Singer-songwriter Brian Kennedy has been chosen by RTÉ to represent Ireland in next year's Eurovision song contest in Athens.
Under new selection plans announced by RTÉ, Kennedy will sing a song chosen by the public and written by a songwriter living in Ireland.
This change in format follows Ireland's disappointing result at last year's Eurovision, which saw Joseph and Donna McCaul fail to qualify for the semi-finals after winning RTÉ's You're A Star competition.
RTÉ is now calling on songwriters to submit compositions that will complement Kennedy's voice.
Four songs will be shortlisted by a selection panel, and performed by Kennedy in a one-hour television special in early spring. The public will then vote to choose a song.
Kennedy has had three Top 30 albums in the Irish charts simultaneously and has performed and recorded with Van Morrison, The Corrs, Tina Turner, Paul Brady and Sinead O'Connor.
He has also performed in Riverdance and presented TV and radio programmes. Kennedy has also written two novels, the second of which, Roman Song, was launched last week.
A long-time "secret fan" of the competition, he said this newest opportunity should open up many more doors to him. Compositions for the contest should be entered by December 17th.