Locals in Bambie Thug's hometown of Macroom in Co Cork say they are thrilled with the singer's qualification for the final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest.
At St Mary's Secondary school they are especially proud.
A pupil there from 2005 to 2010, Bambie played 'Maria' in the school production of 'The Sound of Music' in 2009 and was a member of the school choir that won the All-Ireland School Choirs competition as well that year.
Music teacher Aoife Donovan said they were in awe of her talent and creativity.
"Their talent was so recognisable from early on, we were in awe of their talent," Ms Donovan said.
"Bambi was extremely creative, always coming forward with ideas, harmonies - an extremely enthralling performer who contributed so much to music and the arts in our school."
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School principal Steve McLaughlin said it is really great to see someone from the school excelling with their own talents and individuality.
He said there is huge excitement in the school and everyone will be watching on Saturday night.
"We are really, really proud of them," Mr McLaughlin said.
"It is great to see someone from the school representing their country. Last night was mind blowing in so many ways and we are just absolutely delighted they have qualified for the final and we will be rooting for them all the way on the night".
Shopkeeper Evelyn McSweeney remembers the young Bambi as a child coming into her shop on the main street after school for sweets.
She believes the singer has a great change of winning the competition.
"It's absolutely wonderful," Ms McSweeney said.
"It's unbelieveable that somebody from Macroom has qualified for the Eurovision. I remember her quite well when she was going to school. She was always coming in in the evening for her sweets."
Padraic Defusco, who is from Dungarvan but visiting the town, said he had not watched the Eurovision since he was a child but decided to last night and like his friends was blown away by the performance.
"It was fantastic. I didn't know that they could dance as well as sing and they were screaming as well," Mr Defusco said.
"It was kinda crazy, I didn't expect it.
"It was really, really cool".
Eileen Creedon who was taking time out to enjoy a cup of tea outdoors said she would be "a little bit biased" towards Bambi as she knows the family, but she really loved the performance and it was great for Macroom.
Local auctioneer Killian Lynch says Bambi's qualification for the final is "absolutely fantastic".
"We watched it and I was getting text messages from different people how they enjoyed it," Mr Lynch said
"We are proud, proud of them that they got to the final and it is a great success.
"The bookies would be saying evens-on to win!
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