UK national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest had hit with "Walking On Sunshine", to enter a new track, "Love Shine A Light". This produced a win in the Eurovision Contest itself for the United Kingdom and for Katrina and the Waves in 1997, and followed with a second place for Imaani in 1998, but disappointment in 1999 for the all-girl band Precious. In 2000, the same format continued, but the final four songs were performed live in "A Song For Europe", still shunted to a graveyard Sunday afternoon slot. The result proved disappointing. Nicki French gave what author John Kennedy O'Connor describes in his book The Eurovision
Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 1997 Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 1997 For the 1997 Eurovision Song Contest held in Dublin, Ireland selected Marc Roberts to represent the country. His song "Mysterious Woman" won the national final selection, which was held in Waterford on 9 March 1997, and was hosted by Pat Kenny. The eight songs presented were then voted on by members of regional juries. Roberts performed 5th in the running order on the night of the contest. "Mysterious Woman" went on to be placed 2nd with 157 points. To date, this was the last time Ireland's Eurovision entry placed in the top five.