The eighth semi final of the Icelandic selection for the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest took place tonight. Three singers performed one song each and the winner was chosen by televoting: Örlygur Smári is the composer who will take part in the national final on 16th February with his song Fullkomið líf performed by Eurobandið .
It was the turn of the last three composers whose submitted songs have been chosen for the semi finals. The complete line-up was:
- Menn ársins (performers, composer: Þórarinn Freysson) – If you were here
- Eurobandið (performers, composer: Örlygur Smári) – Fullkomið líf
- Hara (performers, composer: Hallgrímur Óskarsson) – I wanna manicure
Hallgrímur Óskarsson has among others co-written the song Open your heart with Birgitta Haukdal who represented Iceland in the 2003 Eurovision Song Contest and finished 8th, Iceland's 4th best result so far. Eurobandiðis a real Euroband andcontains many former Icelandic representatives and national final contestants (read more here).
esctoday.com talks to the winners
Right after the show, esctoday.com spoke to the lead singers of Euroband, Fridrik Omar and Regina Osk.
We asked Fridrik how it felt to be in the Icelandic final for a third year running:
"It felt kind of odd actually. It's special because its with Regina andshe's my best friend. To do it with the band this time is great and with Gretta on the keyboard was great too. He has worked with Paul Oscar, and to have him is great for us."
After third place and second place in 2006 and 2007, is it going to be first place in 2008?
"I sure hope so. The thing is I just want people to chose the best song and i think they did tonight. It's important for Icelandto do well."
Asked about any animosity between the band and the Hara sisters after themedia battle this week, they said:
"The battle has been between the composers. They all wanted to win, but we're all friends and suport each other. TheHara Sisterswere great, i'm sure they'll be at the final in February, I hope they geta wildcard."
In 2005, 2006 and 2007, Iceland did not manage to reach the final of the Eurovision Song Contest although the country was sometimes quite close finishing 16th, 13th and again 13th in the semi final respectively. Iceland will havetake part in one of the semi finalsin Belgrade.
