Eurovision 2020 Reviews – Iceland

Iceland are yet to win the Eurovision Song Contest, with their best result being 2nd place, which was achieved in both 1999 and 2009. This year, Daði og Gagnamagnið was selected to represent the nation with the song Think About Things – would we have seen Iceland finally win Eurovision?

Anita (Eurovision Union)

Song and Vocals

Rest in Peace Iceland, because this was the year you would have taken the Eurovision trophy. Iceland have struggled in recent years, with a string of non-qualifications, finally rectified by Hatari last year. Daði og Gagnamagnið is the perfect group to follow up from Hatari – yes, they are completely different in style, but both are super memorable.

Think About Things is probably one of the best modern day Icelandic Eurovision entries, and I am absolutely devastated that we didn’t get the chance to see this play out at the contest. We have seen Daði Freyr at the Icelandic national selection before, but he came back this year with an absolute gem of a song. This is such a catchy tune, and you are guaranteed to be tapping your feet to the beat. Some might see this performance and think it’s a joke song, but I love that it has such a beautiful meaning behind it. Such a simple concept, wondering what an infant child is thinking when they don’t have the words to express it – but it has made for a cracking song.

Vocally, this is not the type of song that one must belt out, but really, the national final performance was on point in terms of vocals. It’s a unique style of song, and his voice meshes so well with this retro synth pop style that he is known for.

Performance and Act

What I see as a perfect song also had the perfect stage performance concept. The national final performance was so simple, yet incredibly effective. Using two microphones and switching between the two in choreographed movements is genius. Prop instruments, perfect for this song. Cutting to the wind machine in a way that almost satirises Eurovision – legendary. Even the outfits are so well considered. It’s a brand, or a theme that carries the song through from the music video to the live performance.

The only thing that could have been improved on at Eurovision was better connection to the camera. The camera shots worked incredibly well, especially where they sharply cut during the bridge, but if Daði was slicker in his eye contact through the camera, it would have made it even better.

Next Up: 2021

If there is a God, Daði og Gagnamagnið will return to Eurovision next year. I believe he came out to say that if Iceland does hold a national final, he won’t be returning, but let’s pray that Iceland has the desire to win because with another absolute banger like Think About Things, the nation is going to soar. If they do choose a national selection, and the group doesn’t take part, whoever represents Iceland has big shoes to fill.

Conclusions

This song and performance package is flawless. Out of all the songs this year, I am most devastated about not getting to see this live in the area, and I am sure that it would have not only impressed me, but the audience and voters across Europe and Australia. A strong televote, and likely a strong jury vote would have placed this in the Top 5 at minimum, although I do believe that Iceland would have secured their first win this year. And with the contest not taking place this year, no one can tell me otherwise.

Rating

10/10

Dennis (ESCDaily)

Song and Vocals

I can understand why the song ‘Think about things’ was picked up the way it was. It even went viral, in combination with the video clip. This song is just a breath of fresh air, retro and fun. The composition and vocal delivery is fine, but the slick group performance is the aspect that gives it that winning-vibe for me.

Performance and Act

Like a few years ago, Dadi has kept his styling and theme similar. Computer animated figures in the backdrop and on the sweater of him and his team. Their performance is static, but slick. And it is just great fun to watch. A big plus for Iceland in 2020 and I would have expected they would be top-10 again in Rotterdam.

Next up: 2021

Dadi still wants to go to Eurovision with his group Gagnamagnid. Of course, who doesn’t want to compete in the biggest music competition in the world. Their act is fishing in the same sea as the Lithuanian group The Roop. This means that their potential success is strongly linked to the song and performance for 2020. It remains to be seen if they can come up with something just as good in 2021. However, and there lies the difference with The Roop for me, Dadi already showed he can deliver more often, in another preselection. He does not want to take part in Söngvakeppnin again and battle for the Icelandic ticket.

Conclusions

I think Iceland would have been a very strong top-10 candidate at Eurovision 2020 in Rotterdam. Dadi and Gagnamagnid have great chemistry on stage and connect well with each other and the camera. Their song has been hyped and gone viral, and it would have had a high chance of success at Eurovision. I think this concept can also work in another year again, with a similar song and staging. RÚV should make the call and pick this strong act again for next year.

Rating

8,5/10

Additional Scores from Eurovision Union and ESCDaily editors: 

Brandon: 8.5/10

Steef:: 7.5/10

Joshua: 9/10

Selim: 7/10

Heath: 10/10

Kaitlin: 10/10

Average Score:  8.8/10

What do you think of Think About Things? Follow our Eurovision 2020 reviews here.