Samantha Mumba has clarified her comments after blasting a Eurovision panel and claiming they were 'rude and vile to all finalists' on Friday night. The 42 year old singer competed in Eurosong 2025 on RTE's Late Late Show, hoping to represent Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest in Switzerland in May.
Her song My Way finished as runner up with 26 points, behind Norwegian singer EMMY and her track Laika Party on 34 points. Mumba took aim at most of the panel, which included celebrity chef Donal Skehan, 2FM presenter Laura Fox, and Dancing With The Stars judge Arthur Gourounlian. However, she praised singer Bambie Thug, who helped Ireland finish sixth last year.
In a statement on her Instagram stories, Mumba clarified her remarks, saying: 'Who would have thought a few aubergines would have caused such a scene? I'll spare you all a pages long statement but I really do want to make it clear – this was never ever about me not winning. I feel strongly that the panel were dismissive of all the contestants, which was disappointing given the amount of work and passion we all put into our performances.'
RTÉ defended the panel in a statement to the Irish Independent, praising 'their professionalism, insight, integrity and good humour'. The broadcaster added: 'Their role is to give their honest reaction to the performances on the night... It's never easy to offer a personal opinion, as not everyone will agree. Our panel did that with the utmost care.'
Mumba also expressed support for winner EMMY, saying: 'Most importantly the very best of luck to the sweetest @emmykgk00 please fly the flag and make us proud in Switzerland!!' She thanked fans for their messages, stating she was 'beyond proud' of the performance.
