Again sad news, just at the start of 2021: Liam Reilly passed away at age 65. Liam Reilly was the Irish participant in the 1990 Eurovision Song Contest and became 2nd with the song “Somewhere in Europe”.
Liam Reilly, was an Irish singer/songwriter and musician . He was a member of the group Bagatelle. He left the group in the mid-1980s and moved to the USA. There he started a solo career and recorded his first album “Savannah Serenade”. In 1988 he took part in the Irish National Song Contest, the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest, with the song “Lifeline”. He became 2nd but came back to win the event in 1990. As a composer, Reilly returned to Eurovision in 1991 when he wrote Kim Jackson’s entry “Could it be that I’m in love”.
Liam Reilly also produced cassette ‘Throwing Caution to the Wind’. All songs were written by him except ‘Georgia on My Mind’ and ‘Moonriver’.
Reilly passed away “suddenly and peacefully” at his home on 1 January 2021. May he rest in peace.
Vienna 12 points: Eurovision 2026 Turquoise Carpet opens contest week
The Eurovision 2026 Turquoise Carpet officially opened contest week in Vienna on Sunday evening. All 35 delegations walked from the Burgtheater towards Vienna City Hall, where fans, press and Eurovision guests welcomed this year’s participants. The event also marked the opening of the Eurovision Village at Rathausplatz. Artists arrive at the Eurovision 2026 Turquoise Carpet Last year’s winner JJ was among the first familiar faces on the carpet. Speaking during the event, he called the moment special: “Being allowed to walk over the carpet first is really a privilege.” Later in the evening, JJ was also set to perform his winning song “Wasted Love” with the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra Vienna. The opening ceremony combined glamour with live music. The ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra Vienna gave the event a ceremonial feel, while the Woodstock Allstar Band welcomed each delegation with music connected to their country. According to the official Eurovision website, the Turquoise Carpet was designed as a celebration of music, culture and togetherness in the heart of Vienna. Australia’s Delta Goodrem made an elegant appearance in a golden gown. She described Eurovision as an institution and said it was special to take part in the contest’s anniversary year. “It is an honour to be here,” she said, adding: “It is an incredible experience, I am very proud to be allowed to be here.” Belgium’s Essyla was also clearly moved by the atmosphere. “So many people, everyone is smiling and happy. That is incredible,” she said. The Belgian artist, whose real name is Alice, also used the moment to send greetings to her mother. Fashion, fans and first Eurovision emotions Fashion played a major role on the carpet. Malta’s Aidan appeared in a floral rose look combined with white cowboy styling. Sweden’s Felicia stood out with a lace mask and sculptural skirt. San Marino’s Senhit arrived with Boy George, bringing another major name to the ceremony. For Switzerland’s Veronica Fusaro, the event made Eurovision feel truly alive. After days of rehearsals without the full fan atmosphere, she summed up the evening simply: “Today it is so real.” Host-country representative Cosmó closed the parade for Austria. He described representing Austria as a great honour and drew extra energy from the crowd at Rathausplatz. With the artists now officially welcomed inside Vienna City Hall, Eurovision week in Vienna has begun in style.
