Tonight six acts will compete in the grand final of Iceland’s national final Söngvakeppnin 2018. From two semi-finals, 12 competing acts have been reduced to just six who will battle it out to follow Svala and Greta Salóme to Eurovision. The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — has been reviewing all the finalists, and we have a winner: Aron Hannes with “Gold Digger”.

Aron Hannes was a clear favourite of the Wiwi Jury. His fun tune “Gold Digger” earned 7.25/10 from the jury. In second place was the group Fókus Hópurinn and their song “Battleline”. They eaned 6.62/10 from the jury. Third place went to the domestic goddesses of Heimilistónar. They earned 5.88/10 for their song “Kúst Og Fæjó” — one of only two Icelandic-language songs in the grand final.

1. Aron Hannes – “Gold Digger” (7.25)

The best: Oh look! A Söngvakeppnin entry that is lively and actually feels current-ish! I can’t help wonder how much “gold” a young guy like Aron has to be dug. But perhaps it’s just a metaphor for the huge burden of having a girlfriend who expects him to pay for her McDonald’s. This song isn’t perfect, but it’s the best of the 2018 lineup. There’s potential for a fun national final performance, which should add even more. (Robyn, 10/10)

The worst: I can see why this would appeal to some people and why it would be a popular choice for Iceland. Personally, I find the entire thing a tad annoying. The rap section lacks the finesse and execution I’d want to see from a Eurovision rap. The lyrics are really unappealing too. I feel like he’s a poor man’s Mikolas Josef — and if Iceland chooses this, he’s competing in the same half of the same semi-final as the Czech Republic. It’s not going to end well. (Antranig, 4/10)

2. Fókus Hópurinn – “Battleline” (6.62)

The best: The song builds up to a great and really strong chorus. I really love the sound of the singers’ voices in the verses and when they start singing together it gets even better. I can imagine a really strong performance and I keep my fingers crossed that this will make it to the final and maybe even to Lisbon. Somehow, I’m a little bit scared that it will sound like a mess when they come to the chorus. (Aline, 9/10)

The worst: Look, if Spain got anything right this year was leaving “Camina” last on their national selection. Iceland should do the same. Has anyone ever listen to songs by groups of artists (not bands) at will? “Battleline” is bound to become a trainwreck on stage, with so many people singing so loudly. I’d be happy if it’s not, but even though they get their vocals right, this shouldn’t, by any means, be Iceland’s entry. (Luis, 4.5/10)

3. Heimilistónar – “Kúst Og Fæjó” (5.88)

The best: These girls seek to prove that the Icelandic language can be bouncy, and they’ve definitely convinced me. I just imagine the Vikings bopping around to this little ditty. I know that this isn’t exactly award-winning music, but surely no one can deny the pleasance in it – it’s pure innocent happiness. That harmonica too is seriously a great touch. I know Iceland can do much better, but I’m so glad to have these ladies in Söngvakeppnin. (Natalie, 7/10)

The worst: This is at least bringing something a bit different to the selection and has a nice retro feel. Unfortunately, it’s a bit too laid back to keep you engaged throughout, and the second half of the song doesn’t really add anything to it that you haven’t heard already. While it doesn’t quite have the same appeal as Nina’s “Caroban”, it could at least be an interesting one to watch staging wise at the national selection. (Jonathan, 4/10)

Söngvakeppnin 2018: Reviews and ratings

  1. Aron Hannes – “Gold Digger” (7.25)
  2. Fókus Hópurinn – “Battleline” (6.62)
  3. Heimilistónar – “Kúst Og Fæjó” (5.88)
  4. Dagur Sigurðarson – “Í stormi” (5.5)
  5. Áttan – “Here For You” (5.31)
  6. Ari Ólafsson – “Our Choice” (4.19)

READ MORE SÖNGVAKEPPNIN NEWS

13 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
eurana
eurana
6 years ago

Until here I always got it right the winner song, except for France. My favorite was Lisandro Cuxi.
Icelandic song my favorite is Battleline by Focus. Hopefully they will be the winners.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

Good luck to all the artists in the final. I’m sorry I can’t be watching this year. Too many finals on the same day!

Geo
Geo
6 years ago

Iceland will not be in the final, the songs are atrocious….

eurovision6
eurovision6
6 years ago

I dont want to hear anything for Iceland after they left Brosa out of the final.. I mean how is it possibly worse than these 6 songs?! Be ashamed, you will be last in the semis this year

Ari
Ari
6 years ago
Reply to  eurovision6

Brosa was indeed the one tiny ray of hope in this otherwise abysmal selection.

Roxy
Roxy
6 years ago

Well, it’s definitely not the best of its kind but it’s nice. At least it’s the best that Iceland can offer this year. It would be a good addition to Lisbon lineup, as some people seemingly despise the downtempo or experimental tendency this year.
Good luck with the semi 1 because it will be a challenge.

esc freak
esc freak
6 years ago

Iceland, you need “Kúst Og Fæjó”!

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

All 6 are okay in a similar way. If I had to pick a favorite, that would be Kúst og fæjó women, cause they make me laugh and it’s a totally off-beat choice to send.

Sage Anderson
Sage Anderson
6 years ago

Iceland made a big mistake booting Thorir and Gyda out in the semi…

But yeah these poll results sound about right top 2 wise

I just wish Aron would do like, a part in english part in icelandic kind of deal with his song because that would give it just a liiiiiittle but more uniqueness which Iceland REALLY needs

Iceland is gonna need some REALLY good staging in the contest this year…

Violet
Violet
6 years ago

WTF, where are the opinions on Polish national selection? Why are you ignoring Poland this year? Polish funs are one of the biggest group on your website and you just don’t care, can’t understand that! 😐

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
6 years ago

This is kinda Mikolas Josef, but much much worse. It’s probably still the best song tho among with ”i stormi”. These two are the only Songs that’ll give Iceland some Attention.

Ari
Ari
6 years ago

If I still had any faith in me, this selection would have made me lose it. I did always think that Iceland is this magical place with all these super-talented people but this NF made me realize: Icelanders, they’re just like us.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

Is it too late for Iceland to withdraw? This selection can’t be real.