BBC Denies Editing Irish Lyrics from CMAT’s Debut Song Broadcast

In a recent controversy surrounding the debut broadcast of pop singer CMAT’s new single, 'Euro-Country', the BBC has denied allegations of editing out Irish language lyrics from the song. The track, which features lyrics in Irish during its initial 45 seconds, was aired on BBC Radio 1 on July 23, 2025, but the Irish lyrics were reportedly omitted from the radio version. CMAT, whose full name is Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, expressed her disappointment on social media, stating, 'It was not my decision to have the Irish language edited out of the first ever play of Euro-Country on radio. I don’t know if it was a mistake or what happened, but that was not my decision. I don’t know who edited it out – that was crazy of them.'

The controversy has sparked discussions on the representation of the Irish language in mainstream media. According to a BBC spokesperson, the station broadcast the version of the song that was provided by the record label, asserting that 'BBC Radio 1 did not edit the Irish language from this single.' The spokesperson further noted that the full version, which includes the Irish language intro, has already been played and will be featured again on subsequent shows.

CMAT has received communication from BBC representatives, who assured her that they would rectify the situation by playing the complete version of the song. The lyrics in question include poetic lines that evoke themes of identity and loss, which resonate deeply with the Irish experience. CMAT’s music often reflects elements of her personal history and cultural background, making the use of the Irish language in her work particularly significant.

Notably, the song also touches on sensitive subjects, including the spike in suicides in Ireland following the 2008 financial crash. CMAT remarked, 'They also did a crazy editing out of [that line], which I guess is more understandable,' suggesting a complex interplay between artistic expression and broadcast standards.

In interviews, CMAT has previously shared how the financial crisis impacted her upbringing, stating, 'Everyone became unemployed,' highlighting the profound social effects of the economic downturn.

The situation raises important questions about the responsibilities of media outlets in representing minority languages and the narratives they choose to amplify. The BBC's response indicates a commitment to inclusivity, yet the incident has underscored the need for careful consideration in the editing process.

As CMAT's career progresses, her approach to integrating her Irish heritage into her music may become a focal point of her artistic identity, prompting further dialogue on the importance of cultural representation in the arts.