Iceland: A songwriter from “Scared of Heights” has left the Eurovision team!
Following the conclusion of Söngvakeppnin 2024, news in Iceland have been running fast. While we wait for RÚV to decide whether the island nation will be present in Malmö or not, one of “Scared of Heights” songwriters has decided to opt out of the team.
Ásdís María Viðarsdóttir has stated that she will not be following Eurovision 2024, regardless of RÚV’s decision. The question is, what are the reasons behind her withdrawal?
“Bashar Murad should have gone instead”
Söngvakeppnin’s results sparked widespread criticism in Iceland, as Bashar Murad’s entry won the first round of voting but lost to Hera Björk in the second round. Many viewers expressed concerns about voting irregularities, claiming that votes for Bashar Murad were counted for Hera Björk instead. Furthermore, the co-author of Bashar Murad’s entry demanded an independent investigation of the contest’s results in order to maintain the organization’s trust and reputation.
I suggested to RÚV that that result be left standing and that Bashar be allowed to enter the final competition as the undisputed winner of the competition. Maybe Hera would be allowed to go next year instead, but they rejected that idea.
Hence, she has decided to withdraw from Eurovision:
But I won’t follow the song to the finals if that happens. My conscience just won’t allow it.
Ásdís María Viðarsdóttir also conveys her disappointment at the hate speech Bashar Murad has been subjected to in Iceland, particularly when it is directed at someone who is on a “global mission“:
I have been in shock. Bashar is on a global mission. This scene was amazing and I admire him and his whole team. He is a brave and talented artist and I admire him and his professionalism throughout this process.
Her decision to opt out was strengthened by those racist remarks and actions, as she felt that:
And I have no interest as a songwriter and artist in winning a competition because of racism.
Israel’s involvement has also played its part
After the events in October, Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2024 has become a hot topic in Iceland. Ásdís María Viðarsdóttir had no idea what would happen when submitting the song to Söngvakeppnin 2024 in the late summer.
Nonetheless, Ásdís María Viðarsdóttir notes that despite her withdrawal:
I feel in a miserable position, but I’m still proud of Hera and her impeccable performance. There are a lot of people who put their all into making the scene as good as it really was. I do this in full love and respect for Hera and all the others.
Iceland still to reach its final decision
In January, RÚV stated that the country’s participation in Malmö is uncertain and will be discussed after the conclusion of Söngvakeppnin 2024. The decision would be made by RÚV’s group and the winner of the national selection.
Hera Björk herself wants to be a part of the Eurovision community once again and seems positive to participate in Eurovision 2024.
However, no decision has still been made from RÚV’s side. According to Rúnari Frey Gíslason, the director of Söngvakeppnin:
The deadline for submitting data to the EBU is March 11. We are still looking into the matter.
We are now awaiting whether a consensus will be achieved on RÚV’s group, which will take the final decision.
The final decision is expected till tomorrow, so fingers crossed!
In case everything goes as planned, Iceland is allocated to perform at the second half of the first semi-final on May 7 with Hera Björk and “Scared of Heights“. 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!
