Ten acts are competing to represent Iceland at Söngvakeppnin 2019. They will partake in two semifinals before the grand final on March 2. The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — has listened to all ten songs and has plenty to say. Did we find an act to take Iceland to their first grand final since 2014? Read on to find out.
Antranig
1. Hatari – “Hatrið mun sigra”
Everyone could use a little bit of Icelandic bondage in their lives. This is not your typical Eurovision song, nor is it your typical Eurovision act. Hatari have an astounding visual package that is bound to raise a few eyebrows and drop a few jaws. This is obviously polarising and likely to have its fair share of haters. Personally, I put Daníel Óliver as my equal favourite alongside Hatari. However, looking at the bigger picture, Hatari is the act that will take them back to the grand final and possibly even contend for the trophy.
2. Daníel Óliver – “Licky Licky”
3. Kristina Bærendsen – “Mama Said”
4. Ívar Daníels – “Make Me Whole”
5. Tara Mobee – “Fighting for Love”
Barnabas
1. Hatari – “Hatrið mun sigra”
This is clearly the best, and also the most divisive act of the bunch. Loud, extravagant, filled with social criticism. They MUST bring an explosive concept to the Söngvakeppnín stage and if they do, I guarantee that Iceland has a strong option here to break their non-qualifying streak. We’re talking about the Icelandic Rammstein, people!
2. Kristina Bærendsen – “Mama Said”
3. Ívar Daníels – “Make Me Whole”
4. Heiðrún Anna – “Sunday Boy”
5. Tara Mobee – “Fighting for Love”
Florian
1. Tara Mobee – “Fighting for Love”
Tara’s track is a refreshing piece of pop music that sounds contemporary and definitely has a lot of potential. Her vocal delivery on the track is great as well and the production value is consistent too. With the right stage performance, this could be a surprise act at Iceland’s national final.
2. Þórdís Imsland – “What Are You Waiting For?”
3. Heiðrún Anna – “Sunday Boy”
4. Hera Björk – “Moving On”
5. Kristina Bærendsen – “Mama Said”
Kristin
1. Hatari – “Hatrið mun sigra”
If there ever was a time when Iceland NEEDS to think outside the box, it is now. Hatari practically slaughters everything that remotely links to the norm. They’re loud, they’re in your face and they don’t give a damn about what is considered to be “appropriate”. Their song oozes attitude and power, the heavy synth beat and the gravelly voices are simply out of this world, and don’t get me started on the show that is in store for the audience. After last year’s unbelievably boring snoozefest, Hatari would definitely rock out the world of Eurovision. Iceland, do what is right and send them to Tel Aviv!
2. Elli Grill, Skaði & Glymur – “Jeijó, keyrum alla leið”
3. Daníel Óliver – “Licky Licky”
4. Kristina Bærendsen – “Mama Said”
5. Ívar Daníels – “Make Me Whole”
Natalie
1. Þórdís Imsland – “What Are You Waiting For?”
I really hope Iceland gets back into the final this year. They have a very hit and miss selection, with some very sub par entries, but a few clear gems that could make the beautiful island proud. “What Are You Waiting For?” is one of them. An understated but powerful track with simple but cute lyrics. There’s a lot of intelligent design in it, the production is polished and crisp, it has just the right amount of depth to be emotive but also doesn’t feel too heavy. Also, Þórdís Imsland is a beautiful singer, perfect for this kind of song. If this goes to Tel Aviv, it will instantly make Iceland one of my clear favourites. Justice for Svala!
2. Tara Mobee – “Fighting for Love”
3. Heiđrun Anna – “Sunday Boy”
4. Ívar Daníels – “Make Me Whole”
5. Kristina Bærendsen – “Mama Said”
Luis
1. Hatari – “Hatrið mun sigra”
Never has there been such an outrageously clear pick for a country at Eurovision — and in all senses of the word ‘outrage’! Hatari defy all standards and they sting you with their glorious blasphemy and their absolute inappropriateness. However, despite the outré and otherwordly quality of “Hatrið mun sigra”, there’s still a certain familiarity, which makes it not only palatable but deeply enjoyable. It’s like taking AWS from Hungary last year and multiplying their effect by one million.
2. Hera Björk – “Moving On”
3. Kristina Bærendsen – “Mama Said”
4. Daníel Óliver – “Licky Licky”
5. Þórdís Imsland – “What Are You Waiting For?”
Mario
1. Fridrik Omar – “What if I Can’t Have Love?”
It’s been a strong battle between Fridrik and the second place, but in the end Fridrik won my heart. Whether you’re bad at love at the moment or you’re a complete stranger to it, Fridrik is the guy to guide you there. He stresses an important message and sings it with such ease, yet his vocals reach and keep the fragile and wounded point. A little bit of “Love on the Brain” oomph in melody does no harm for me here and the gospel towards the end completely sells it. Iceland, you better place this high!
2. Tara Mobee – “Fighting for Love”
3. Heiđrun Anna – “Sunday Boy”
4. Kristina Skoubo – “Mama Said”
5. Ívar Daníels – “Make Me Whole”
Patrick
1. Hatari – “Hatrið mun sigra”
It’s not the best selection ever but definitely an upgrade for Iceland. As for the reason behind that upgrade, that’s all got to do with Hatari. I can already see them on stage and the epicness of it all. They show that Eurovision can come in all sorts of shapes and colours. There should be no boundaries in music and to be different is key in many things. If Iceland really wants to showcase diversity, they should show their dirty, leathery dark side — take that from somebody who isn’t usually into this genre at all.
2. Kristina Bærendsen – “Mama Said”
3. Friðrik Ómar – “What If I Can’t Have Love?”
4. Ívar Daníels – “Make Me Whole”
5. Hera Björk – “Moving On”
Oliver
1. Þórdís Imsland – “What Are You Waiting For?”
I was not particularly blown away by the Icelandic selection this year. However, one song which did grab my interest was that of Þórdís. In the grand scheme of things, “What Are You Waiting For?” is a fairly standard song, yet it does utilise a few creative flares to help it stand out. The main aspect which grabbed me was the fantastic vocals which accompany this track. As a whole, the song is modern, uplifting, has good transitions and is very well produced.
2. Tara Mobee – “Fighting For Love”
3. Hera Björk – “Moving On”
4. Daníel Óliver – “Licky Licky”
5. Heiðrún Anna – “Sunday Boy”
Robyn
1. Hatari – “Hatrið mun sigra”
Unlike other national finals, Iceland can’t be accused of playing it safe with Söngvakeppnin 2019. They’re tempting us with Hatari, all black leather, eyeliner and bleak social commentary. Despite the prickly sound of “Hatrið mun sigra”, at its heart the song has a pleasant pop melody and somehow Hatari manage to throw in a key change without it sounding like the tired old Eurovision cliché — a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down. Iceland needs to send this to Tel Aviv so the rest of Europe can have what they’re having.
2. Ívar Daníels – “Make Me Whole”
3. Daníel Óliver – “Licky Licky”
4. Kristina Bærendsen – “Mama Said”
5. Elli Grill, Skaði & Glymur – “Jeijó, keyrum alla leið”
Who are you favourites in Iceland’s Söngvakeppnin 2019? Can Iceland break their non-qualification streak? Let us know in the comments below.
super
great
Deerlover picks Hatari, though I would prefer some deer/meese imagery in one of these performances.
I have news. Hatari and Hera Bjork make the final.
I love Hatari’s entry, it will stand out like Lordi. However, their political messages against Israel might block their chances for success or even receive backlash and sabotage in Israel. However, they are the ones who can bring the best result for Iceland.
Remember Iceland came 2nd in 1999 Jerusalem 🙂
I hope Iceland don’t make the same mistake as Australia & reject the interesting song. Of course, Hatari is the one to go to Tel Aviv.
Hatari have said they only want to protest against Israel and get Iceland disqualified.
I just saw this:
https://twitter.com/elainovision/status/1094325365500194817
Now I don’t know what to believe anymore. 😛
Wiwibloggs, why do you keep removing my short comments?
In short – For the THIRD TIME – HATARI.
It seems to happen from time to time, that comments are removed for no reason.
Hatari are the clear winners here! Iceland, you have ONE JOB!
Hatari is against Israel and make political use of Eurovision… It´s a shame! Everybody who votes for it has blood on his Hands!
1. Evidence please.
2. That’s bloody over-the-top.
I agree that his last statement was ridiculous but the evidence is in this article, if you didn’t see it already:
https://stundin.is/grein/8387/
I wouldn’t vote for anyone who doesn’t respect the contest and I think they shouldn’t be allowed to participate, even though the song is my favourite.
Thanks for this. No I hadn’t spotted it, but I have interpreted it now. There is a lot of waffle at the start, but the intentions of Hatari are very clear in the last few paragraphs. This is honestly a matter for the EBU and the Icelandic broadcaster. I shouldn’t comment, in princpal. (That would be interference if I did.) But in terms of the music and the act on its own, there is still good art here, as people have said. But I would understand if this is “over the line”.
I just saw this:
https://twitter.com/elainovision/status/1094325365500194817
It’s kinda weird though cause the article seems really extensive. But as long as they respect the contest I’m fine with them having their own opinions.
I have now read it, thanks.
My reply is being held in moderation. It might appear later.
hatari hatatari hatari hatari en force
Hatari for Tel Aviv!
My fear is that this kind of polarizing songs don’t usually do well in super finals, which Iceland has.
I’m also worried about whether the Eurovision juries will be able to stomach this song. The televoters could really love it though.
In the words of Lordi: “It’s who dares – wins”. Send Hatari to Tel Aviv.
My only problem with Hatari is their questionable intentions towards Israel. I can feel some form of political bullsh*t happening around them. Otherwise I like the entry.
Read this (with Google Translate):
https://stundin.is/grein/8387/
Three of your jury members need to check themselves. 😉
Why don’t you review Vidbir?
I’m working on appreciating Hatari despite the demon vocals and see how choosing them would probably be good for Iceland. That said, I think “Make Me Whole” (though I like the Icelandic version better) is an absolutely gorgeous bit of music.
Yeeeees, #HatariToEurovision, y’all know we all want it. Let’s pray for Iceland, that they don’t make the wrong choice now. This could be Top 10 material.
Isn’t it interesting how the ones who don’t have Hatari as their winner excluded them even from their Top 5. :p
You can bet that Eurovision jury members will do the same, which is why I think it’s unlikely they’d actually win.
Omg please don’t chose hatari, I’d prefer Iceland to get a half decent result with imsland or tara instead of embarrassing themselves as this years joke act
If you look past their looks (which is difficult) you can see quite a nice song for Iceland. Idk how poeple from Montenegro, Belarus or San Marino would react to this, but this could very well stand out in SF 1 if selected.
Just curious why you all assume that the songs which is released in both Icelandic and English would ONLY be chosen for English at Eurovision?
Don’t you think there is a chance any of those artists feel like trying to stick to their home language? 😉
Thórdís or Tara for a safe choice that will surely get to the finals. Hatari for something different that will either be top ten or not qualify. I wish so many of them weren’t singing in English, the Icelandic versions all sound much better.
Hatari could either be like Lordi and win it or Aina mun pitää and be last in the semi! I hope it’s a lordi moment tho
Lordi won in era of 100% televote, Finland 2015 was 10 in semi with televote and last with juries (1 point from Serbia). Hungary 2018 go to final, but in final flop with juries and unexpected flop with televote.
And as always – Wiwi Jury results (with points from 1-5) 1. Hatari – Hadrid mun sigra 30p. 2. Kristina Baerendsen – Mama Said 22p. 3. Tara Mobee – Fighting for Love 19p. 4. Dordis Imsland – What Are You Waiting For? 15p. 5. Daniel Oliver – Licky Licky 14p. 6. Ivar Daniels – Make Me Whole 13p. 7. Heidrun Anna – Sunday Boy 12p. 8. Hera Bjork – Moving On 10p. 9. Fridrik Omar – What If I Can’t Have Love? 8p. 10. Elli Grill, Skadi & Glymur – Jeiro, keyrum alla leid 5p. What’s more interesting, is that… Read more »
1. Hatari – Actually smart, actually dark and actually very different from anything else. It’s miles ahead of the competition and definitely should win! If it does, Iceland is back in my top 5 after a few years. B-)
If I had to rank Hatari from 1 to 10, I’d rank them ?/10. I love it but I can’t but… I do? wtf Iceland.
At this point, I want Hatari to win so much that I am kind of hoping they’ll scratch the entire selection and just pick them internally to make sure nothing goes horribly wrong here.
Same, it’s their only chance to qualify–
Hatari won’t qualify since they want to be disqualified entirely. Read this (with Google Translate):
https://stundin.is/grein/8387/
Not true, in the article they state that they entered the competition because they were against having Eurovision in Israel, in their words, having a huge party while millions of families are being killed nearby, they aren’t trying to get disqualified, but they are aware that they might be if the EBU or the israeli broadcaster doesn’t like where they’re going with the act.
They literally say they want to provoke a disqualification in order to show off the polical nature of the contest. Their song is actually my favourite but if you are going to compete you should respect the contest. Also ‘millions of families are being killed’, what?
Yeah it’s over-the-top, of course it is. It is disproportionate. But so is suffering and death. This would seem to be the point.
Whether the act respects the contest or not is for the EBU to decide, ultimately.