“We’ve been in trouble in Eurovision in the last few years,” says Gisli Marteinn Baldursson, the Icelandic commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest. “We’ve chosen safe entries. And we needed something different like BDSM-band Hatari.”
Hatari was already the top favorite before the Icelandic national final. Baldursson points out that the Icelandic broadcaster RUV did not choose Hatari, but the public did. “They liked “Hatrið mun sigra” the most. Because the fact is that it does not just stand out, it is a really great song.”
“The deeper meaning of the song is a criticism of populism. It’s a criticism on dictatorship. Hatari tries to promote peace.”
“Professional juries will appreciate Hatari even better”
Baldursson also speaks about the potential gap between juries and televoters for Iceland’s result this year. “It’s a well-crafted song and they sing it very well. I think juries will notice this, and they will understand the message even better than the general public.”
However, when it comes to the final result, the Icelandic expectations have come down. “We hope Hatari makes the final. If they do, we don’t expect any miracles there. Just to make it to the final again, is important for Iceland.” During that Grand Final, Baldursson will once again provide the commentary for an entire nation. Market share of the Eurovision Song Contest in Iceland is generally around 95%.
