Dustin The Turkey, Ireland’s 2008 Eurovision act, openly plans to compete again in Eurovision. What are the chances of his return and what might it mean for Ireland?

Dustin the Turkey, Ireland’s infamous talking bird who once graced the Eurovision stage, is teasing a surprising comeback 17 years after his controversial debut. The character, who appeared on stage from a trolley during Eurovision 2008, may once again shake up the song contest as he did with his satirical performance that year.

Recently, at a launch event held in Dublin, Dustin suggested he is considering a return, igniting renewed debate among the Eurovision fan community.

Comic Genius or Ongoing Curse?

Potentially gearing up for another Eurovision appearance, the unconventional figure has drawn mixed reactions. On one hand, Dustin claims he did Ireland a “favor” by preventing a win the national broadcaster, RTÉ, could not afford to host. On the other hand, local artists argue his involvement marked the beginning of a troubled era for Ireland in Eurovision: the country has failed to reach the Grand Final in 9 of the 15 contests since.

“I might take part again,” said Dustin. According to a report by the Irish Mirror, the statement was not made at a music event, but rather during the grand reopening of a “Chadwicks” hardware store – the largest building supplies chain in Ireland.

Amid a gathering that included local Olympians, company CEOs, and hot dogs, Dustin’s flamboyant presence stood out. He delivered jokes poking fun at Eurovision’s evolving absurdities: “If Johnny Logan still thinks we need to bring back the orchestra, someone needs to take away his guitar.” While it may have been a marketing gimmick, his tone and body language suggested genuine consideration.

Turkey or Troll?

Dustin’s character was originally created as a satirical response to the often bizarre acts that dominated Eurovision in the mid-2000s when public televoting solely determined the results. However, the current format is entirely different – high-budget productions, elevated musical standards, and carefully curated acts designed to impress both audiences and professional juries.

The real question isn’t whether Dustin is funny, but whether such an act has a place in today’s contest, now that voting is open to audiences worldwide and includes music industry experts. As seen with countries like San Marino or Moldova, surprises can work – but they must strike a delicate balance between eccentric and effective.

Between Nostalgia and Cynicism

As someone who has watched nearly every Eurovision contest (mostly on YouTube), I vividly recall the shock when the turkey burst out of the cart, flapping and squawking before a stunned audience. Over the years, a fascinating pattern has emerged: Dustin became — perhaps unintentionally — a pop-cultural and humorous symbol.

Interviews from that era pointed to accusations of musical sabotage, but many others argued he brought new life to a younger audience disconnected from Eurovision’s traditional image. In today’s post-ironic age, a Dustin comeback might even be seen as a timely, relevant wink at the contest’s evolving identity.

Ireland in Eurovision 2025

“Laika Party” is the name of the song performed by singer EMMY, who represented Ireland in the second semi-final of Eurovision 2025 held in Basel, Switzerland. Ireland failed to qualify for the Grand Final, finishing 13th out of 16 with just 28 points.

Over the past five years, Ireland has reached the Grand Final only once.

Eurovision 2025 marked Ireland’s 58th participation in the contest. The country joined Eurovision in 1965 and is tied with Sweden for the most wins, with seven victories. Ireland’s most recent win came in 1996 with the song “The Voice,” performed by singer Eimear Quinn.