Irish singer-songwriter Samantha Mumba turned heads this week with a series of striking Instagram photos, showcasing a chic and toned look. The 42-year-old star shared the images on Tuesday, offering a glimpse of her fitness and style.
Stunning Style and Inspirational Message
In the captivating mirror selfies, Samantha Mumba wore a black bandeau top that highlighted her taut midriff and toned abs. She paired the cropped top with a sophisticated beige asymmetric skirt, which featured ruched detailing on one side.
Her accessories were kept elegantly minimal, comprising a delicate gold belly chain, a matching necklace, and a pair of silver diamond stud earrings. Alongside the stylish snaps, Mumba shared a thoughtful quote: 'You think it takes time, but it actually takes alignment. - The Universe.'
She captioned the post with the reflective words: 'Growing ✨Evolving✨Remembering✨'
Background of Eurosong Controversy
This stylish display comes several months after Samantha Mumba launched a scathing social media attack on the judges of the Late Late Show Eurosong contest in February. The singer had performed her single 'My Way' on the special edition of the Irish TV show, which was tasked with selecting the act to represent Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest in Switzerland.
Although she scored highly with the jury, Mumba ultimately lost out to Norwegian singer EMMY and her song 'Laika Party'. The other finalists included Bobbi Arlo, Reylta, ADGY, and NIYL. EMMY's act received 34 points, while Mumba's song came second with 26 points.
Following the result, Mumba took to Instagram to express her frustration, particularly targeting the panel. She thanked her supporters and stated she was proud of her performance, but then delivered a blistering critique.
Fiery Critique and Panel Backlash
Samantha Mumba described the panel – aside from fellow singer Bambie Thug, whom she praised – as lacking the necessary "credentials, experience or professionalism". She accused them of being "unnecessarily rude and vile to all the finalists".
Her parting message to them was particularly pointed: "a bag of aubergines to slowly choke on." In subsequent comments, she referred to panellists Laura Fox, Donal Skehan, and Arthur Gourounlian as a "trio of absolute bozos".
Celebrity chef Donal Skehan appeared to respond indirectly by posting a selfie with the word 'Bozo' written across it, accompanied by two aubergine emojis.
Broadcaster RTÉ defended its panel in a statement to the Irish Independent, saying they were "extremely grateful" for the judges' "professionalism, insight, integrity and good humour". The statement noted that the panel's opinions aligned with the public vote and that offering personal opinions on such a show is never easy.
The panel on the night consisted of celebrity chef and former Eurosong contestant Donal Skehan, Dancing with the Stars judge Arthur Gourounlian, broadcaster Laura Fox, and singer Bambie Thug.
Samantha Mumba first rose to fame with her debut single 'Gotta Tell You', which was a smash hit in the UK and reached number four on the US Billboard Hot 100. Despite securing six Top 10 singles, she never achieved a number one and was later dropped by her label, moving into acting. A planned comeback concert in Dublin in 2007 was cancelled due to low ticket sales.
