Ireland were relegated from the Eurovision Song Contest in 2001 so last year, no Irish song could be entered into the competition. To bounce back, the Irish singer for this year's (2003) Eurovision was specially picked by judges and the public on a show made by RTÉ, 'Your a Star'.
Auditions were held in various towns around Ireland and the singers who impressed the judges most were put through to the next heat. Mickey Harte somewhat reluctantly attended the Derry Audition, he was the very last auditionee in Derry. Sporting a red t-shirt, he sand a Bob Dylan Classic, "I'll be your baby tonight". The judges loved him and he recieved 23% of the public's votes to get through to the next heat.
Mickey at the Derry Audition.
Mickey Came third in his phase of Heat 2. He performed the song "I won't back down" by Tom Petty.
5th: Joanne Fahy "Talking in your sleep" (by Crystal Gayle)
Eliminated: Susan McGowen "Hot stuff" (by Donna Summer)
This was the third show, and Mickey showed one of his best performances of the competition. He sang "The Joker" by artist Steve Miller and came second to Simon Casey
Official result of Heat3, Phase2
1st: (9) Simon Casey "Desperado" (by the Eagles)
2nd: (7) Mickey Harte "The Joker" (by Steve Miller)
3rd: (11) Brian Ormond "Heaven" (by Brian Adams)
4th: (6) Lisa Bresnan "Angel" (by Sarah McLoughlin)
5th: (10) Susan McFadden "We've got tonight" (by Bob Seger)
6th: (2) Michael Leonard "Vincent" (by Don McLean)
9th: (4) Sarah Brophy "It must have been love" (by Roxette)
relegated: (1) Azi Jegbefume "You gotta be" (by Des'ree)
relegated: (3) Catherine Yore "From a distance" (by Nancy Griffiths)
(Above) The nine acts which got through the third heat of Phase 2
In Heat 4 of phase 2, Each performer had to choose a song which coincided with the theme of Great Irish Rock Songs. Mickey decided to sing "Teenage Kicks" by the Undertones and boy did he sing it!
3rd(4): Lisa Bresnan "Crazy Love" (by Van Morrison)
4th(1): Michael Leonard "One" (by U2)
5th(9): Brian Ormond "Have I told you lately" (by Van Morrison)
6th(8): Susan McFadden "Nothing compares to you" (by Sinead O'Connor)
7th(2): Sarah Brophy "I still haven't found what I'm looking for" (by U2)
8th(3): McElhinney twins "A good heart" (by Fergal Sharkey)
Relegated(6): Joanne Fahy "Dreams" (by the Corrs)
The singers from Heat 4
For the fifth heat in this phase, The eight singers sang Irish folk and traditional songs. Mickey was voted in second place yet again, with his choice, "The Island"
Official result of Heat5, Phase2
1st (6): Simon Casey "Scorn Not His Simplicity" (by Phil Coulter)
4th (7):Brian Ormond "Nothing's Going To Change My Love For You"
5th (1):Michael Leonard "Hello"
6th (3):McElhinney twins "More Than Words"
Relegated (2):Sarah Brophy "The Rose"
In Heat 7, the singers were given the theme of American songs and Mickey Harte sang "Jack and Diane" with an edgy U.S. air. Two singers were relegated this time.
4th (1): Michael Leonard "If Tomorrow Never Comes"
Relegated (6): Brian Ormond "The Maze"
Relegated (2): McElhinney twins "Close To Fine"
A suitable song was chosen for each of the remaining singers. The final winner of 'Your a Star' would sing the song they were given in Eurovison 2003. Michael Leonard waas given "I Couldn't Love You More" (written by Ronan Keating & Brian Kennedy), Lisa Breslin got "I'll Still Be Right Here" (written by Louise Wallace), Simon Casey sang "A Better Plan" (written by Bryan McFadden) and Mickey was given the upbeat song "We've Got The World Tonight" (written by Keith Molloy & Martin Branagan).
The four finalists
Lisa Breslin was relegated the next week, followed by Michael Leonard. The fight was on between Mickey and Simon from Offaly.
THE OPPOSITION
Mickey - Head-to-Head with Slimin' Crazy
The day of reckoning finally arrived. The 'Your a Star' final. Who would represent Ireland in the 2003 Eurovision? What song would be sung in Latvia on the 23rd of May? Mickey and Simon were full of nerves, On the final night, they both sang a couple of songs and crossed their fingers as they waited for the public to vote. The following evening the winner was announced by Ray Darcy, the show's presenter. Just look at those smiles below.
Yep! Mickey was the winner. He graciously hugged Simon Casey and offered his grievances. To Latvia!
(To find out what happened in Latvia go to our Eurovision Page The lyrics to all the songs Mickey sang during Your a Star are on our Songs Page)
To search for song lyrics on letssingit.com simply type in the name or the artist/song and click GO
