The band "Wild Youth" has been chosen to carry the Irish flag at a music competition in May in Liverpool. In the first semi-final night, they will compete against representatives of 14 countries, and the 10 most successful will advance to the final.

John Lydon, the group's former frontman "Sex Pistols", failed to win the contest to represent the Republic of Ireland at this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

The 67-year-old hoped that the song "Hawaii", about his wife Nora, who suffers from Alzheimer's, could win and "bring attention" to the disease.

Although Ireland's representatives have won Eurovision seven times, since 2013 they have been unlucky and have only made it to the grand final twice.

In a statement after the announcement of the winner, the singer of the group "Wild Youth" said:

"I'm shaking, I hope we can be as good as possible."

The group previously toured with Lewis Capaldi, Niall Horan и Script and are believed to be the next big band to break through from Ireland in a few years.

The winner was chosen by TV viewers, as well as by a national and international jury composed of music experts.

In the end, the result was decided by the audience's vote, and "Wild Youth" was in a close battle with another artist, after both had the support of the judges.

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