Every year at Eurovision, at least one Scandinavian nation does really well—and from time to time one of them even wins the contest. But there is one Nordic country that has failed to win the contest: the tiny and annoyingly volcanic Iceland.

Iceland—population 319,000—is one of the smaller nations that takes part in the contest and joined relatively recently in 1986. It hasn’t had an enviable history in the contest and even suffered a “nul points” result back in 1989. During the “lowest score out” format of the 90’s and early 00’s, they were relegated out of the contest twice due to low scores. (As if Iceland wasn’t isolated enough). Their luck didn’t improve when the semi-finals were introduced: from 2005 to 2007 they failed to qualify. (Just skimming over these years brings back Sylvia Night memories, BEST TROLL EVER ha-ha! WARNING: Potty mouth alert!)

Iceland has had a few good results over the years, coming second on two occasions. But, in a cruel European twist, each time they came second they lost to another Scandinavian nation. In 1999 Selma came runner up to Charlotte Perrelli (then Nilsson) of Sweden, and in 2009 the beautiful Yohanna had to settle for 2nd to the (overrated in my opinion) Alexander Rybak of Norway.

Iceland’s highest scoring entry ever, and rightfully so. This is pure class.

Since 2008, excluding their 2009 peak, Iceland has had what one could call a “disappointingly average” set of results. They have managed to qualify for the final every year, but in the final they have remained on the right-hand side of the scoreboard. Even pre-contest favorites like Hera Björk and Greta Salóme & Jónsi have tanked in the final. So what can Iceland do to get themselves out of this slump? This writer has an idea that might come as a shock.

Iceland needs to send an artist (who would compete in their national selection, the name of which I am NOT typing out in full) who is largely recognizable in Europe, but isn’t so famous that Eurovision would be career suicide. One name comes to my mind instantly: Björk (not Hera). Björk is probably one of, if not the most, recognizable Icelandic music artists, mainly due to her bold fashion statements, and eclectic musical style. However, her career peaked in the 90’s with her magnum opus Homogenic, so a stint at Eurovision probably wouldn’t be too detrimental to her career. She’s still a well known name in Europe, as well as the U.S., so her participation in the contest would bring plenty of interest.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufRQiKKI3Fg
A song like Jóga could be a fresh start for Iceland.

Björk, in my opinion, might just be exactly what Iceland needs. Her music style is extremely unique, mixing cool electronic tones with powerhouse but simple vocals. She always creates entrancing pieces of art. While unique entries are sometimes overlooked by tele-voters, I have a feeling that Björk would have the same effect as the brilliant Urban Symphony in 2009. Sadly, Björk has never really mentioned Eurovision as a priority or interest, but this American fan has his fingers crossed that she decides to go for it! It’s not like she ever revealed that she wanted to be an actress before being nominated for an Academy Award.

What do you think? Do you think Björk would go the distance? Or could another artist bring the trophy to Iceland? Let us know with a comment!

Zachary Thomas is Wisconsin-based correspondent for WiwiBloggs.com. Follow him on Twitter @CheerZach. Then follow the team from wiwibloggs.com on Twitter at @wiwibloggs to keep up with the latest Eurovision news and gossip!

Photo: Björk

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Ralisia Georgsdottir
Ralisia Georgsdottir
11 years ago

Sjonni’s friends please!

SQFan
SQFan
11 years ago

Sending Bjork is very similar to sending Yohio for Sweden (as demonstrated this year). People are either going to love it, or absolutely loathe it. Iceland needs to let go of its grudges towards Yohanna, so what if she moved to Norway? The girl is still the best shot for the country to win.

Z24
Z24
11 years ago

Hopefully she’ll do an Anouk. (Will participate if they internally select her).

I’m not familiar with her, but I know she’s the most known Icelandic artist. Her sound’s great, really good.

http://memoriasdeuneurofan.wordpress.com/

Bjork’s song CRYSTALLINE from 2012 would be simply PERFECT
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvaEmPQnbWk
@sergiibor

Alex
Alex
11 years ago

By the way, I would like to see Sjonni’s Friends back, if not in Eurovision, at least for a new album!

Alex
Alex
11 years ago

Who’s calling Rybak overrated… yeesh.

I had no idea Of Monsters and Men was Icelandic. That would be an amazing choice, but would probably never happen.

Padraig Muldoon
Admin
11 years ago

They should send Of Monsters And Men

Celioski
11 years ago

I adore Björk. But I have serious doubt her current musical style would really appeal beyong western Europe. Her latests works are very experimental and hard-to.swallow for mainstream audiences.

Also, I couldn’t imagine Björk acceding to head for a national selection. Actually, I couldn’t imagine her stating she would be interested in Eurovision.

Maybe in 1997, but today….mmmm….

William Cahill
William Cahill
11 years ago

Thorunn Antonita!

IDK if I spelled that right though,

Pavel
Pavel
11 years ago

They should bring someone exciting like Mum or Sigur Ros

Tiggeh
Tiggeh
11 years ago

Maybe not a solo Bjork, but I’d love a reformed The Sugarcubes!

Bogdan
11 years ago

I am a huge Björk fan, to the point that I feel like I know her, and because I think that I know her, I can tell with 1,000 percent certainty that she would never ever take part in Eurovision. Unfortunately. Also, even if she did Eurovision (because she’s always surprising), I am sure that she wouldn’t win. She’s always been quirky, but she’s also too artsy now (to a fault), she’s no longer the pop pixie that she was in the 90’s, and her songs don’t have a mass appeal any longer. However, Iceland is a melting pot of… Read more »

JulianaESC
JulianaESC
11 years ago

Bjork could win. But I’d like Iceland to send Greta Salome or Yohanna again. Erna Hronn would be great.