The winner of the Eurovision song contest 2015, Måns Zelmerlöw, will perform at the Icelandic national final, Söngvakeppninni 2017.
Traditionally an international singer performs at Söngvakeppninni. Last year, it was the winner of the 2012 Eurovision song contest, Loreen. This year, it will be her compatriot and winner of the 2015 contest, Måns Zelmerlöw. He intends to perform at least two songs during the show, but it is currently unknown which songs it will be.
Icelandic Eurovision expert and their entrant to the 1997 Eurovision song contest, Páll Óskar, is particularly excited about Måns performing in Iceland.
When you mention Måns Zelmerlöw, my heart skips a beat” says Páll Óskar. “He is a really classy guy. He’s a really cool Eurovision star and he just brushed the competition aside in 2015. I’ve followed his career since he was in the Swedish Idol 2005, I think. And I can really see the difference in him from his Idol participation to his Eurovision victory. It’s like watching a beautiful flower bloom!
Söngvakeppninni 2017 will begin on February 25th, when the first six songs will be performed in the first semi-final. A week later on March 4th, the second semi-final will see the last six songs performed. Three from each semi-final will qualify for the Grand Final, which will be held on March 11th. The winner will represent Iceland in Kyiv.
Icelandic broadcaster RÚV will air all the shows live. Ticket sales for all the shows will begin on Wednesday.
Páll Óskar has many thoughts about his country’s potential Eurovision entrants.
I’ve started thinking about all the performers in this year’s Söngvakeppninni. But I’m not going to say anything yet. Because I’m bursting with opinions. And I do not want to offend anyone
He also says that Iceland must continue to get behind their entrant every year.
One year, we’ll get our own ABBA!
Iceland were represented by Greta Salóme and her fan-favourite song Hear them calling in Eurovision 2016. She failed to make it to the final.
