Former Eurovision star David Whelan has revealed what it is really like competing at the annual event.
He and his band, Wild Youth, represented Ireland in Liverpool last May. However, their song, We Are One, failed to qualify for the grand final, coming in 12th place in the semi final.
The Dubliner explained that the lead up to the event and the week of the event itself are very hectic and there is little to no time off for the acts.
Read more: Eurovision's Bambie Thug: Age, real name, where they're from, relationships and being a witch
David told RSVP Live: "You don’t get a second. We were there for two and a half weeks and I think we got one day off.
"That day off wasn’t really a day off either because we had to do media stuff. It was constant."
Eurovision fans don't realise that there is a week of dress rehearsals at the venue the week before the semi-finals and final. There are nine shows on the competition week, with three of them televised.
The other shows are for the juries to cast their votes and a family day.
David said: "You are in the arena five days prior to the semi-final and you are doing full rehearsals. Sometimes twice a day.
"For us, by the time the performance itself came around I could understand why some performers were tired, beat or wrecked. It is non-stop.
"You have to be mentally strong and look after yourself physically."
However, David would do Eurovision again if the opportunity came along for him because it was an incredible time for him and the rest of Wild Youth.
He said: "It was an amazing experience and I would love to do it again, to be honest. It came and went so fast."
