Westlife's Brian McFadden makes feelings clear on Ireland's non-binary Eurovision act with brutal verdict

While Bambie Thug has caused controversy of their own with satanic symbolism in the routine, the 31-year-old has also been vocal on the biggest controversy facing the contest this year.

Israel's inclusion in the competition has sparked "boycott" calls from music fans and prompted loud choruses of boos and jeers from the Eurovision crowd in protest at the nation's conflict with Hamas in Palestine.

Several competitors have openly shown their disdain for Israel being included in the competition, including Greece's Marina Satti and the Netherlands' Joost Klein - who has since been disqualified following an incident that led to a police investigation.

Bambie Thug is no different, admitting they "cried" when Israel made it to the final and calling for the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to "gain some conscience" and "humanity" as it struggles to keep political signalling out of the spotlight.

McFadden, however, was unimpressed with his country's representative jumping on the political bandwagon rather than sticking to the music.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the 44-year-old reposted Bambie Thug's remarks about the EBU needed to "gain humanity" and let rip, reflecting on Ireland's most successful Eurovision acts of yesteryear.

He penned: "Ireland was so honoured to have some incredible Eurovision winners like, what’s another year, all kinds of everything, why me, rock n roll kids, the voice, hold me now. Songs that inspired us as a nation.

"And let’s not forget what river dance did for our country," he continued before signing off: "I hate that we are now bending down to fit the criteria." (sic)

Ireland was so honoured to have some incredible Eurovision winners like , what’s another year, all kinds of everything , why me, rock n roll kids , the voice, hold me now. Songs that inspired us as a nation.and let’s not forget what river dance did for our country. I hate that… https://t.co/Dj2CCIkCiZ

— Brian mcfadden (@BrianMcFadden) May 11, 2024

Political protesting has dominated Eurovision both on and off stage, with thousands descending on Malmo ahead of the finale in a pro-Palestine march.

During the semi-finals alone, Swedish performer Eric Saade prompted the EBU to admit "regret" that he'd seemingly worn a symbol in solidarity with Palestine while one of Australia's representatives claimed to have painted a pro-Palestinian symbol on his chest during their routine.

Israel's Eden Golan is set to perform as her country's representative on Saturday night but during her dress rehearsals on Friday, she was met by several boos.

Bambie Thug, on the other hand, had to miss out on performing on Friday after sparking concern by revealing a "situation" that needed "urgent attention" had prevented them from doing so.

They revealed all in a statement on Instagram, writing: "There was a situation while we were waiting to go to stage for the flag parade rehearsal which I felt needed urgent attention from the EBU.

"The EBU have taken this matter seriously and we have been in a discussion about what action needs to be taken. This means I have missed my dress rehearsal.

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"I am really sorry to the fans that have come to see me. I hope to see you on the stage tonight."

Bambie Thug is set to perform in the ninth slot in the Eurovision running order during the finale following the Netherlands' disqualification, leaving just 25 countries to perform.