}} The song was performed in tenth, ahead of {{esccnty|Estonia|y=2024}}'s duo of 5miinust and Puuluup and before {{esccnty|Latvia|y=2024}}'s Dons.{{Cite web |last=Vautrey |first=Jonathan |date=10 May 2024 |title=Eurovision 2024 grand final running order: Ukraine in second, Austria closes |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2024/05/10/eurovision-2024-grand-final-running-order/281608/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510011747/https://wiwibloggs.com/2024/05/10/eurovision-2024-grand-final-running-order/281608/ |archive-date=10 May 2024 |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=Wiwibloggs |language=en-US}} After the results were announced, Robinson finished sixth with a total of 278 points, with a split result of 142 points from the juries and 136 points from televoting.{{Cite news |last=Slattery |first=Laura |date=11 May 2024 |title=Eurovision: Switzerland wins in Malmö as Bambie Thug finishes sixth for Ireland |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/2024/05/11/eurovision-final-live-updates-bambie-thug-ireland/ |access-date=12 May 2024 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}} Regarding the former, the song managed to receive one set of the maximum 12 points from {{esccnty|Australia|y=2024}}. No sets of 12 points were given by the televote; the maximum given was 10 points by the {{esccnty|United Kingdom|y=2024}}.{{Cite web |title=Grand Final of Malmö 2024 - Ireland Grand Final Results Allocation |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/malmo-2024/grand-final/results/ireland |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=11 May 2024 |website=Eurovision Song Contest |publisher=European Broadcasting Union}}
After the contest, Robinson expressed frustrations with the EBU, stating that they were still "waiting for an official update" regarding the line makeup they were forced to remove. They later added, "The EBU is not what the Eurovision is. Fuck the EBU. I don't even care anymore. Fuck them".{{Cite web |last=Brophy |first=Daragh |date=12 May 2024 |title='The EBU is not what the Eurovision is - f**k the EBU' - Bambie Thug |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/ebu-criticism-bambie-thug-6377675-May2024/ |access-date=12 May 2024 |website=TheJournal.ie |language=en}} However, when responding to their high finishing position, they praised themself and fellow non-binary contestant Nemo Mettler, who won the contest. They further stated, "the world has spoken [and] the queers are coming, non-binaries for the fucking win".{{Cite web |last=O’Donoghue |first=Denise |date=12 May 2024 |title='Now that I'm free I can talk about everything': Bambie Thug breaks silence on absence from Eurovision dress rehearsal |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsandculture/arid-41393302.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240512062710/https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsandculture/arid-41393302.html#selection-1611.307-1611.384 |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=12 May 2024 |website=Irish Examiner |language=en}}
Track listing
Digital download/streaming{{Cite web |date=13 October 2023 |title=Doomsday Blue - Song by Bambie Thug |url=https://music.apple.com/us/song/doomsday-blue/1709267030 |access-date=6 April 2024 |website=Apple Music (US) |language=en-US |archive-date=31 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131234018/https://music.apple.com/us/song/doomsday-blue/1709267030 |url-status=live }}
- "Doomsday Blue" – 3:03
Digital download/streaming – Intimate version{{cite web |title=Doomsday Blue (Intimate) - Single by Bambie Thug |url=https://open.spotify.com/album/6HSDyR3I7C0U3KrLvjFjaP |publisher=Spotify |access-date=2024-05-06}}
- "Doomsday Blue (Intimate)" – 4:16
Charts
Release history
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+Release history and formats for "Doomsday Blue" ! scope="col" | Country ! scope="col" | Date ! scope="col" | Format(s) ! scope="col" | Version ! scope="col" | Label ! scope="col" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Various
| 13 October 2023 | rowspan="2" | {{hlist|Digital download|streaming}} | EP track | rowspan="2" | Self-released |
|---|
| 22 April 2024
| Intimate version |
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Primary sources references section}}
{{Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest|state=collapsed}}
{{Eurovision Song Contest 2024|state=collapsed}}
Category:Eurovision songs of 2024
Category:Eurovision songs of Ireland
Category:LGBTQ-related controversies in music
Category:Religious controversies in music
Category:LGBTQ-related controversies in Ireland
Category:LGBTQ-related mass media in Ireland