Iceland: Söngvakeppnin’s 2024 results are in question!

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Last night, Söngvakeppnin 2024, the Icelandic national selection for Eurovision 2024, took place. Out of the five finalists, two qualified to Söngvakeppnin’s super-final, Hera Bjork and Bashar Murad, who was the hot favorite of the selection. Despite all odds, Hera Björk, was crowned winner of the selection with her entry “Scared of Heights“.

However, following the conclusion of the national final, there is a big backlash among Eurovision fans, also Icelandic, who question the results of the public’s voting. Bearing in mind that Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2024 has emerged to a big issue to Iceland’s public sphere and the fact that Bashar Murad is Palestinian, the results yesterday were not welcomed by the fandom.

Why are Söngvakeppnin 2024 results in question?

According to Icelandic viewers, the voting process during the superfinal was problematic. Many Icelanders, in particular, complained on social media that their votes for Bashar Murad were counted for Hera Björk instead, based on the messages they received in response from RÚV.

RÚV’s reply

RÚV responded to the accusations and announced that the matter is under investigation. However, they also stated that the alleged flaw in the voting could not affect the outcome of the evening because the difference between the two candidates was chaotic.

According to the director of Söngvakeppnin, Rúnar Freyr Gíslason:

Comments like this come every year. Of course, we always investigate the matter. These comments refer to the SMS votes that can be sent through the app, RÚV Stjörnur. No comments have been made regarding the other voting platforms that were available. We are currently examining with the creators of the app whether a mistake may have occurred, and we expect results from that examination soon.

Moreover,

But for the avoidance of doubt, we would like to state that the total number of SMS votes received by these two contestants was not so decisive that it would have influenced the results. In other words, even if all the sms votes that the winning song received would have gone to the song that landed in 2nd place, it would not have changed anything about the final result. Vodafone representatives, who were there throughout the competition and took care of the counting of SMS and call-in votes for RÚV, confirm this,

Finally, he assured that the full results for all Söngvakeppnin shows will be made public as soon as possible, as it is always done.

Iceland has yet to decide whether it will participate in Malmö. As revealed a couple months ago and due to Israel’s inclusion in Eurovision 2024, RÚV would decide along with Söngvakeppnin’s 2024 winner whether they will participate in Malmö. No such decision has been made-at least public-yet.

In case everything goes as planned, Iceland is allocated to perform at the second half of the first semi-final on May 7. It will be Hera Björk’s second time-as a representative-on the Eurovision stage, having previously represented Iceland in 2010.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Source: visir.is

Iceland: With Hera Björk and Scared of Heights in Malmö!

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Τhe grand final of Söngvakeppnin 2024, the national process through which the representative of the island of ice and fire in the Eurovision Song Contest is sworn took place tonight. This year, however, the country’s participation is not considered certain, as the issue of the conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Palestine and the participation of the former in the competition is a point of friction in the public sphere of Iceland. The grand final of Söngvakeppnin 2024 took place in Laugardalshöll, Reykjavík.

As in the previous two semi-finals, the grand final was presented by Ragnhildur Steinunn Jónsdóttir, Sigurður Þorri Gunnarsson and Unnsteinn Manuel Stefánsson.

The show started with a tribute to Selma and Iceland’s 1999 entry that finished in 2nd place. Selma herself opened the final night with a live performance of Out of Luck!

The contestants

Five artists participated in the grand final where they performed their entries in English apart from the Væb who chose to keep their song in Icelandic. At this point we remind you that the rules allow the artists to choose the language of their preference.

The artists of the first round of the final performed as per below:

With the end of the competitive part of the first round, the telephone lines were opened for the voting of the televoters.

First Round results

In the first round the two artists who advanced to the second round resulted from the combination of the votes of the television audience and the jury.

The two artists who made it to the second round were:

  1. Hera Björk – “Scared of Heights”
  2. Bashar Murad – “Wild West“

Second Round results

In the second round of the final the two aforementioned artists performed their entries again where the result was decided only by the vote of the television audience.

Before the announcement of the results, last year’s representative of Iceland, Diljá, took the stage.

After the end of the voting, the winner was Hera Björk with Scared of Heights!

Hera Björk with Scared of Heights and Iceland, in case RÚV does not decline the participation in the Contest, is scheduled to take part in the second half of the first semi-final of 7th of May claiming one of the ten tickets for the grand final of Saturday 11th of May.

This is going to be the second time Hera Björk represents Iceland after 2010 when she finished 19th in the final.

What do you think of the results of the Icelandic final? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the updates around the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest!

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Iceland: Söngvakeppnin 2024 Final Tonight!

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Tonight marks the conclusion of the journey to select Iceland’s representative for the 68th Eurovision Song Contest with the final of Söngvakeppnin 2024.

Format

Comprising of two semi-finals and the grand final on March 2nd, these three shows will determine the artist who will compete for Iceland’s colors in Malmö.

Five artists competed in each of the two semi-finals, with the top two in votes from Icelandic viewers advancing to the grand final. Icelandic public television was entitled to give a wildcard to one more artist to participate in the final, which they did.

In the grand final, the result will be determined after two rounds of voting. In the first round, the Icelandic public and an international jury will jointly decide, with the top two in the ranking advancing to the second round. There, only the Icelandic public will have the right to vote, and their votes will be combined with those of the first round to determine Iceland’s representative in Eurovision 2024.

Final

The five artists competing in tonight’s final of Söngvakeppnin 2024 are:

  1. VÆB – “Bíómynd“
  2. Hera Björk – “Scared of Heights”
  3. ANITA – “Downfall“
  4. Bashar Murad – “Wild West“
  5. Sigga Ózk – “Into The Atmosphere”

The hosts for tonight are Ragnhildur Steinunn Jónsdóttir, Sigurður Þorri Gunnarsson, and Unnsteinn Manuel Stefánsson.

The final of Söngvakeppnin 2024 begins at 20:45 CET and can be watched through the official website of the Icelandic public broadcaster by clicking HERE.

Diljá represented Iceland in last year’s contest with the song “Power,” finishing 11th in the second semi-final with 44 points, failing to secure a spot in the final.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the developments regarding Iceland’s journey in the contest!

Betting Odds: Croatia Takes the Lead surpassing Ukraine!

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With less than two weeks left until the official release of all entries for the 68th Eurovision Song Contest, we are entering the most crucial period of the pre-Eurovision season, with national finals and entry reveals multiplying day by day.

For this reason, one of Eurovisionfun’s most beloved and discussed columns returns, with the betting analyses for the Eurovision 2024 once again here.

While you prepare for the crucial weeks ahead with most entries being revealed for May, bookmakers have already begun their work, with the Eurovision 2024 winner section already being offered by some companies. Seizing the opportunity, we present to you the latest developments for the upcoming contest.

Upset at the Top

After a long time, the top spot in the betting odds for Eurovision 2024 has a new holder, with Croatia surpassing Ukraine just a few minutes ago. The sweeping victory of Baby Lasagna at Dora brought Croatia to the top of the betting odds for the first time in its history. The victory of Croatia is currently bet on at odds between 4 and 5, which have been steadily decreasing in recent days.

Thus, in the second place is now Ukraine. Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil may have fallen from the top, however, their distance from the leading Croatia remains small, although the momentum currently favors Croatia. Ukraine’s odds are on the rise, with a potential victory more than quadrupling the bet.

In the third position, Iceland has risen again after the appearance of Bashar Murad in the Icelandic national final. “Wild West” seems to have impressed in recent days, with bookmakers significantly reducing Iceland’s odds, ranging from 7 to 9.

Reflecting the rise of Croatia to the top and Iceland to third, was the fall of Italy to the fourth position. However, this development does not mean an increase in the odds for Angelina Mango with “La Noia“. Italy is bet on at odds from 7 to 10, at the same levels as our previous analysis when it was in second place.

Completing the top five is the United Kingdom, which, however, has a considerable gap compared to the leading countries. With the release of “Dizzy” in the next few hours, it remains to be seen how bookmakers will be influenced by the finalized form of the British entry for Malmo. Currently, the UK’s victory returns up to 15 times the bet.

Top 10

In the sixth position and for the first time outside the Top 5 during this year’s Eurovision season, Sweden has fallen. The relatively low level of this year’s Melodifestivalen has raised the odds for the host country. A Swedish victory on home soil is offered at odds between 13 and 17, marking a slight increase compared to our last analysis.

In the seventh position is Belgium. The release of “Before the Party’s Over” by Mustii a few days ago seems to have thrilled betting companies, which now have the country outside the Top 5 a few days after its release. Belgium’s victory is bet on at odds between 13 and 17, at levels similar to Sweden.

In the eighth position, one finds France, which presents upward trends in recent days, especially after Slimane’s appearance in the Croatian national final a week ago. France’s odds return up to 21 times the bet with “Mon Amour.”

Ninth is now “Luktelk” by Silvester Belt from Lithuania, which may have dropped one position compared to our last analysis but remains within the top ten. Lithuania’s maiden victory is played at similar odds to those of France.

Finally, Switzerland completes the top ten, just hours after the release of “The Code” by Nemo. Upward trends for the country in Central Europe, as seen in the betting odds, with Switzerland possibly to climb even higher in the coming days. Switzerland’s victory is bet on at odds between 17 and 26.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBsgTJQFl9k

Do you think Baby Lasagna will give Croatia its maiden victory as an independent country in the Eurovision Song Contest? Let us know in the comments!

Israelis are urging Icelanders to vote for Hera Björk instead of Bashar Murad!

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The Eurovision Song Contest is another venue where the crises and conflict in the Middle East are clearly reflected. An example of this is the debates over Israel‘s participation in this year’s event.

Iceland‘s participation this year has political ramifications as well. Palestinian-born artist Bashar Murad is one of the artists claiming to represent the country. Due to this circumstance, the artist is the clear favourite to represent the country and has concurrently boosted Iceland in the betting tables.

Given this, a significant number of Jews have opposed to this entry. Indeed, there have been calls for Icelandic citizens to boycott Murad’s participation in the “Israeli-Icelandic Conversation” Facebook page, which strives to promote relations between the two countries. A such example is the post made by Yogev Segal, the group manager, urging Icelanders to vote for Hera Björk, the country’s representative in the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest, in order to prevent Bashar Murad from winning.

In view of the above, developments over the next period are expected to be of particular interest.

Below you can watch the performances of Hera Björk and Bashar Murad:

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the Eurovision 2o24 updates!

Source: Heimildin

Iceland: The Söngvakeppnin Grand Final running order!

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Iceland’s broadcaster, RÚV, has released the order in which the 5 artists will perform on the Söngvakeppnin stage to compete for the much anticipated ticket to Malmö!

The running order will be as following:

  1. Bíómynd – VÆB
  2. Scared of Heights – Hera Björk
  3. Downfall – ANITA
  4. Wild West – Bashar Murad
  5. Into The Atmosphere – Sigga Ózk

The voting

In the Grand Final, the result is to be decided after two rounds of voting. In the first round, the Icelandic public and an international jury will decide, with the top two in the ranking advancing to the second round. There, only the Icelandic public will be entitled to vote, whose votes will be combined with those of the first round to determine the night’s winner.

We are therefore extending our appointment for Saturday, March 2, when we will find out who will represent the country at Eurovision 2024!

Source: RÚV

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the latest news regarding Iceland’s participation in Eurovision 2024!

Iceland: The results of the second semi-final of Söngvakeppnin 2024!

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Tonight was the second semi-final of Söngvakeppnin 2024, the national process through which the representative of the island of ice and fire is sworn in for the Eurovision Song Contest. This year, however, the country’s participation is not considered a sure thing, as the issue of the conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Palestine and the former’s participation in the contest is a point of friction in Iceland’s public sphere. The second semi-final of Söngvakeppnin 2024 took place at Truenorth Studio, in Reykjavik.

 

The second night was hosted by Ragnhildur Steinunn Jónsdóttir, Sigurður Þorri Gunnarsson and Unnsteinn Manuel Stefánsson.

The participants

Five participants competed for the two tickets to the Grand Final of Söngvakeppnin 2024 on March 2.

  1. Sigga Ózk – Um allan alheiminn / Into the Atmosphere
  1. Heiðrún Anna – Þjakaður af ást
  1. Bashar Murad – Vestrið villt / Wild West
  1. MAIAA – Fljúga burt
  1. Hera Björk – Við förum hærra / Scared of Heights

With the completion of the competitive part, the lines opened for the voting of the TV audience. With the voting completed, the two songs that qualified for the final are:

  1. Hera Björk – Við förum hærra / Scared of Heights
  2. Bashar Murad – Vestrið villt / Wild West

At this point, it should be recalled that the jury will be asked to select a fifth finalist as a wild card among the six songs that did not qualify directly from the two semi-finals.

  1. Sigga Ózk – Um allan alheiminn / Into the Atmosphere

Our appointment is renewed for next Saturday 2 March for the Grand Final of Söngvakeppnin 2024.

What is your opinion on the results? Tell us what you think in the comments!

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the news about Eurovision 2024!

 

Iceland: Söngvakeppnin 2024 Continues with Second Semi-Final!

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Tonight marks the continuation of the journey to select Iceland’s representative for the 68th Eurovision Song Contest with the second semi-final of Söngvakeppnin 2024.

Format

Comprising of two semi-finals and the grand final on March 2nd, these three shows will determine the artist who will compete for Iceland’s colors in Malmö.

Five artists will compete in each of the two semi-finals, with the top two in votes from Icelandic viewers advancing to the grand final. This means that at least four artists will participate in the grand final of Söngvakeppnin 2024, with the Icelandic public broadcaster having the right to grant a wildcard to one additional artist to compete in the final.

In the grand final, the result will be determined after two rounds of voting. In the first round, the Icelandic public and an international jury will jointly decide, with the top two in the ranking advancing to the second round. There, only the Icelandic public will have the right to vote, and their votes will be combined with those of the first round to determine Iceland’s representative in Eurovision 2024.

Finalists

The first two finalists of Söngvakeppnin 2024 are:

  1. VÆB – Bíómynd / Movie Scene
  2. ANITA – Stingum af / Downfall

Second Semi-Final

The five artists competing in tonight’s second semi-final of Söngvakeppnin 2024 are:

  1. Hera Björk – Við förum hærra / Scared of Heights
  2. Heiðrún Anna – Þjakaður af ást
  3. Bashar Murad – Vestrið villt / Wild West
  4. Sigga Ózk – Um allan alheiminn / Into the Atmosphere
  5. MAIAA – Fljúga burt

The hosts for tonight are Ragnhildur Steinunn Jónsdóttir, Sigurður Þorri Gunnarsson, and Unnsteinn Manuel Stefánsson.

The second semi-final of Söngvakeppnin 2024 begins at 20:45 CET and can be watched through the official website of the Icelandic public broadcaster by clicking HERE.

Diljá represented Iceland in last year’s contest with the song “Power,” finishing 11th in the second semi-final with 44 points, failing to secure a spot in the final.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the developments regarding Iceland’s journey in the contest!

Betting Odds Reshuffled with Ukraine Leading the Pack!

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With less than a month remaining until the official release of all entries for the 68th Eurovision Song Contest, we are entering the most crucial month of the pre-Eurovision period, with national finals multiplying week by week.

For this reason, one of Eurovisionfun’s most beloved and talked-about columns returns, with betting analyses for Eurovision 2024 back in action.

While you prepare for the pivotal weeks ahead with the revelations of most entries ahead of May, bookmakers have already been hard at work, with the winner section of Eurovision 2024 already being offered by some companies. So, let’s take this opportunity and present to you what we know so far for the next contest.

Ukraine Emerges as the Top Favorite

As mentioned earlier, February is the month of most national finals, and understandably, this has caused reshuffles in the betting tables. Far ahead in the first position sits Ukraine. The Eastern European country, which has consistently topped the betting odds in recent weeks, is considered the major favorite by bookmakers to win in Malmo.

The triumph of Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil at Vidbir, where they “flattened” their competition, has skyrocketed the odds for Ukraine to win the 68th Eurovision Song Contest. At the moment, a Ukrainian victory returns up to 3.8 times the bet.

Italy has now risen to the second position. Angelina Mango’s victory with “La Noia” at the San Remo Festival has put the Mediterranean country in a particularly advantageous position, with bookmakers considering it the second most likely winner at the moment. Italy’s odds range from 7.5 to 10.

Croatia Takes the Third Spot

Croatia now sits in third place. The release of the video clip for Baby Lasagna’s entry, considered the major favorite to represent the Balkans in Malmo, has propelled Croatia to third place, just a breath away from second-placed Italy. Croatia’s victory is currently bet on odds ranging between 8 and 10.

In the fourth position is Sweden. The host country of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest is once again considered one of the big favorites of this year’s competition, with SVT executives and Swedish Eurofans eager for the historic eighth victory to take place on Swedish soil. A victory for Sweden is offered at odds between 11 and 15, showing a slight increase compared to our last analysis.

Rounding up the top five is Belgium. The recent release of “Before the Party’s Over” by Mustii seems to have thrilled betting companies, placing the Western European country within the Top 5 for the first time during this Eurovision season. Belgium’s victory is bet on odds between 10 and 15, just below the fourth position.

Top 10

In sixth place with clearly declining trends is the United Kingdom. Olly Alexander’s “Dizzy” teaser seems to have neither thrilled nor convinced bookmakers, who have now placed the United Kingdom outside the top five. It’s a significant drop, with the UK’s victory now returning up to 15 times the bet.

From there onwards, deviations from the group of leading six countries begin. Thus, in seventh place is Norway, whose victory now returns up to 21 times the bet. Similar odds are found for Iceland in seventh place, awaiting the second semifinal of the national selection, where Bashar Murad, of Palestinian descent, competes.

Lithuania follows in eighth place, which has returned to the top ten after Silvester Belt’s selection with “Luktelk“. Odds range between 17 and 21. France has returned to the top ten after a long time, with Slimane, whose potential victory triples the bet placed on it. Finally, Switzerland completes the Top 10, with odds ranging between 23 and 34.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_8cNbF8FLI

Do you believe Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil can make history in Malmo and give Ukraine its fourth victory in its twenty-year presence at the Eurovision Song Contest? Let us know in the comments!

Iceland: Last week’s Söngva­keppn­in almost the same TV ratings as last year!

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The average TV ratings for last Saturday‘s semifinal night of Söngva­keppn­in, the Icelandic national selection process was 35 percent. Last year’s average ratings were 37 percent. Cumulative ratings were 45 percent, compared to 48 percent last year.

Considerable pressure was exerted to cancel the contest in Iceland and thereby not participate in Eurovision. Many people said they would boycott the contest if it were to be held. Rúnar Freyr Gíslason, director of the competition, says it is awesome to see how much interest there is in the competition, as it is obvious that despite the continuous protests and calls for boycott, the interest remained high.

The finalists

The two songs which secured their place to the final, after the Icelandic people cast their votes, are:

  • Væb – “Bíómynd”
  • Anita – “Stingum af”

The format

Ten songs are equally allocated in two semi-finals and two entries qualify from each semi-final to the Final, a result eventuating by 100% televote. Meanwhile, the producers of the show have the option to add a fifth finalist as a wildcard from the semi-finalists.

The Final is comprised of two rounds. In the first round, the two acts that qualify for the Super Final will be decided by jury and televote. In the second round, the country’s representative will be determined solely by the public vote.

The schedule

The Second Semi-Final of Söngvakeppnin 2024 is scheduled for next Saturday, February 24th. The Final is set to take place on Saturday, March 2nd.

Source: RÚV/Amanda Guðrún Bjarnadóttir

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