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Ireland's Junior Eurovision duo to step onto 'magical' stage

Daniel LoganBBC News NI
News imageBryan Brophy Two children, a girl and a boy, are draped in large green, white and orange Ireland flags. The girl (on the left) has long brown hair and wears and pink jumper. The boy has short fair hair and wears a blue hoodie. They are standing in an airport in front of a black sign that reads 'Departure Gates' Bryan Brophy
Naomi and Caleb arrived in Malta earlier in the week ahead of Saturday's show

They both feel comfortably at home in the spotlight, but as they prepare for the biggest show of their young lives, Ireland's junior Eurovision singers admit some nerves are creeping in.

Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will be held on Saturday in Malta.

Ireland's representatives feature Naomi, 13, from Mayobridge, County Down and 14-year-old Caleb from Dublin. They are the contest's only duo.

They are among 15 other nations that will compete to win the contest, which will be staged under the theme The Festa, a vibrant celebration of Malta's village tradition.

The running order for Saturday's show has already been drawn, with the Irish act the 13th to perform.

News imageEBU/Corinne Cumming Two children, a girl and a boy are on a stage with a large blue and purple background. They where silver and blue sparkled outfits. They both hold black microphones. The boy is on the right as the girl sings on the left. EBU/Corinne Cumming
The pair say their song, Níos Láidre is about lifting people up and being there for one another

Naomi is at home in the spotlight. Singing runs in her family, inherited from her nanny and grandad.

The 13-year-old is no stranger to the stage, and it's where she feels most at home, however she can't help but feel a little bit of nerves ahead of Saturday.

"We are definitely a wee bit nervous but we're very excited and grateful to be here. It's going to be loads of fun," she said.

"I'm very excited about being on that stage and just performing and representing our country".

The song the pair will perform is Níos Láidre, the Irish word for stronger.

Caleb, who is 14 said the tune is "truly is about lifting people up and being there for one another and being very powerful on your own, but even more powerful with others".

Caleb, who has been training in the performing arts since the age of six said how proud he was of himself and Naomi for being able to represent Ireland.

"A few of my family and friends are coming over tonight and then a few tomorrow as well. And yeah, the support with our schools, our family, our friends, our performing arts schools, it's all just been amazing," he said.

"We're both so excited. We've already done a few rehearsals on the stage and everything's gone so well. So I think we're ready."

News imageEBU/Chris Fox A class microphone, attached to a red base, sits on a white stand. EBU/Chris Fox
The trophy that Naomi and Caleb will hope to get their hands on

Caleb and Naomi's collaboration came during their individual searches to be Ireland's entry for the competition earlier this month.

The pair, who had entered individually were left standing at the end of the night with the judges unable to choose.

It was then decided they that both Caleb and Naomi would represent Ireland, together.

"It's very magical and we're just so happy being on the stage and it feels like our second home," said Naomi.

She added that the pair have had to opportunity to mingle with some of their competition from the other nations.

"We've gotten really close with Harry from Cyprus and we've gotten close with Eslin from Albania and Beppe from Malta and all of their dancers. And yeah, we've been having a lot of fun with all of the contestants. They're all really nice," Naomi said.

"Everyone's lovely," Caleb said.

News imagePublic Broadcasting Services Limited (PBS Malta) A large structure that resembles a street is lit up in bright lights on a dark stage. It appears to be red brick buildings, illuminated as if it is nighttime. They are two story structures with windows on both floors that look like terrace houses. Public Broadcasting Services Limited (PBS Malta)
The stage that will host the contest on Saturday

Caleb's mum Jennifer Kirwan, who has travelled to Malta alongside Naomi's mum has said the support "has been amazing".

"We've got family flying in at the moment. It's kind of getting very real, very exciting.

"It's lovely to have a few people here supporting us, but the outpour of support from friends, family, all their teams and schools, it's just been unbelievable. It's very, very special".

Support has exceeded just Ireland, Kirwan said the pair have "got people tuning in from our local families to Perth, to Brisbane, to America. We've gone global with the support, so it's brilliant."

Where can I watch Junior Eurovision 2026?

The contest airs on TG4 at 20:00 BST.

Fans have two windows to cast their votes. Unlike the main Eurovision contest, the public can vote for their own country.

Window one will open 22:59 BST on Friday until 19:59 on Saturday, just before the live show starts.

Voting will then reopen after the final song has been performed during the live show. There will be approximately 15 minutes to cast votes. All votes will be converted into points, which will be revealed during the show.