Iceland Söngvakeppnin 2017
Iceland Söngvakeppnin 2017

Icelandic broadcaster RUV has revealed the 12 contestants who will be competing in the national final Söngvakeppnin 2017. The 12 acts will be battling for the ticket to Kiyv in May.

Over 200 songs were submitted to the broadcaster this year. After a major cut, 12 hopefuls were left.

Some familiar faces are returning, such as Daði Freyr, along with veterans like Páll Rósinkrans. We also got to hear snippets from all competing songs, and right after the show ended, a new and improved Söngvakeppnin site was launched, where all the songs can be heard both in Icelandic and English.

Svala Björgvinsdóttir – “Ég veit það” (“Paper”)

Composer/lyrics: Svala Björgvinsdóttir, Einar Egilsson , Lester Mendez and Lily

Svala is no stranger when it comes to Söngvakeppnin. She was the composer behind the semi-finalist “The Wiggle Wiggle Song” in 2008, which was performed by Haffi Haff. Albeit not making it all the way to the finals, the song was a major hit in Iceland and an evergreen for Icelandic fans. Svala is the frontwoman for the band Steed Lord, a well known band in America and Iceland and is currently a coach on The Voice:Ísland. She’s already caught the eyes of Team Wiwi, and was one of ten Icelandic performers that made the 2016 wishlist for Eurovision. Svala is also the daughter of the well known singer and Eurovision veteran Bo Halldórs, who represented Iceland in Dublin 1995, as well as being a regular in the early years of Söngvakeppnin. Maybe we will have our wish from last year come true and finally see the ever so cool Svala carrying the Icelandic flag in Eurovision, with the kickass dramatic “Ég veit það”.

Júlí Heiðar and Þórdís Birna – “Heim til þín” (“Get Back Home”)

Composer/lyrics: Júlí Heiðar and Guðmundur Snorri

Júlí and Þórdís are back, y’all! Last year, Þórdís performed “Ready to break free” alongside Guðmundur Snorri in Söngvakeppnin 2017, and Júlí sat behind the piano. This time, Júlí and Guðmundur will switch places and the cute couple Júlí and Þórdís will get to perform together. Will they make it to the finals?

Aron Brink – “Þú hefur dáleitt mig” (“Hypnotized”)

Composer/lyrics: Þórunn Clausen

Aron is a first-timer in Söngvakeppnin, but his background in music is solid nonetheless. His father was Sjonni Brink, who so tragically passed away in January 2011, right before he was due to enter Söngvakeppnin 2011, with his song “Coming Home”. As we all know, his legacy was still carried on by his close friends, and the song made it all the way to Dusseldorf. Aron’s stepmother, Þórunn Clausen is the brain behind “Þú hefur dáleitt mig” and there is no doubt that we will see more of Aron in the future. Söngvakeppnin 2017 is merely the first step for this young and talented singer. “Þú hefur dáleitt mig” (or “You have hypnotized me”) is according to Þórunn and Aron, a big bundle of joy. Its completely different from “Coming home”. One can hear a little Justin Bieber if one listens carefully.

Hildur Kristín Stefánsdóttir – “Bammbaramm” (“Bammbaramm”)

Composer/lyrics: Hildur Kristín Stefánsdóttir

A former member of the hip band SUNDAY, which was a fan favourite back in 2015, Hildur has decided to go solo this time with her feel-good anthem “Bambaramm”, a vastly different tune from the dramatic “Fjaðrir”. Maybe this time will be different and Hildur will make it to the top.

Aron Hannes – “Nótt” (“Tonight”)

Composer/lyrics: Sveinn Rúnar Sigurðsson

Aron Hannes is also brand new when it comes to Eurovision, but that can not be said about the composer Sveinn Rúnar, who was the composer behind Jónsi’s “Heaven” in 2004 and Eiríkur Hauksson’s “Valentine Lost” in 2007, as well as having competed several times in the past. Will this be his third time?

Daði Freyr Pétursson – “Hvað með það?” (“Is This Love?”)

Composer/lyrics: Daði Freyr Pétursson

A synth pop number from the unknown Daði Freyr, who has a strong resemblence to the Icelandic wunderkind Asgeir Trausti.

Rúnar Eff – “Mér við hlið” (“Make Your Way Back Home”)

Composer/lyrics: Rúnar Eff

Rúnar is another new timer in Söngvakeppni. The song “Mér við hlið” (or “By my side”) is a soft and romantic ballad, that Rúnar originally wrote and dedicated to his wife. His background lies in country, but this one is far from country.

Linda Hartman – “Ástfangin” (“Obvious Love”)

Composer/lyrics: Linda Hartman

“A song about a broken-hearted woman” says the composer/performer Linda Hartman. The mother of three found time to write a song about love, as well as being a contestant in The Voice: Ísland. A heartfelt ballad with power and pain is definitely something worth noticing.

Erna Mist Pétursdóttir – “Skuggamynd” (“I’ll Be Gone”)

Composer/lyrics: Erna Mist Pétursdóttir

She’s going solo this time. Erna was one half of a boyfriend/girlfriend duo, along with her boyfriend Magnús Thorlacius, which competed last year with their song “Til þín”, but failed to make it to the finals in Laugardagshöll. “Skuggamynd” is another powerballad, performed with a feeling, and Erna is a force to be reckoned with.

Sólveig Ásgeirsdóttir – “Treystu á mig” (“Trust In Me”)

Composer/lyrics: Iðunn Ásgeirsdóttir

A sister duo has graced the Icelandic national finals for the first time. They, like so many others, are new to the scene, and claim that the song is about everything between love and friendship. Cute and lovely, and perfect for those who want to express their love to the world.

Páll Rósinkrans and Kristina Bærendsen – “Þú og Ég” (“You and I”)

Composer/lyrics: Mark Brink

An Icelandic/Faroese collaboration in a country-esque ballad by Mark Brink. Kristina is from the Faraoe Islands and has never entered Söngvakeppnin, but Páll is a veteran, having competed several times in the past. Páll admits that he has somewhat a love/hate relationship with the contest, and Kristina is learning Icelandic. Will we see a Faroese on the stage in Kiyv? Only time will tell.

Rakel Pálsdóttir and Arnar Jónsson – “Til mín” (“Again”)

Composer/lyrics: Hólmfríður Ósk Samúelsdóttir

They have all been involved in Söngvakeppnin one way or the other. Hólmfríður has been a backing vocal a couple of times, and most of us can remember her and Rakel from the 2014 happiness bomb “Eftir eitt lag”, which was performed by Hólmfríður’s sister Gréta Mjöll.

There we have it. One of those dozen lucky people will follow Greta Salóme’s footsteps on March 11th. Who will it be? Check out the songs on the Söngvakeppnin website and share your thoughts.

READ MORE ICELAND EUROVISION NEWS

66 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Shona
Shona
7 years ago

Hypnotized had me hypnotized. Bambarabamm whatever had an interesting beginning. But the chorus didn’t really reached the peak I expected to be. So hypnotized it is. I hope his live performance will be good though. I kind of feel that it won’t be enough an impact.

AngieP
AngieP
7 years ago

Generally, I like most of the songs. Well produced, good songs, good voices. Great job Iceland! Let’s start: “Paper” is an interesting song, great voice, but at some point I think it gets repetitive. Good quality though. “Get back home” is a sweet, country song. This can do well or not well at ESC. “Hypnotized” surprised me. I can’t imagine this on a big stage, but for sure it made me dance. Love it! “Bammbaramm” interesting song, nice voice, but I think the lyrics repeated in the chorus makes me tired. “Tonight” is hard for me to imagine it on… Read more »

(J)ESC Fanatic
(J)ESC Fanatic
7 years ago

My favorite country never disappoints. So many touching emotional ballads. The best is “Again”. Brilliant song!

@cheesecake

I love her song too, she is my second favorite.

cheesecake
cheesecake
7 years ago

I’m rooting for Linda Hartman here, but I seem to be the only one.

Kjetil H
Kjetil H
7 years ago

I think “Get Back Home” deserves to win, but I suppose faster song usually gets more votes. Nice to see some people here agree at least..

Daniel
Daniel
7 years ago

The leve of Söngvakeppnin this year is BRUTAL! You can’t single out a bad song because there aren’t any. Iceland has everything covered: pop, country, alternative, upbeat… This is going to be difficult, because in any ordinary year, about 10 of the 12 entries could have made it to Eurovision. My ranking with comments: 1. Þú og ég / You and I Amazing country ballad. Their voices blend perfectly to give the chills of an 80’s classic country ballad. In Icelandic the song made me shed a tear; in English, I was crying like a baby. Beautiful song. 2. Til… Read more »

Dan Marino
Dan Marino
7 years ago

Erna = I’ll be gone

blew me away

it is my favourite by far, i find it so haunting

Donna
Donna
7 years ago

Iceland has so much good songs this year that I have a hard time choosing but if I really had to choose one, it would be “You and I” which I believe, should be Iceland’s entry to Eurovision

KV Alexandersson (ESC PH)
KV Alexandersson (ESC PH)
7 years ago

Whoever wins between Svala or Aron Brink will bring Iceland to the Finals.

Personal choice? I’ll Go for Aron Brink. His smile is so cute 🙂

eurovision6
eurovision6
7 years ago

It is “Get Back Home”, “Tonight”, “Bammbaramm” or “Obvious Love” for me.. cant even finish the other songs. A bit dissapointed but “Get Back Home” and “Tonight” has a lot of potential and can be worked on!

nn
nn
7 years ago

Not good song this year . I don t like any song, in past I have 2 or 3 or more songs that I like.
Best chance they have with Aron Brink.

Cambell Grace
Cambell Grace
7 years ago

Just me or does Svala look like she’s related to Greta? I really like her song though, for me it’s the winner.

Bastian
Bastian
7 years ago

A good selection, as always 🙂 Well done, Iceland!
My top 5 songs atm:
1.Ég veit það / Paper
2.Þú hefur dáleitt mig / Hypnotized
3.Mér við hlið / Make your way back home
4.Þú og ég / You and I (some people say its not for esc. WTF?! All genres are welcome to esc, The common linnets, just to mention one, showed it doesn’t matter what genre you send, just send quality and you can win the hearts of people. This one is good, I fills my heart with warmth)
5.Heim til þín / Get back home

Colin
Colin
7 years ago

OMG, I really like all 12, in both languages. Sad ones are touching and happy ones are charming. It seams like Iceland is headed for the finals! 🙂 B-)

Considering the quality of the songs, the production and professional translations, I think Songvakeppin is seriously a contender for the best national finals this year.

We have to see live performances though…

Flo
Flo
7 years ago

I’ll Be Gone is a poor and pathetic copy of Undo from Sanna Nielsen : shame on you

PLZ
PLZ
7 years ago

Hypnotised and you’ll return to the final guys

Aaran
Aaran
7 years ago

Nott would be my favourite if it is kept in Icelandic. If not, it may come across a bit generic plus some of the English lyrics are quite weak e.g ‘Let’s get it downright right tonight.’ Otherwise I love the song, very catchy!

Polegend Godgarina
7 years ago

Paper – it’s a nice song but I feel like the music is too weak. Her voice would suit a different music genre better. The Icelandic version is quite flat. Get Back Home – was this meant for the Maltese national final? This is far too cheesy. Cringe. Hypnotized – funky song by a cute redhead. It puts you in a good mood and – warning for the synesthesia-affected hunties out there – it’s an explosion of colors from beginning to end. It also sounds great in Icelandic. Bammbaramm – I found this one extremely annoying. It’s completely monotonous from… Read more »

Daniel_2017
Daniel_2017
7 years ago

@Robyn: you really made my day, LOL! How could I forget Katy’s, well, plastic comparison?! I’d rather feel like paper than a plastic bag :)). I wrote almost the same thing about the clumsy comparison on youtube and Svala actually replied (well, I prefer to think it was her, rather than some PR, agent or whatever 🙂 ). Let me reproduce her reply: “when I wrote the song and the lyrics with Einar, Lester and Lily in Los Angeles last year we wanted to use the word paper as a metaphor for a soul…cause you can take paper and rip… Read more »

Vanessa
Vanessa
7 years ago

Aron Brink and Aron Hannes are definitely the best ones so I’m hoping either of them win, lol they both have the same name 🙂

DenizNL
DenizNL
7 years ago

Excellent national final!

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
7 years ago

OMG, “I’ll be gone” is very similar in chord structure to “Undo” by Sanna Nielsen. This parody video is soo happening. 😀

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
7 years ago

“Hypnotised” reminds me of “Kizunguzungu” from Sweden’s MelFest last year. “Paper” is great sounding, but as someone has already pointed out, “Unbroken” from Iceland 2015 seems to have exactly the same chord sequence. Could ALL of these songs be re-writes? I doubt it, but perhaps someone should make a parody mix video. 😀

AndersP
AndersP
7 years ago

‘Paper’ is my favourite, I personally prefer it in Icelandic, but even in English it’s good. Not sure about ‘Tonight’, it’s good, but it reminds me too much of other songs that were out in the Summer, just a bit too derivative.

MoreMusicLessGlamourPlease
MoreMusicLessGlamourPlease
7 years ago

Hmmmm……Unfortunately, I can’t get TOO enthustiatic, if the song descriptions are anything to go by. Sounds like mostly quite ordinary songs. Often typical for Icelandic finals unfortuantely. And quite many ballads (not that they are always bad of course). BUT of course it remains to be seen…even more HEARD. maybe some good songs. And hopefully a song internationally which stands a bit out from the ordinary. Iceland is so famous for their flourishing music scene. Also internationally. Esp. given the small population. (maybe it sounds strange in English, I don’t mean to say they are mostly small….hehe). They are quite… Read more »

Vladimir
Vladimir
7 years ago

“Paper” by Svala is amazing! Iceland’s Eurovision selection rarely disappoints – that’s why it’s one of my favorite Eurovision countries:) Greetings from Serbia!

Stian F
Stian F
7 years ago

I really like Paper, Tonight and Hypnotized. Hope they will be performed well on the night 🙂 A couple of the others I prefer in Icelandic by far – like the ones by Dadi Freyr Petursson and Hildur.

fikri
fikri
7 years ago

“trust in me”, “hypnotized” and “tonight” are my favourite. not a bad line-up.

Alex
Alex
7 years ago

I’ll be gone reminds me of Undo

Mark Beckenbreur
Mark Beckenbreur
7 years ago

Bamm-baramm-baramm-bamm)) 🙂
Going to be interesting. Let the best win.

Erasmus
Erasmus
7 years ago

I love Erna’s song ! Nice job Iceland almost all songs are very good!

LULU
7 years ago

PAPER – PAPER -PAPER Iceland don’t throw away this chance of a maybe a winner for ESC 2017 very good tune has to be the best so far from what I have heard

an esc fan
an esc fan
7 years ago

Iceland will stay in the semifinal until they will realise that only risking to sing in your own language will bring anything good. Just use the staging to send the message, not the english language.

Marshpan
Marshpan
7 years ago

I’ve only listened to the English versions of these songs, as it’s more than likely that Iceland would send something in English to Kyiv. With that caveat in mind, I’m not too sure about the overall selection here. A lot of sweet, saccharine songs, a lot of country, a lot of pop, but other than that… not much diversity. I can’t find a clear standout that I can gravitate towards out of the 12 we have, ‘Get Back Home’ and ‘Paper’ are the only decent ones, IMO. A lot of the other songs are too cheesy for my taste. Although… Read more »

Hayley
Hayley
7 years ago

This is REALLY impressive, some of these songs should definitely bring Iceland back to the finals, but I think their best options are definitely Paper, I’ll Be Gone or Tonight. I’m really hoping Paper wins though.

an esc fan
an esc fan
7 years ago

So each song has an english version and it is 99,99% that will be the version for Kiev ? It is shocking !
Hope that in Finland will win Lauri Yrjola.

mocosuburbian
mocosuburbian
7 years ago

Svala (in Icelandic) and Daði are my faves
cool selection 😉

Jerome
Jerome
7 years ago

Does it have to be set in stone that the English version will be the “official” version sent to ESC? It’s been happening for so long, it’s ridiculous.

Ian
Ian
7 years ago

I have to say that not one of these songs is bad. Of course some are better than others but wow, Iceland has done well this year!

Aaron GR
Aaron GR
7 years ago

Oh my god, I just realized “Paper” has almost the exact same chord progression as “Unbroken” from 2015. Weird!

blondboybc
blondboybc
7 years ago

Wow, totally entranced by Erna’s song “Skuggamynd”! What a beautiful song and voice. Love the Icelandic language…just perfect for this melody. So far, it’s my fav of all until the live performances! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

Aaron GR
Aaron GR
7 years ago

For me, it’s “Hypnotized” by a mile. And it sounds even better in English than Icelandic.

“Paper” sounds flat and ridiculous in English, but spooky and hot in Icelandic.

So, it really depends on the language. Great batch of song, though. Cheers, Iceland!

I'll Be Back
I'll Be Back
7 years ago

Is it just me, or is Erna’s song amazing?
Like cliche, but done so well, and so damn catchy! My favourite song of esc 2017 so far (also why did they upload Icelandic and English, I can’t decide which versions to save to my playlist now).
Paper is boring, and doesn’t climax like Skuggamynd, hate Belarus(wanted We Should Be Together) & Georgia (wanted Light It Up) & Albania (all were boring) so far, so pleaseeee choose Erna!!

aMr
aMr
7 years ago

Good set of songs!
Aron Brink, Mist Pétursdóttir, Aron Hannes and Svala are the best for me.

gigi
gigi
7 years ago

@robyn no it isn’t… He makes her feel light like a paper, like a piece of paper for her to write her thoughts etc.. there are many different comparisons:)

Héctor
Héctor
7 years ago

Seems I differ with all of you, an average selection of songs, most of them boring. @Florent, Spain could learn from others like Sweden, Hungary, Estonia, Ukraine… but Iceland, sorry no.

If I had to choose I would go for one them (but Iceland probably will struggle to qualify):
– Aron Hannes – Tonight
– Aron Brink – Hypnotised
– Svala – Paper

Veruj
7 years ago

Non of these songs can really qualify for the grand final,they all are too slow,dark and without any emotion.I just feel like i’m a stone when i listen to them.

JB
JB
7 years ago

Robyn – LOL

sufle
sufle
7 years ago

The songs are so good – there isn’t one I actually hate. My favourite is Paper, but I wouldn’t mind seeing the others perform. Iceland’s in this to win!

James
James
7 years ago

Can’t the songs all just be in Icelandic?