Eurovision 2008 - Iceland

This is my life
Eurobandið


History (1956 to 2007):

Iceland's previous appearances: 20year(s) out of 52
Years participated: 1986-1997; 1999-2001; 2003-
Best result: 2nd (1999)

For many years, Iceland's record at Eurovision was unimpressive, 4th place in 1990 the best result from its twelve efforts between 1986 and 1997. The country's first enforced absence due to relegation, in 1998, appeared to give Iceland the boost it needed, charging back in 1999 with the catchy 'All out of luck'. Selma's 2nd place promptly gave Iceland its best ever result, beaten only by Sweden's Charlotte Nilsson with what was, arguably, a less impressive song. After that, Iceland stuck to powerful, uptempo songs, with variable results - while 2000's 'Tell me!' finished a mid-table 12th, 2001's 'Angel' inexplicably (I rather liked it) scored only 3 points and ended up last. After another relegation-enduced absence, Iceland bounced back with a slice of Selma-lite in 2003. Birgitta's energetic performance of 'Open your heart' was always likely to finish strongly; while its creditable 8th place was enough to secure Iceland's participation in the 2004 Final, the country's first victory remained elusive. in 2004, Jonsi's beautiful ballad - 'Heaven' - promised great things; however, a disappointing live performance on the night failed to do justice to a stunning song, its 19th place meaning that Iceland had to participate in the Semi Final in 2005.

Eurovision fans were delighted when it was announced that Selma would once again represent Iceland in 2005 - a chance for her to secure the victory that had so narrowly eluded her six years earlier. The choice of song also boded well, with 'If I had your love' coming across as a strong and very contemporary track, and most people assumed that Selma would qualify for the Final fairly easily. On the night, her vocal was good, certainly on a par with the one that secured her 2nd place in the 1999 Contest, and the visual presentation - if a little busy - seemed appropriate to the song. However, it was not enough - in one of the biggest shocks of the evening, Iceland ended the Semi Final in a disappointing 16th place with 52 points, and thus missed out on reaching the Final. In 2006, Iceland must therefore once again take part in the Semi Final if it is to stand a chance of progressing any further.

In 2006 Iceland was represented by Silvia Night and in 2007 by Eiríkur Hauksson.

This year's entry:



My opinion & prediction:

Oh, no Iceland. When will you understand that Europe wants to hear your language? STOP TRANSLATING YOUR SONGS IN ENGLISH! Overall I don’t think this song will do much.

My prediction for the Semi Final: 12th to 16th
My prediction for the Final: Will not qualify