Legendary duo, Jedward represented Ireland in back to back years 2011 and 2012, coming in 8th and 19th respectively, and their songs, ‘Lipstick’, and ‘Waterline’, are acknowledged bops.
They have had other roles in the wider contest as well, such as performing at the interval during Sweden’s Eurovision selection competition, Melodifestivalen; they’ve been judges for the Irish selection for Junior Eurovision for a number of years now, as well judges of JESC itself, in Malta, back in 2016.
In 2014, they were acknowledged as Eurovision icons, when as part of the 50 Years of Eurovision celebration, they won the awards for biggest shoulder pads and highest hair. Last year they played a vital role in the Eurovision that never was, participating in the Eurovision Home Concerts, performing an acoustic cover of Lena’s song, ‘Satellite’, and their own classic, ‘Lipstick’.
They’re truly woven into the fabric of Eurovision, and every year the cry goes out, “Bring back Jedward”.
So just like us, this is their favourite time of the year, and they’d watched the semi finals, and had planned to watch last night’s Eurovision Song Contest final surrounded by their family.
But not this year for Edward. Instead, he watched the Eurovision final from a hospital bed, having been rushed into emergency surgery to remove his appendix. Sharing the news with fans on social media, Edward said,
“Just had immediate surgery to remove my appendix it was a Life threatening and scary situation but I’m grateful the emergency team have operated on me and stopped the agony. I’m healing and on the road to recovery!”
Just had immediate surgery to remove my appendix it was a Life threatening and scary situation but I’m grateful the emergency team have operated on me and stopped the agony. I’m healing and on the road to recovery! pic.twitter.com/ZylRxm6Alu
— JEDWARD (@planetjedward) May 22, 2021
Apart from well wishes from fans, he also received kind words from friends in the entertainment industry, such as William Shatner, and fellow Irish artist, Imelda May.
Always one to see the humour in a situation, Edward kept worried fans informed by sharing some at times slightly TMI – but nonetheless real life – updates on his progress. You can catch up with these in the ‘Hospital Vibes’ highlight on Jedward’s Instagram account.
Thankfully for Edward, he had access to a TV screen, and was able to watch the Eurovision final, and like the rest of us, sharing his opinion on what he thought of various performances, as well as commenting on the official Eurovision Instagram account.
The last update this morning saw Edward getting ready to go home, tired, and sore, after an eventful day and night. We wish him a safe and speedy recovery, after this Eurovision he’ll never forget.
