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Iceland confirms participation for Eurovision 2025!

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Public broadcaster RÚV has confirmed that Iceland will participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025.

The decision to participate in Basel contrasted with the Icelandic broadcaster’s uncertainty over their participation this year.  As we reported, Iceland’s participation remained uncertain even after Söngvakeppnin had ended.

RÚV announced on Vísir their intention to be in Basel next year citing the popularity of the show as well as the shared values of Eurovision.   According to the official statement, the main reasons for choosing to take part in the Festival are that it is a highly valued event in Icelandic society, a place where many people find happiness and contentment, and a treasured opportunity to spend quality time with relatives across the nation.   Furthermore, several Icelandic singing treasures have come from Eurovision and Söngvakeppnin. This year, 60% of people watched the Eurovision final night, despite Iceland’s elimination from the competition.  This number of viewers is comparable with the biggest sports events and the New Year’s Fair.

In addition to this, RÚV is confident that the EBU will take adequate changes after receiving criticism from other broadcasters after the handling of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.

There are now nine working groups at work, and the aim is for them to deliver results from their work in the coming months. Ríkisútvarpið has added its comments in the review, where, among other things, it was reported that there was an extremely negative discussion in this country before the last competition. Almost all nations have already announced their participation in Switzerland next year.

Hera Björk represented Iceland in Malmö.  This was the second time Hera Björk represented Iceland in Eurovision.  She performed in the First Semifinal where she ended in last place.

Source: Vísir

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for more news and updates about Europe’s favorite music festival!

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Eurovision Cruise 2024: The biggest Eurovision party went back to Helsinki and Stockholm!

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Eurovision fans meet once again in Helsinki to celebrate with their favorite acts and party at the sea.  This year, the Eurovision Cruise departed from Helsinki to Stockholm.

In these three days in the Baltic Sea, Eurovision fans could party inside the cruise, meet their favorite Eurovision acts, sing at the Eurovision Karaoke, and of course, attend the live performances at night.

These are some of our highlights of this year’s Eurovision Cruise.

Suzy

The Portuguese representative had time to talk with Eurovisionfun about her experience performing for the very first time on a Cruise, the love fans have for her and Quero Ser Tua.  Find out some not so well known facts about Suzy in this exclusive interview

Suzy performing Quero Ser Tua

DQ

There was no drama with DQ, who not only performed at the Eurovision Cruise but was also one of the main hosts of the biggest Eurovision party at the sea.  In this interview, DQ talks about what makes a drag artist great, her memories in Eurovision, and which drag act she will give it 12 points.

You can also watch the performances of Silvester Belt, Poli Genova and Hera Björk in the links embedded below:

 

Poli Genova was the last act announced for the cruise.  Initially, Ari Ólafsson was scheduled to perform at the Eurovision Cruise.  Unfortunately, he could not make it, and the Bulgarian representative at Eurovision joined us instead.

Another interesting fact: during her performance, Hera Björk performed her 2024 song “Scared of Heights” in both English and the Icelandic version of her song.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for more news and updates about Europe’s favorite music festival!

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Get ready for the Eurovision Cruise 2024!

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The Eurovision Cruise is departing again from Helsinki bringing the biggest summer Eurovision party.

The Eurovision Cruise is organized by OGAE Finland.  Fans from Finland and all over Europe meet in Finland every year to enjoy two days of Eurovision celebration, music and a fancy journey inside a Cruise that travels from Helsinki to Stockholm, Sweden.

This year, the tradition will continue with previous Eurovision acts performing live.  We will also have a Eurovision Karaoke and a Eurovision disco by DJ Werneri & DJ First Rank.

The Eurovision Cruise will be hosted by DQ (Denmark 2007) who will also be one of the main performers.  Matleena is joining DQ as a host of the Eurovision Cruise.

Let’s review the programme of the Eurovision Cruise 2024.

Thursday 22 August

    • Ami Aspelund (Finland 1983): Ami Aspelund represented Finland in Eurovision with her song Fantasia in Munich.
    • Suzy (Portugal 2014): Suzy represented Portugal with her song Quero Ser Tua in Copenhaguen.  Although Portugal did not qualify to the Grand Final that year, Quero Ser Tua has become a Eurovision anthem that is played in almost every Eurovision party across Europe

Friday 23 August

    • DQ (Denmark 2007): Peter Andersen, better known by his stage name DQ represented Denmark at the Eurovision Song Contest 2007.  DQ is returning to Helsinki in their role as a performer and co-host of the event.
    • Silvester Belt (Lithuania 2024): This year’s Lithuanian representative is also joining the Eurovision party
    • Poli Genova (Bulgaria 2011, 2016): Ari Ólafsson (Iceland 2018) was initially scheduled to participate at the Eurovision Cruise.  Unfortunately, he cancelled his participation.  However, the show must go on and Poli Genova was later announced as a participating act.  Poli Genova needs no introduction.  She represented Bulgaria in 2011 but did not qualify.  However, she raised the Bulgarian flag once again in 2016 with her song If Love Was A Crime and this time she did not only qualify but ended up in 4th place.
    • Hera Björk (Iceland 2010, 2024): Hera Björk is one of the most beloved Icelandic representatives in Eurovision.  She represented Iceland in 2010 with Je Ne Sais Quoi and once again this year with Scared of Heights

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for more news and updates about Europe’s favorite music festival!

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Eurovision 2024: Which rehearsal has the most views on TikTok?

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Two days ago, the first rehearsals for all 37 entries officially concluded, and today the second rehearsals are expected to be completed, with the Big 5 and the host country Sweden taking the stage at the Malmö Arena for the second time! This means that we are getting closer to the Eurovision week, with the Dress and Jury Rehearsals for the first semi-final starting on Monday.

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?

The ranking with all the entries (in brackets will be the day of the rehearsal) based on the increasing number of views after one week from the start of the first rehearsals on TikTok is as follows:

  1. Netherlands: Joost (fourth day) – Europapa – 3.2 milion views
  2. Greece: Marina Satti (third day) – ZARI – 2.7 million views
  3. Poland: LUNA (first day)– The Tower –1.5 million views
  4. Switzerland: Nemo (third day) – The Code – 1.2 million views
  5. Serbia: Teya Dora (first day) – Ramonda – 980.1 thousand views
  6. Ukraine: alyona alyona & Jerry Heil (first day) – Teressa & Maria – 971.2 thousand views
  7. Croatia: Baby Lasagna (first day) – Rim Tim Tagi Dim – 812.3 thousand views
  8. Georgia: Nutsa (fourth day) – FireFighter – 637.4 thousand views
  9. Israel: Eden Golan (fourth day) – Hurricane – 607.1 thousand views
  10. Belgium: Mustii (fourth day) – Before The Party Is Over – 585.7 thousand views
  11. United Kingdom: Olly Alexander (sixth day) – Dizzy – 567.4 thousand views
  12. Armenia: LADANIVA (third day)  – Jako – 528.6 thousand views
  13. Sweden: Marcus & Martinus (sixth day) – Unforgettable – 515.6 thousand views
  14. Spain: Nebulossa (sixth day)– Zorra – 448.5 thousand views
  15. Albania: Besa (third day) – TiTan – 413.5 thousand views
  16. France: Slimane (sixth day) – Mon Amour – 412.5 thousand views
  17. Ireland: Bambie Thug (first day) – Doomsday Blue – 388.2 thousand views
  18. Latvia: Dons (fourth day) – Hollow – 383.2 thousand viewsc
  19. Austria: Kaleen (third day)  – We Will Rave – 366.2 thousand views
  20. Azerbaijan: FAHREE feat. Ilkin Dovlatov (second day) – Özünlə Apar – 363.5 thousand views
  21. Cyrpus: Silia Kapsis (first day) – Liar – 324.8 thousand views
  22. Lithuania: Silvester Belt (first day) – Luktelk – 306.2 thousand views
  23. Luxembourg: TALI (second day) – Fighter – 304.3 thousand views
  24. Estonia: 5MIINUST x Puuluup (fourth day) – (Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi – 292.0 thousand views
  25. Malta: Sarah Bonnici (third day) – Loop –  291.7 thousand views
  26. Czechia: Aiko (third day) – Pedestal – 284.9 thousand views
  27. Denmark: SABA (third day) – SAND – 262.0 thousand views
  28. Norway: Gåte (fourth day) – Ulveham – 255.4 thousand views
  29. San Marino: Megara (fourth day) – 11:11 – 238.2 thousand views
  30. Australia: Electric Fields (sexond day) – One Milkali (One Blood) – 229.9 thousand views
  31. Moldova: Natalia Barbu (second day) – In The Middle – 211.0 thousand views
  32. Germany: Isaak (sixth day) – Always On The Run – 210.2 thousand views
  33. Portugal: iolanda (second day) – Grito – 192.3 thousand views
  34. Italy: Angelina Mango (sixth day)– La Noia – 186.0 thousand views
  35. Iceland: Hera Bjork (second day) – Scared of Heights –  180.3 thousand views
  36. Finland: Windows95man (second day) – No Rules – 172.2 thousand views
  37. Slovenia: Raiven (second day) – Veronika – 162.4 thousand views

The views were counted at 17:45 CET.

Based on the views from the first semi-final, the following countries will qualify (in ascending order): Poland, Serbia, Ukraine, Croatia, Ireland, Azerbaijan, Cyprus (seventh), Lithuania, Luxembourg, and Australia.

Similarly, from the second semi-final, the following countries will qualify: Netherlands, Greece, Switzerland, Georgia, Israel, Belgium, Armenia, Albania, Latvia, and Austria.

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.

Follow us on all social media, so you do not miss a moment of what will happen in Malmö:

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

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.

Follow us on all social media, so you do not miss a moment of what is happening in Malmo:

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.

Follow us on all social media, so you do not miss a moment of what will happen in Malmö:

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

Listen to the performances of Ireland, Denmark and Iceland in “A Little Bit More”!

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Just like last year, some time before the first rehearsals of the countries, the show called “A Little Bit More” aired on the official Eurovision YouTube channel.

So, for all this time before the rehearsals, Eurovision TV will upload different performances of the artists, like different versions of their songs, or covers of songs from other artists.

In today’s videos, you can listen to an Intimate version of Ireland’s entry “Doomsday Blue” by Bambie Thug as well as the acoustic version of Denmark’s entry,“SAND” performed by Saba:
You can also listen to Hera Björk performing her fan-favourite Eurovision 2010 song, “Je Ne Sais Quoi” in a “Candlelight” version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYP–eTfN3k

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

Iceland: Rúnar Freyr is the country’s new Head of Delegation!

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Iceland and Hera Björk, are about to fly to Malmö for Eurovision 2024, and as it seems, they are going to have a new Head of Delegation for the Contest!

Read more

Iceland: Listen to the acoustic version of “Scared of Heights” by Hera Björk on “A Little Bit More”!

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Just like last year, some time before the first rehearsals of the countries, the show called “A Little Bit More” aired on the official Eurovision YouTube channel.

So, for all this time before the rehearsals, Eurovision TV will upload different performances of the artists, like different versions of their songs, or covers of songs from other artists.

Below you can listen to the a capella version of Iceland’s entry for this year’s contest, “Scared of Heights” by Hera Björk, performed in the Reykjavik Art Museum:

https://youtu.be/rVppZEb31B4

You can also watch the Eurovisionfun team, reacting and commenting to Iceland’s entry for Eurovision 2024:

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