ari ólafsson our choice iceland 2018
Iceland, Ari Ólafsson, 3

The final of Iceland’s Söngvakeppnin 2018 in Reykjavik’s Laugardalshöll arena brought about six great performances, and one tense super-final. In the end, Iceland chose Ari Ólafsson to fly the flag in Lisbon with “Our Choice”!

Ari Ólafsson — “Our Choice”

After two semi-finals, six acts stood on stage, hoping to become Svala´s successor in Eurovision. Needless to say, the battle was fierce. After a split 50/50 votes between an international jury and votes from the public, it was Ari Olafsson and Dagur Sigurðarson who went on the compete in the super-final.

Despite Dagur topping the combined jury-televote in the first vote, the super-final changed all. A clear televote to determine the winner saw Ari be Iceland’s choice. He’ll represent the country in the first semi-final in Lisbon, on May 8th.

Söngvakeppnin 2018: Super-Final

  1. Ari Ólafsson – “Our Choice”
  2. Dagur Sigurðarson – “Í stormi”

Söngvakeppnin 2018: First Round Vote

  1. Dagur Sigurðarson – “Í stormi” (44,730)
  2. Ari Ólafsson – “Our Choice” (35,861)
  3. Heimilistónar – “Kúst og Fæjó” (31,802)
  4. Aron Hannes – “Gold digger” (30,938)
  5. FÓKUS – “Battleline” (25,950)
  6. ÁTTAN – “Here for you” (13,997)

It wasn’t only Icelandic stars who graced the stage with their presence tonight. Swedish favourite Robin Bengtsson kicked the show off with “I Can’t Go On”. Svala returned from L.A to give away the trophy and perform a stripped back version of “Paper”. Finally, Eurovision winner Emmelie De Forest performed new single “Sanctuary” as well as “Only Teardrops”

So, what are your thoughts about Ari — will he put an end to Iceland’s dry spell and put the country back in the finals? Did Iceland make the right choice? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below!

Read more Iceland Eurovision news here

172 Comments
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Hale
Hale
6 years ago

Jesus, Iceland is really hyping this guy up, they actually think he could win this… Going so far to compare him to Johnny Logan, I don’t remember a time I’ve been this disappointed in Iceland…

Bgc
Bgc
6 years ago

Oh dear. Arí is gorgeous, and he has a very good voice, but the song is absolutely atrocious. The only thing that could possibly save it would be putting it in Icelandic, for two reasons: i) so that the rest of Europe wouldn’t understand the hideous, trite, cliché lyrics, and ii) because Icelandic is such a beautiful language; I never understand why they, of all countries, choose to sing in English when they have such a melodic mother tongue at their disposal. I’m confident Svala could have made the final last year if the cool “Ég veit það” had not… Read more »

Escaddict
Escaddict
6 years ago

Ari must not be familiar with Eurovision. Cheesy lyrics like this, produce a loud collective groan.

Joe
Joe
6 years ago

Honestly? It’s fine. Might not be a tremendous seal of approval that it’s second to last in my ranking now (I mean, his voice is better than Alekseev) but I don’t think it’s the worst thing in the world. I’d be very surprised if it made the final, but I’ve heard worse.

dabamba
dabamba
6 years ago

I actually sort of like this too, he’s cute, singing ok, and song is ok too, but i like a lot more last year choice, Svala 🙂 in my opinion, the best participants were left out from the final…especially Þórir & Gyða – Brosa, and Þórunn Antonía – Ég mun skína.

beccaboo1212
6 years ago

Let’s get Iceland back in the grand final. 😀

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  beccaboo1212

Yes, let’s. Given the quality of their recent entries, I’d say 2040 might just be their year.

beccaboo1212
6 years ago
Reply to  Ari

I’d rather 2018 is the best year for Iceland to qualify.

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  beccaboo1212

I’d be totally on your side, when it comes to Iceland the country and Ari the singer. But the “song” is a crime against humanity.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  beccaboo1212

Bigger challenge: Let’s get the UK back in the Top 10!

Disa
Disa
6 years ago

A Johnny Logan look a like, great singer with a mesmerizing performance, and his “good boy ” look and charm fit this song very well.

Ffs
Ffs
6 years ago

Hideous song. Lol

AndersP
AndersP
6 years ago

I have no words, it’s like the past two decades never happened. Yikes!

Erdbeere
6 years ago

That Singer totally looks like one of those hosts from Ukraine last year. Nevertheless.. he has a great voice but the song is just.. meh -_-

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

I told them to send Ari, because he was the best singer, and because all the song entries were below par this year. Surprisingly, they actually did choose Ari! Yeyy! 🙂
I’m very happy with this choice. I wish there was time for a song re-vamp, but what is there will have to do. It will be Norway 2010 take 2.

Hur
Hur
6 years ago

Poor Iceland. They will never win..

Arizona
Arizona
6 years ago

Iceland, give me my 3 minutes of life back NOW

Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga
6 years ago

Oh dear, this night is turning into a night of disappointments. At least his cute, I’ll give him that. Sigh

AurelianTamisan
AurelianTamisan
6 years ago

The song is good, but I don’t like the vocals. It’s hard to think this will succeed to finally qualify an Icelandic entry into the final, it’s pretty dated and doesn’t have a wow factor. The worst is that there are other entries with a similar genre that look more solid than this one. Personally I’ve enjoyed it, but I doubt it will do well in the contest.

lol
lol
6 years ago

I like it actually, and I think that it’s very Eurovision appropriate. It’s a show where artists can spread positive messages to an entire continent/world, so the bar is definitely high and Iceland’s entry meets it. Much better than some other songs that promote all kinds of smut.

Nikos
Nikos
6 years ago

Why Iceland Why??? I am trying but cannot find any redeeming things to say for this dated and boring song… I don’t even like the vocals here, they sound pitchy.

Marty Mc
Marty Mc
6 years ago

This isn’t going to qualify for the final. Sorry!

beccaboo1212
6 years ago
Reply to  Marty Mc

It’s the other way around: Iceland’s 100% qualifying. 🙂

Joe
Joe
6 years ago
Reply to  beccaboo1212

And if it doesn’t? You aren’t a time traveler, y’know.

brunowskii
brunowskii
6 years ago

The same as nothing in the middle of nothing

So sadly for Iceland…. for years in a row

Sangfreud
Sangfreud
6 years ago

Of all the songs at Songvakeppnin tonight, this was the only one that swung for the fences, and it’s a well deserved win. The structure is strong and appealing, his voice is lovely, and his delivery is cheerful and heartfelt. It’s a nice, optimistic song.

It’s silly to predict how it will score – that’s beside the point. The point is to share the music, enjoy the show, and have a good time. “Our Choice” has as good a chance as any other song this year to qualify. I hope it does well.

Dew
Dew
6 years ago

Stay in the smei again, Iceland.
On my way~~~~It’s never coming back!!!

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago

I’m getting Omar Naber’s “On My Way” vibes here, and that isn’t good. I prefer this on to the other, but I can’t see Iceland qualifying. I really hate that, the whole country loves Eurovision and they are going to get another non-qualification. Also, the amount of votes is pretty high for a small country like Iceland, right?

Magpie
Magpie
6 years ago

Did I just hear the most old fashioned stereotypical Eurovision song ever?

Varian Jeataba
Varian Jeataba
6 years ago

I guess their are some countries that just doesn’t want to win. ***looking at you-Iceland, Macedonia and San Marino

Ari
Ari
6 years ago

From one Ari to another: You seem like a really nice guy, so here’s a suggestion: Come to Vienna, let’s meet for a coffee and in under ten minutes I’ll write some good song lyrics for you, we’ll go to the next best studio and I guarantee, you’ll have a better song than that garbage they gave you. That song is your doom. You probably could have written a better song all by yourself even.

PP
PP
6 years ago

I think Iceland will go to final like 2013. In final from 16 to 20 place in final.

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

I guess Iceland made their choice! I think it’s fine. Ari is cute as a button. Seems like a really nice guy.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Yeah I really like Ari. I hope he comes to London Eurovision Party. 🙂
The problem is his song. It’s archaic, and not in a good way. If only there was time and money for a re-vamp.

Talula
Talula
6 years ago

snooze fest ….boring and bland …cute boy though

Rory
Rory
6 years ago

This is an ESC by the book. Cliched.

And yet, he sells it well. Points just for that. Everything else is a BIG no, from melody to whatever.

Rory
Rory
6 years ago
Reply to  Rory

And he cute. Cute goes well. Final? LOL

Titas
Titas
6 years ago

This is a wedding song. It also sounds like an X factor winner’s single from 2004

Klow vandam
Klow vandam
6 years ago

no worries iceland. generic eurofans might not vote, but MOST grannies and grandpas will.

CLASSY ENTRY.

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  Klow vandam

They won’t. They’ll either fall into a coma or pray for the sweet release of death.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago
Reply to  Ari

I am scrihming in Estonian at your rihplies.

Ari
Ari
6 years ago

You do have some great zingers as well. It really is the only thing entries like these are good for.

iosa
iosa
6 years ago
Reply to  Klow vandam

I think you’re substantially overestimating the power (or interest!) of the grey vote. Nevertheless, you seem to like the song which is all that matters – so enjoy !

Camilla
Camilla
6 years ago
Reply to  Klow vandam

Well Denmark and probably Norway will give him a few votes (just because), but guess that’s it

Klow vandam
Klow vandam
6 years ago

All these overreactions ffs. It’s an AMAZING SONG. My favorite so far and i’ll vote for it.

Well done Iceland, it’s gonna be the dark horse this year.

brunowskii
brunowskii
6 years ago
Reply to  Klow vandam

Are u serious???

Bjørn Katrinesson
Bjørn Katrinesson
6 years ago
Reply to  brunowskii

He is not serious, he is a troll

[Blank]
[Blank]
6 years ago
Reply to  brunowskii

I think it could be.
It was a dark horse throughout Söngvakeppnin, so you never know.
If Cyprus 2015 can qualify, this can.

Angus Quinn
Editor
6 years ago

LISTEN this is Didrik Solli Tangen 2.0 BUT I kind of dig it. And if this were in Icelandic we’d all be cooing over it and going crazy. So I think either send in Icelandic or capitalise on the cute factor. He looks good, he sings good and I think it’s pretty pleasant. They should burn that suit though. It was fine when his Dad wore it, but he should wear something else.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago
Reply to  Angus Quinn

Agreed. This NEEDS to be in Icelandic. The lyrics are just too cringe for people who understand English.

Jonas
Jonas
6 years ago
Reply to  Angus Quinn

I liked Didrik. People are way too harsh on that song.

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
6 years ago

What is Azerbaijan doing, I thought they’re gonna send something amazing… This song has the same Quality of what we Germans sent the last years. It’s a no for me…

iosa
iosa
6 years ago

Very surprised the catchy Gold Digger didn’t win, to be honest! Bizarre result! Pity… I’m dying for Iceland to win!!!

Zolex
Zolex
6 years ago
iosa
iosa
6 years ago
Reply to  Zolex

gosh it’s awful isn’t It?

desfolhada
desfolhada
6 years ago
Reply to  iosa

why? poor girl?
she is jazz singer, right? she could sing something like “Toxic” version by Yael Naim or germany 2011…

iosa
iosa
6 years ago
Reply to  desfolhada

Now that would be cool!!!

Kirby
Kirby
6 years ago
Reply to  iosa

Yep! I really expected more…

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  Zolex

Exactly what I expected from this so-called “dream team” – a nightmare. What a night, with Iceland and Azerbaijan I now have two number 43s.

iosa
iosa
6 years ago
Reply to  Ari

Think there might be a few more 43s yet to come!!!!! Still wonderimg where the winner is going to come from… surely we can’t have heard it yet?!

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  iosa

I fear you’re right. Although I know for a fact that it does not get worse than Iceland for me personally. It can’t. And I expected to dislike Azerbaijan -Kirkorov and the Greek dude? Come on!

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  iosa

I’m calling, it’s Australia.

Pasadena
Pasadena
6 years ago
Reply to  Zolex

Thanks for sharing! I see similarities between Azerbaijan, Finland and Cyprus this year. Same kind of compositions.

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  Zolex

It’s the worst song that Azerbaijan has ever sent to the contest.

Craig
Craig
6 years ago

He’s cute and seems quite charismatic, however this song will be forgotten before the next countries postcard is even finished.

Gobio
Gobio
6 years ago

Am I the only who REALLY likes it?
I mean yeah it’s very old fashioned and Disney.
But is voice is Amaizing and he definitely touching. His looks could help him too.
I don’t know if he will be the Omar Naber f this year but I stand behind this.

Klow vandam
Klow vandam
6 years ago
Reply to  Gobio

noo

eurovision6
eurovision6
6 years ago

Another contender for my last place this year.. At this rate it will be harder to pick my least favourite than my #1..

KESC
KESC
6 years ago

Ok, just listened to X my heart..

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
6 years ago
Reply to  KESC

What, where? How..?

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
6 years ago
Reply to  jojo

Well, this isn’t very good, is it?

KESC
KESC
6 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

It’s surely not a bad song, the chorus is even really catchy, but I expected a bit more from her.
I’m not sure if it will be a TOP 10 place or not.

jojo
jojo
6 years ago
Reply to  Weißbrot

Nope, I hope this isn’t it and they have something better up their sleeves.

Gobio
Gobio
6 years ago
Reply to  KESC

It’s really underwhelming, and sounds like “Monsters” but much worse.

Morenia
Morenia
6 years ago

He’s cute but he won’t qualify…

Pasadena
Pasadena
6 years ago

This sounds like Norway in 2010 or something that Ireland has sent on and off for the past 30 years. But in a bland final they had to pick something.

Boy
Boy
6 years ago

I like IT. Its one of the better Song so far. 9/10

Barnaby
Barnaby
6 years ago

imo semi 1 will have a lot of songs overestimated by fans. He can qualify, this year is unpredictable.

Bring Back Denise
Bring Back Denise
6 years ago

María Ólafsdóttir!!!!!!!!!

AppleSenpai
AppleSenpai
6 years ago

I would be disappointed, but most of the songs in Iceland this year were meh. This is fine, but it’s gonna flop like Brendan Murray last year. Sorry, just being honest

Alison
Alison
6 years ago

He does have a couple of things going for him. Really good voice and the only male power ballad (just now anyway, cant think if there could be more). Still don’t think that will be enough though to get out of the semi.

Ffs
Ffs
6 years ago

Boring and old fashioned as f*ck

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
6 years ago

First part: Armenia 2013, a bit
Second part: Oh, I’ve already forgotten it, I have to play it once again…