Newport’s Eurovision star returns to pub rock

But now, although he has developed something of a female following in Cyprus, it's back to performing to a few dozen people, playing at weddings and city venues and even trying his hand at a bit of heavy metal.

Since flying back from Oslo where he performed Life Looks Better in Spring with the band The Islanders in Europe’s biggest song competition, Mr Lilygreen has been getting back to normal.

He says he had no regrets about taking the opportunity with the entry coming 21st out of 25 countries, finishing above the UK.

“We all think we did the best we could. For me it was strange, the fatigue was getting to me but we had to go out with all guns blazing,” he said.

He said it was good to be home and that his mum was over the moon that he got to the final.

“Not many people can say they’ve done Eurovision especially as it’s happened by accident.

“I would never have thought in a thousand years I would be getting support from Cyprus but if I push it I could go and make a living there.”

He said he has had a “good vibe” from Cyprus with lots of messages of support from admiring female fans on his MySpace page.

Mr Lilygreen has gone back to playing acoustic gigs at places like Newport’s Karma Lounge every other Thursday which he said was his “bread and butter”.

But his goal is to keep writing and play bigger venues.

He said: “It’s time to step up my game now the Eurovision is out of the way.”

Mr Lilygreen hopes to make new contacts and is writing some new material with friends.

The singer added: “I’d like to be recognised as a decent musician and singer songwriter.”

He is now preparing for a gig with heavy metal band The Circus of War tomorrow at the new Six Feet Under on Stow Hill.

Mr Lilygreen was asked by his former Crosskeys lecturer and lead guitarist of The Circus of War, Matt Sage, to perform with them.

He said: “I like to do a range of things so it doesn’t pigeon hole me.”