The first semi final of the Icelandic selection for the Eurovision Song Contest is taking place right now. It is the first televised show of the 2008 national final season and you can watch the webcast by following the link below.
This article will be constantly updated.
The hosts of the night now welcome the audience. They explain the format of the Icelandic selection and present the six composers that have submitted songs and that will be presented in the semi finals. The jury panel is now introduced.
Hafdis Huld Prastardottir is tonight's first singer!
The first song – Boys and perfume – deals with a romantic theme. The song is in English; the previous years all songs had to be performed in Icelandic in the national finals. The performance is typical for a ballad and probably not very spectacular.
Margrét Kristin Sigurdardóttir presents the second song!
Game over is another ballad. Margrét is accompanied by a male singer. Both are sitting on bar stools playing the guitar. They are casually dressed which fits well with the rather simple but catchy guitar tune. If the game will be actually over tonight for them will decided during the televoting.
Birgitta Haukdal, Icelandic representative in 2003, now gives an interview to the host.
Gudmundur Jonsson is number three!
Gef mér von (Give me hope)is the third song and the first one in Icelandic. Gudmundur is accompanied by a gospel choir (which contains more than five singers!). He obviuosly hasn't learned his lyrics by heart an keeps looking at the music stand. The song is a mid-tempoballad and reminds of a chant.
The lines are now open. The results will be revealed in the second part of the show to start in about half an hour. Please note that there will be no webcast during the break.
