Dermot Kennedy is basically a Toy Show legend at this point. His 2020 appearance to surprise fan Michael Moloney caught everyone’s attention and warmed hearts in the middle of a pandemic. So, it’s pretty safe to say the moment will go down in Toy Show history, like the time Ed Sheeran made a kid cry on the show (out of happiness, of course).
But it turns out that wasn’t Dermot’s first experience with The Late Late Toy Show.
The Dubliner revealed on last night’s 60th anniversary episode of The Late Late Show, how he had auditioned for the Christmas special when he was younger…but didn’t actually get a place in the show.
Speaking about the audition, he confessed, “I was pushing the boat out though. I’d say I was 14 or 15 years old.”
“That was a fun day. I remember playing. I used to be paranoid at stuff like that. I remember the first time a camera was on me.”
Despite the fact that he now travels the world performing in stadiums to massive crowds, Dermot actually still remembers how exciting it was to be auditioning for the show.
Saying, “So, I was in one of the studios and I just couldn’t believe it. I thought cameras were so high tech, right? It was a fair challenge for me.”
While he didn’t get a spot on the show then, his iconic 2020 performance more than makes up for it.
Back then he surprised Michael and joined him for a performance of his hit, Giants, and then surprised the aspiring musician again offering him a recording session.
While the moment was undoubtedly special for super fan Michael, it also meant a lot to Dermot as well. “It was really, really nice” he confessed.
Also revealing that him and Michael are still in touch, explaining, “He is a really nice guy and I have spoken to him a good few times since.”
