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Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026

Ireland makes historic dual entry in Junior Eurovision 2026 with young talents

18.10.26

^{Naomi Gribben & Caleb Kirwan at Dublin Airport: Credit Bryan Brophy}
 
The Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Malta is just one week away and Ireland is doing things differently this year! This year’s representatives, Caleb Kirwan (14) from Leopardstown and Naomi Gribben (13) from Mayobridge, Co. Down, are the only duet act competing this year. They have taken the first step towards the international stage, flying from Dublin Airport on Saturday evening to compete with their powerful song Níos Láidre
 
Ireland’s entry will take the 13th spot in the running order at the live final on the 24th of October. While 13 may be considered unlucky by some, we’ll be hoping that a little Irish luck helps turn superstition into success.
 
Caleb and Naomi began this journey in a dramatic final on Sunday the 4th of October as the search for Ireland’s entry to the Junior Eurovision came to a shocking conclusion. Two singers were left standing at the end of the night, but the judges couldn’t choose one over the other to represent Ireland in Malta on 24 October. Instead, they decided that both would represent Ireland.
 
At 14, Caleb is already an accomplished performer with a passion for singing, dancing and acting. He has been training in the performing arts since the age of six and has loved performing and finds immense joy in singing, dancing, and acting. He studies at Steptacular Performing Arts School in Dublin.
 
Naomi (13) is equally at home in the spotlight. Singing talent runs in her family, inherited from her nanny and grandad, a gift she shares with all her cousins. Naomi is no stranger to the stage, and it’s where she feels most at home. In fact, in 2025, she was the only singer from Ireland and the UK to make it to the finals of the Tour Music Fest in San Marino.
 
The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026, live from Malta, airs on TG4, Saturday 24th October 2026 at 8pm and on www.TG4.ie Don’t forget to vote for IRELAND by visiting Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026
 
 
How to support Ireland:
Voting Information:
You can help decide the winner of this year’s Junior Eurovision Song Contest by voting online at Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026 no matter where in the world you are. And unlike the senior Eurovision Song Contest, fans can vote for their own country.
 
There are 2 voting windows:
Voting Window 1
You can vote from 10.59pm Irish time on Friday 23 October until 7:59pm Irish time on Saturday 24 October – just before the Live Show starts in Malta.
 
Voting Window 2
Voting will then reopen after the final song has been performed during the Live Show.
You’ll have approximately 15 minutes to cast your vote before voting closes.
All votes will be converted into points, which will be revealed during the show.