Original Dublin judge, Shane Lynch announced his departure from the show. Amanda Brunker took his place. The judges for this series are: Amanda Brunker (Dublin), 1970 Eurovision Song Contest winner and conservative politician Dana (North), broadcaster John Creedon (South), television presenter and Irish language enthusiast Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh (East) and television personality and weather forecaster Dáithí Ó Sé (West). Backstage presenter Aidan Power filled in for Bláthnaid during the heat six results show as she was ill.