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Iceland: Friðrik Ómar revealed as the spokesperson for Eurovision 2024!

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RÚV announced that Friðrik Ómar will serve as the spokesperson for the Icelandic votes in Eurovision 2024.

In fact, Friðrik Ómar is no stranger to the Eurovision community. He represented Iceland in Eurovision 2008 as a part of Eurobandið with the song “This Is My Life“, ending up in the fourteenth place with 64 points.

So far, the following countries have revealed their spokespersons for Eurovision 2024:

  • Azerbaijan – Aisel
  • Belgium – Livia Dushkoff
  • Georgia  – Sopho Khalvashi
  • Switzerland – Jennifer Bosshard
  • Spain – Soraya
  • Luxembourg – Désirée Nosbusch
  • Slovenia – Lorella Flego
  • Greece – Helena Paparizou
  • Italy – Mario Acampa
  • Germany – Ina Müller
  • Denmark – Stéphanie Surrugue
  • Malta – Matt Blxck
  • The Netherlands – Nikkie de Jagger
  • Ukraine  – Jamala
  • United Kingdom – Joanna Lumley
  • Cyprus – Loukas Hamatsos

Iceland was represented this year by Hera Björk and her song “Scared Of Heights“, but on Tuesday night it was not announced among the ten finalists for Saturday.

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Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, in Malmö!

France wins Alla leið 2024!

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Slimane from France is the winner of the Icelandic preview show for Eurovision 2024, Alla leið 2024.

Icelandic television has produced lla leið since 2008.  During the show, the guests rate the competing songs giving them between 1 and 12 points.

Last night was the last preview show in Iceland.  For the last night, the panel reviewed the songs from the Big 5 + Sweden.  France won the last show with 46 points.  In second place came Italy with 36 points.  Following, Sweden got 35 points, the United Kingdom 33 points, Germany 29 points and Spain 16 points.

The Icelandic jury for Alla leið 2024 was:

  • Eva Ruza – Host
  • Matti Matt (Iceland 2011 representative)
  • Regina Osk – (Iceland 2008 representative)
  • Jógvan Hansen – Singer

Here are the overall results of the show:

  • France – Slimane – “Mon Amour” – 12+12+12+10 – 46 points
  • Croatia – Baby Lasagna – “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” – 12+10+10+10 – 42 points
  • Norway – Gåte – “Ulveham” – 5+12+12+10 – 39 points
  • Australia – Electric Fields – “One Milkali (One Blood)” – 10+6+10+12 – 38 points
  • Armenia – Ladaniva – “Jako” – 8+10+10+10 – 38 points
  • Switzerland – Nemo – “The Code” – 7+12+12+5 – 36 points
  • Netherlands – Joost Klein – “Europapa” – 12+10+10+4 – 36 points
  • Italy – Angelina Mango – “La noia” – 10+8+10+8 – 36 points
  • Iceland – Hera Björk – “Scared of Heights” – 8+10+10+8 – 36 points
  • Sweden – Marcus & Martinus – “Unforgettable” – 8+12+8+7 – 35 points
  • United Kingdom – Olly Alexander – “Dizzy” – 10+10+7+6 – 33 points
  • Portugal – Iolanda – “Grito” – 10+6+10+6 – 32 points
  • Austria – Kaleen – “We Will Rave” – 10+3+10+8 – 31 points
  • Serbia – Teya Dora – “Ramonda” – 5+8+10+8 – 31 points
  • Malta – Sarah Bonnici – “Loop” – 10+6+7+8 – 31 points
  • Cyprus – Silia Kapsis – “Liar” – 12+7+8+5 – 29 points
  • Germany – Isaak – “Always on the Run” – 7+8+6+8 – 29 points
  • Denmark – Saba – “Sand” – 12+7+4+5 – 28 points
  • Belgium – Mustii – “Before the Party is Over” – 3+8+8+7 – 26 points
  • Albania – Besa – “Titan” – 7+6+6+6 – 25 points
  • Ukraine – Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil – “Teresa & Maria” – 8+4+10+2 – 24 points
  • Finland – Windows95man – “No Rules!” – 10+4+8+2 – 24 points
  • Czechia – Aiko – “Pedestal” – 6+6+5+4 – 24 points
  • Ireland – Bambie Thug – “Doomsday Blue” – 2+8+3+10 – 23 points
  • Luxembourg – Tali – “Fighter” – 7+5+5+5 – 22 points
  • Lithuania – Silvester Belt – “Luktelk” – 7+6+4+3 – 20 points
  • San Marino – Megara – “11:11” – 6+6+3+6 – 19 points
  • Georgia – Natia Busalazdze – “Firefighter” – 6+4+5+4 = 19 points
  • Estonia – 5miinust and Puuluup – “(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi” – 7+4+3+2 – 16 points
  • Spain – Nebulossa – “Zorra” – 6+3+4+3 – 16 points
  • Greece – Marina Satti – “Zari” – 6+2+5+2 – 15 points
  • Latvia – Dons – “Hollow” – 4+4+2+5 – 15 points
  • Slovenia – Raiven – “Veronika” – 6+4+2+2 – 14 points
  • Azerbaijan – Fahree feat. Ilkin Dovlatov – “Özünlə apar” – 3+2+1+6 – 12 points
  • Moldova – Natalia Barbu – “In the Middle” – 3+1+2+1 – 7 points
  • Israel – Eden Golan – “Hurricane” – 1+1+1+1 – 4 points

Source: RÚV

Stay tuned at EurovisionFun for more news about Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest!

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Eurovision 2024: Iceland’s Second Rehearsal!

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The second rehearsals of Eurovision 2024 have started! Hera Björk from Iceland now on stage, performing her song  “Scared of Heights“!

Who is Hera Björk?

Hera Björk won the hearts of Europe when she represented Iceland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 with her song “Je Ne Sais Quoi”.

Before representing the country however, Hera has been on vocals for Iceland several times and in 2009 she was in the national final for Denmark, failing to get a ticket to the Eurovision stage.

Her talents have shone brightly in various competitions and events, including her famous anthem Feel the Love Tonight for LGBTQ+ pride events in 2011, her triumphant victory with “Because We Can” at the Viña del Mar festival, the largest Latin music festival America in 2013.

The rehearsal:

Hera has swapped Söngvakeppnin’s red sparkly dress for a gold and very sparkly dress!

Hera Bjork Eurovision 2024 Iceland

Hera Bjork Eurovision 2024 – Iceland’s 2nd Rehearsal

It begins on a black plinth backed by five singers. It looks a lot like Söngvakeppnin, only on a Malmö scale – lots of gold graphics and silhouettes of dancers on the LED wall make it feel like a big old party.

Baby Lasagna Eurovision 2024 - Croatia's 2nd Rehearsal

Baby Lasagna Eurovision 2024 – Croatia’s 2nd Rehearsal

No fireworks for Iceland in this rehearsal either!

After all today’s second rehearsals a recap video will be published on the official Youtube channel! Stay tuned!

The Dress Rehearsal for Iceland and the rest of Semi Final 1 will be held on the 6th of May.

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Stay tuned at EurovisionFun for all the latest about Eurovision 2024!

Eurovision 2024: Which rehearsal had the most views on the second day?

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The rehearsals continued dynamically, with yesterday’s day hosting another eight countries at the Malmö Arena! Be sure to also read our article from yesterday regarding the views of the seven countries that completed their rehearsals on Saturday.

However, as we know on TikTok, all the first rehearsals are uploaded. Apart from their performances, we’ll also get a sneak peek backstage before they take the stage for the first time in a video of about one minute.

One of the many features of TikTok is the ability to add songs to each user’s video creation. However, the TikTok algorithm is usually able to detect the song used in the video, assign it to the correct track, and then include it in the total number of videos where that sound has been used. Based on this capability, the most popular songs before rehearsals were from the Netherlands and Italy. Will they receive the same promotion as before?

In less than 24 hours (April 29, 2024, time  CET), since the first clip from the rehearsals was uploaded, we have a indicative sample of which rehearsal was favored by the audience (here it should be noted that the videos were uploaded one after the other with a one and a half hour interval and there was a significant delay in their publication).

The rehearsals that had the most views are:

  1. Azerbaijan: FAHREE feat. Ilkin Dovlatov – Özünlə Apar – 185,5 thousand views
  2. Australia: Electric Fields – One Milkali (One Blood) – 142,3 thousand views
  3. Luxembourg: TALI – Fighter – 140 thousand views
  4. Iceland: Hera Bjork – Scared of Heights –  126,3 thousand views
  5. Portugal: iolanda – Grito – 112,8 thousand views
  6. Moldova: Natalia Barbu – In The Middle – 109 thousand views
  7. Finland: Windows95man – No Rules – 108,2 thousand views
  8. Slovenia: Raiven – Veronika – 107 thousand views

With this small sample, we can infer that:

  • None of the eight countries managed to come close to the countries’views that rehearsed the day before. Therefore, we can assume that the second half of the first semifinal doesn’t have the same impact as the first half.
  • The last four countries are very close to each other so it is very likely that some of them can recover in views in the following days.
  • Azerbaijan had the most views, beacause no one knew any information about the stage and also due to the country’s diaspora.

The top six countries with the most views from the two days are as follows:

  1. Poland: LUNA – The Tower – 1,1 thousand views
  2. Ukraine: alyona alyona & Jerry Heil – Teressa & Maria – 763 thousand views
  3. Serbia: Teya Dora – Ramonda – 749 thousand views
  4. Croatia: Baby Lasagna – Rim Tim Tagi Dim – 624 thousand views
  5. Ireland: Bambie Thug – Doomsday Blue – 278 thousand views
  6. Cyprus: Silia Kapsis – Liar – 243 thousand views

TikTok has played a significant role in the success of Eurovision songs in recent years. For example, Duncan Laurence’s winning entry “Arcade” became a global hit a year after winning the competition when it was used in over a million videos on TikTok. One of the earliest TikTok successes from Eurovision was Getter Jaani’s “Rockefeller Street”, which went viral on the platform in 2018 and has since been used in over two million videos. Let’s not forget that Armenia’s entry in 2022 by Rosa Linn with “Snap” gained over a billion views on the platform. Finally, Norway’s entry last year gained significant worldwide publicity months before the competition week, where it secured fifth place.

For detailed information about the rehearsals, you can check out our related articles:

The second rehearsal for the first semi-final countries will be held on the 1st of May, when we will know how things will appear on screen for the representatives.

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Stay tuned at EurovisionFun for all the latest developments regarding Eurovision 2024!

 

Iceland: Watch exclusive footage from Hera Björk’s First Rehearsal!

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Yesterday, Hera Björk, the Icelandic representative in Eurovision 2024, stepped on the stage of Malmö Arena for the first time, for her first technical rehearsal. Read more

Iceland: Norway Wins Second Episode of Alla leið 2024

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The second episode of Alla leið, the preview show by Iceland’s public television for the entries of Eurovision 2024, concluded yesterday!

Hosted by Eva Ruza, Alla leið featured judges from Iceland’s artistic community who scored the songs competing in the Second Semi-Final of Eurovision 2024, with Norway and Gate claiming the top spot.

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

Here are the results of the second episode:

  • Norway – Gåte – “Ulveham” – 5+12+12+10 – 39 Points
  • Armenia – Ladaniva – “Jako” – 8+10+10+10 – 38 Points
  • Switzerland – Nemo – “The Code” – 7+12+12+5 – 36 Points
  • Netherlands – Joost Klein – “Europapa” – 12+10+10+4 – 36 Points
  • Austria – Kaleen – “We Will Rave” – 10+3+10+8 – 31 Points
  • Malta – Sarah Bonnici – “Loop” – 10+6+7+8 – 31 Points
  • Denmark – Saba – “Sand” – 12+7+4+5 – 28 Points
  • Belgium – Mustii – “Before the Party is Over” – 3+8+8+7 – 26 Points
  • Albania – Besa – “Titan” – 7+6+6+6 – 25 Points
  • Czech Republic – Aiko – “Pedestal” – 6+6+5+4 – 24 Points
  • San Marino – Megara – “11:11” – 6+6+3+6 – 19 Points
  • Georgia – Natia Busalazdze – “Firefighter” – 6+4+5+4 – 19 Points
  • Estonia – 5miinust and Puuluup – “(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi” – 7+4+3+2 – 16 Points
  • Greece – Marina Satti – “Zari” – 6+2+5+2 – 15 Points
  • Latvia – Dons – “Hollow” – 4+4+2+5 – 15 Points
  • Israel – Eden Golan – “Hurricane” – 1+1+1+1 – 4 Points

The judging panel for the second episode comprised:

  • Eva Ruza – Host
  • Matti Matt – Country Representative at Eurovision 2011
  • Regina Osk – Country Representative at Eurovision 2008
  • Jógvan Hansen – Singer

Next week, the entries of the Grand Final will be evaluated.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates on Eurovision 2024.

Iceland: Gísli Marteinn Withdraws from Eurovision Commentary

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Gísli Marteinn Baldursson has decided not to provide commentary for the Eurovision Song Contest this year. The reason behind his withdrawal is Israel’s actions in Gaza and the competition’s response to them, particularly the lack of reaction.

The television personality made this announcement on Instagram. There had been uncertainty regarding whether Gísli would host, as he has done in previous years. It was previously reported that Felix Bergsson would not be the Icelandic team’s tour manager due to a presidential campaign, with Rúnar Freyr Gíslason taking his place.

On Instagram, Gísli Marteinn expressed that for him, Eurovision is about atmosphere and joy. “For me, Eurovision is about atmosphere and joy, and I feel none of it in this year’s competition.”

Gísli Marteinn has humorously covered Iceland’s participation in Eurovision on his Friday programs and has been vocal about his concerns regarding the Mediterranean bottom trawling issue on social media. Attempts to reach Gísli regarding the matter in March were unsuccessful.

His full statement on Instagram:

“To those who have asked: I will not provide commentary for Eurovision this year. The reason is Israel’s actions in Gaza and the competition’s response to them, primarily the lack of reaction. For me, Eurovision is about atmosphere and joy, and I feel none of it in this year’s competition.”

Iceland will be represented in the 68th Eurovision Song Contest by Hera Björk with the song “Scared of Heights” where she will compete in the first semi-final on Tuesday 7 May.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OouUsCZ3xkM

Source: RÚV

Iceland: The country will eventually be present in Malmö!

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RÚV has finally reached a decision. Iceland will participate in the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö with Hera Björk and her Söngvakeppnin winning entry “Scared of Heights“.

Hera Björk won the national selection a week ago, however Iceland’s participation in Eurovision 2024 remained unsure in the meantime.

Iceland’s participation in uncertainty

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.

As a consensus was achieved in RÚV’s Eurovision group, Iceland will ultimately participate in Eurovision 2024.

Concerns regarding Söngvakeppnin’s results

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.

In the meantime, one of “Scared of Heights” songwriters, Ásdís María Viðarsdóttir, has stated that she will not be following Eurovision 2024, as she does not think the results were fair.

Iceland: A songwriter from “Scared of Heights” has left the Eurovision team!

Iceland is allocated to perform in 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!

Source: ruv.is 

Iceland: A songwriter from “Scared of Heights” has left the Eurovision team!

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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!

Source: ruv.is

Iceland: Hera Björk’s participation in Eurovision 2024 is still uncertain!

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Eurovision 2024 remains a hot topic in Iceland. Protests and letters to RÚV calling for Iceland’s withdrawal from the contest have been ongoing since the list of participating countries was revealed in December, including Israel.

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.

Söngvakeppnin 2024 was concluded last Saturday, with Hera Björk triumphing against all odds. Despite the backlash over the voting process that resulted in Bashar Murad, the hot favorite, losing, Iceland’s participation in Malmö remains uncertain.

Why does Iceland’s participation remain uncertain?

Considering the aforementioned situation in Iceland and according to RÚV announcement in January, the decision would be made following Söngvakeppnin 2024.

Hera Björk has repeatedly stated that she intends to return to the Eurovision stage as a solo artist before winning Söngvakeppnin in 2024.

I want to go out and I’m taking aunt Úlla with me.

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.

It appears that Hera Björk’s team wants to go to Eurovision and we are awaiting whether a consensus will be achieved on RÚV’s group, which will take the final decision.

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! 

Source: visir.is