REYKJAVIK, ICELAND – The Icelandic broadcaster RUV has announced some changes to this Saturday’s final of “Songvakeppnin”. The seven finalists taking part have been allowed to sing in a language of their choice. Previously, contest rules stated that the songs must be presented in Icelandic. However, RUV has now called on participants to perform in the language they would present their country in Vienna. Five artists have taken up the chance to sing in English, rather than their native language. They include:
Cadem – Fyrir alla
Maria Olafsdottir – Litil skref
Fridrik Dor – I sidasta skipti
Elin Sif Halldorsdottir – I kvold
Sunday – Fyadrir
The two remaining singers, Bjorn og Felagar and Haukur Heidar, will sing in Icelandic.
RTU has also revealed the jury members for the final. They include 2009 Eurovision representative Johanna, Sigridur Thorlacius, Einar Bardarson, Valdimar Gudmusson and Stefan Hilmarsson. A 50/50 jury and televote will decide the two superfinalists while Iceland’s representative will be chosen by the public in a tele vote.
DID YOU KNOW?
Iceland has taken part in Eurovision 27 times and has made it to the final every year since 2007. Band Pollaponk managed 15th place last year with the song “No Prejudice”.
