Iceland’s Daði og Gagnamagnið have taken to the Rotterdam Ahoy for their first rehearsal of “10 Years” at Eurovision 2021. Last year they captured the world’s hearts with “Think About Things”. Does their 2021 performance hold up? Let’s see…
Iceland’s Daði og Gagnamagnið “10 Years” — Eurovision 2021 first rehearsal
Oliver: Trust Daði and his pals to bring the party. The staging gives space age disco vibes with a pixellated galaxy backdrop. All of the colours — while keeping in line with the 2021 neon theme — compliment each other well and are visually pleasant. Meanwhile, an army of Gagnamagnið sprites take up the entirety of the runway screen. It’s delightful. The band are equipped with new instruments, too — Árný, Jói and Stebbi are wielding pivoting crescent moon-shaped keyboards that join together for a “Miracle” Romania 2014 moment during the instrumental bridge. The show ends with a delayed pyro pillar and blast of smoke, adding some subtle (but effective) humour. Daði’s vocals were spot on, too. A brilliant first run that will only get better with time.
Padraig: This is very Daði! We’re treated to a visual delight of retro graphics. We get the characters from their video game and later unicorns and rainbows. As the song progresses the LED becomes a giant gameshow style yellow and pink checkerboard. Three of the gang are playing crescent-shaped keytars which they later join up to form a circle that surrounds them. All six of them seem to be having a great time on stage, and their enthusiasm is infectious. The whole performance ends with a little gag… there’s a brief pause when everything seems to have ended. Then there’s a sudden blast of smoke and pyro.
Reaction to Iceland’s first rehearsal at Eurovision 2021
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What do you think? Did Daði og Gagnamagnið live up to your expectations? Let us know in the comments below.
Read more Iceland Eurovision 2021 news here
Photos: EBU / ANDRES PUTTING
2021 is the B-side of the ESC 2020 album. A positive aspect is that we get to know the bands and artists better. And the less good aspect is that it’s almost impossible to beat a perfect first single, so most songs will be just slightly less good
i know it’s their thing, but for me it seems like all their performances are the same…they will do just fine tho.
What’s with the text on LED backdrop? I noticed a couple of times with other entries too? Everyone mysteriously decided to relay a written message all of a sudden?
(I love how the Icelandic entry is enjoyable and genuine. I wish them all the luck!)
I’m still not feeling as hyped as last year, cause it isn’t as fresh or surprising anymore to us die hard fans but it’s a solid song nonetheless and the staging is so much fun. The concept still works because no group has done it before and Europe – of who didn’t see last year’s song – will definitely adore this. It will go viral again.
exactly this will appeal to the casual eurovision viewer who doesn’t give a F about semifinals preparties and everything that us the hardcore fans follow.
This is a strong staging, authentic, charming and silly-fun. Hardcore fans of Eurovision won’t dig it but the majority of viewers are casual fans that will go for an entry like Iceland that is funny (but not cringy/circus), sweet and catchy. Iceland has the hype from 2020 (2020 entry + Netflix movie) so it is a country that people will easily vote for. Unsure about juries but they voted for Israel so anything is possible really. Iceland is the first country so far that has winning vibes. Malta is close but i need to watch the full performance and i… Read more »
From what we saw it looks kinda messy. It’s clearly gonna qualify tho
Predictable but so solid and sweet presentation. Good vocals and overall nice visual result. My no 2.
Certainly qualifier.
And fans attacked Lithuania for bringing the same performance…
Fun, charming, warm and full of character. Timing may not be on their side, but I’m so happy that these guys finally landed on the Eurovision stage.
They are the modern day equivalent of the Von Trapp family from the Sound of Music…impossible not to be charmed by its goofy, warm authenticity.
So much better than I thought, I think Iceland is now in my top 5.
Looks so good! They have really improved from the first live performance of this song. The big stage fits this performance perfectly.
Kudos to Dadi because he was in a very complicated and tough position after last year and he managed to deal with that. Keeping a low profile was very smart.
Icelanders deserve some joy this year
THIS IS SUCH A PLEASANT SURPRISE
I LOVE IT
THIS BETTER QUALIFY I TELL U EUROPE
Gotta love Daði and his space Gagnamagnið
These guys are impossible not to like!
Possible.
Believe me, it’s very possible….
I got love for retro synth
As expected they stuck to what I thought they would for the staging – but that’s not a bad thing.
Iceland will do well.
Staging is obvious but the gang are charismatic.
I liked the rehearsal’s atmosphere! It’s so warm and friendly. Actually, I really like Iceland on ESC since the previous one. They choose interesting contestants.