This week, the Icelandic Eurovision national final Söngvakeppnin 2023 will take place to determine Iceland’s entry at Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool. The artists Bragi and Diljá qualified from Söngvakeppnin semi-final 1, Langi Seli og Skuggarnir and Sigga Ózk qualified from Söngvakeppnin semi-final 2 with Ríkisútvarpið (RÚV), the Icelandic broadcaster, confirming Celebs as the fifth act to compete in the Final as the wildcard entry.
Eight members of the Aussievision team ranked their top 3 songs with 12 points awarded to first place, 10 points to second place and 8 points to third place.
Here are the results:
5. Bragi - 'Sometimes the World's Against You' (18 points)
10 points from Steven, 8 points from Zhi
"A decent man-boy power/empowerment ballad with some nice elements, particularly the pre-chorus and its ascending then descending scale. The song will require a strong live vocal to turn heads though." ~ Steven "The fact he is part Swedish is ironic given the fact this performance is very Melfest-esque: a handsome man singing a nice, catchy pop song. Solid but not revolutionary." ~ Zhi
"A nice little meditation prompt before the first chorus, but sadly, that's the only thing it offers that we haven't heard from a zillion other similar tracks over the years. Next!" ~ Kiel
4. Langi Seli & Skuggarnir - 'OK' (28 points)
12 points from Fleur, 8 points from Dale and Hayley
"This is Iceland's best chance of qualifying. It's not my type of song but it's a standout. Nothing else at Eurovision sounds like this, so it won't be lost amongst the other bands. The guys have been around for a while so they know how to perform, their performance in their semi was the most polished amongst all the entries. Honestly, they are very good musicians and deserve the ticket to Liverpool." ~ Fleur
"I LOVE that this almost takes a whole minute to sing a word. It's a fun little rockabilly piece that showcases the instrumental and has an easy follow along "OK" hook. This has *something*, I'm just not quite sure what it is. " ~ Dale
"I chose Langi Seli & Skuggarnir's 'OK' because I love love love the Stray Cats and Living End. I think if this song was chosen, it would stand out by a mile!" ~ Hayley
"This had the potential to be cool, but not a single lyric for roughly the first minute is a bit of a death knell on the Eurovision stage." ~ Kiel
3. Sigga Ózk - 'Dancing Lonely' (60 points)
12 points from Dale and Steven, 10 points from Zhi and Emma, 8 points from Kyriakos and Kiel
"I love that this isn't trying to be anything it's not. It's fun and poppy and something just to enjoy. Sigga has great energy, performs it well and I think the staging is fun. " ~ Dale
"A sweet-voiced pop princess delivering a reasonably catchy number in the vein of early Carly Rae Jepsen, but with a marked 80s flavour. It even features a key change!" ~ Steven
"Solid 2000s style pop that is catchy but nothing particularly special. Makes sense that this song has had High School Musical staging in the national final. Strange though that given the song title is 'Dancing Lonely' there are backing dancers, but they do add energy to the performance, and better than having an empty stage." ~ Zhi
"How can you not love Sigga? 'Dancing Lonely' sounds like it could be straight from the 'High School Musical' soundtrack and there's nothing wrong with that. Her performance is as sweet as sugar and she'd be a great choice for Eurovision." ~ Emma
2. Celebs - 'Doomsday Dancing' (64 points)
12 points from Kyriakos, Emma and Hayley, 10 points from Fleur and Kiel, 8 points from Steven
"This is a hot mess of a performance, but I don't care I love it! The group have so much energy, the performance is so much fun. It is one of my favourites of the Eurovision national final season. " ~ Kyriakos
"Doomsday Dancing' is the most unique Söngvakeppnin finalist this year. It won't be to everyone's taste but its certainly not boring. I love the retro vibe going on here...and those costumes...is there any tinsel left in Iceland? Iceland send this to Liverpool please!" ~ Emma
"This song has SO MUCH potential!! Ladyhawke X Bowie - it's kinda odd in a way but also a potential dance floor banger. The only issue I see with this, and its a big one - that horrible staging!" ~ Hayley
"I do like this. It's the Eurovision mess that we all love to see. The song is catchy but their performance will have to improve greatly to be taken as a serious contender. It has potential, I will give it that." ~ Fleur
"This one will definitely stand out if Iceland picks it. It's a bit disjointed, but those who hang with it enough will be rewarded. It's got a nice kooky edge and feels like a more typical entry we'd expect from Iceland." ~ Kiel
"Doomsday Dancing' straddles the messy/good chaotic line. The live performance in the final will determine which side of that line it falls." ~ Steven
1. Diljá - 'Power' (70 points)
12 points from Zhi and Kiel, 10 points from Kyriakos, Dale and Hayley, 8 points from Fleur and Emma
"Iceland's answer to Billie Eilish meets Lorde. The best in a solid but ultimately slightly underwhelming line up. The intense dance, rock ending really lifts this song." ~ Zhi
"Diljá is Iceland's best chance of success this year. I was worried it would be a bit plain and predictable, but the choruses kicked this one up a gear. It's probably not as slick as neighbour Alexandra from Norway's entry, but there's room for a second dose of Scandinavian girl power at this year's contest." ~ Kiel
"I am obsessed with the studio version of this song. I love the build up to the chorus and the addition of the backing vocals really elevates the song. I hope for the final Diljá's performance isn't so dark lighting wise." ~ Kyriakos
"The reason this gets my 10 points is Diljá. She has a great voice that she really shows off here in this entry. Can't say the song does too much for me and I really dislike the staging but I won't be upset if this wins this weekend." ~ Dale
"I really enjoy her voice - its has a nice tone to it." ~ Hayley
Well, the team has voted and we have a winner.
Will Diljá have the power to win Söngvakeppnin 2023?
The final of Söngvakeppnin 2023 will take place on Sunday, March 5 at 6.45am AEDT (Saturday, March 4 at 20:45 CET).
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