Despite being one of the top contenders with bookmakers in 2020, Iceland has not yet decided about its entry for Eurovision 2021. Will Daði og Gagnamagnið be back?
In today’s episode we look at Iceland in 2021. For a full review of their potential entry for 2020, check out this article on our partner website Eurovision Union. Check out our thoughts for next year below.
Key takeaways: Suitable for juries and televoters
In a contest in which juries and televoters seem to grow further apart each year, “Think about things” could have brought them together in 2020. A radiofriendly tune, a sweet and inoffensive message, decent vocals – jury food. A nerdy/catchy dance routine, cheerful music and a believable artist – televote support guaranteed. We will never know how far it would have brought Iceland in the competition.
We do know, however, that the Nordic nation has the potential to appeal to both. And while in the recent past, Iceland chose hit-or-miss entries that first were too safe (Ari), then perhaps too extreme (Hatari), they seem to have found the perfect middle ground.
How to proceed with Daði og Gagnamagnið in Eurovision 2021?
Daði is an established composer, who could easily represent Iceland again next year and come up with something great. Granted, not all of his previous Söngvakeppnin entries were as great as “Think about things”, but it’s hard to imagine Iceland going wrong if Daði were to return. His mellow yet infectious keyboard melodies would have won hearts and minds in Europe, even with a new song.
Exploring other options
This raises the question: Why has RUV not announced Daði’s return yet? Are they hesitant to call off their prestigious and highly popular preselection? Is the broadcaster afraid that, in these corona times, the financial injection of Söngvakeppnin cannot be missed? Or is Daði hesitant himself? Does he have other options, other priorities?
If the preselection does return, Iceland better bring their A-game. Ásgeir is an often mentioned name, and he would definitely bring musical quality and diversity to the stage. However, in order to find something that juries could fall in love with, maybe a more non-threatening cheerful singer-songwriter like Elin Sif would be recommendable.
This was supposed to be the Icelandic Eurovision 2020 entry
About “Next Up: Eurovision 2021”
In our series Next Up: 2021, we look ahead to the Eurovision Song Contest 2021. After the cancellation of Eurovision 2020, all participating countries now face the choice: Stick with their Eurovision singer, or come up with a new preselection or internal selection.
We make an analysis based on what we know so far. What will this country do, or most likely do? And is that the wise choice, looking at the fact that the Eurovision Song Contest remains a music competition?
