There was a sense of inevitability about the selection of Dadi Freyr and his band Gangamagnid to represent Iceland at this year’s Eurovision song contest.
After his success in the second semi-final – and the release of a catchy and distinctive video clip – Dad’s song Think About Things created a social media storm, attracting the attention of none less than Oscar winner Russell Crowe.
Its selection and clear popularity could give Iceland its best chance of winning since the country joined the competition in 1986. Iceland’s best previous efforts were second placings in 1999 and 2009. Last year, the controversial Hatari finished tenth.
This year’s national final featured the two selections from each semi-final and a wildcard entrant.
The five entrants each performed their song, before the top two were chosen to advance to the next stage of the competition, based on a combination of the public and jury vote. Dadi and Gangamagnid were joined by beat metal band DIMMA in the final play-off.
They each performed again and, based solely on a public vote, Dadi and his band were declared the winners.
The show was marred by some technical difficulties, but this did not prevent Dadi demonstrating the quirky appeal of his song, which was written in dedication to his baby daughter. The group includes his wife, his sister and three friends.
It is an eccentric group, with a distinctive song – and very distinctive dance moves. It could do well in Rotterdam in May.
Here is the link to their performance in the final: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-dMhpgj0PA
And here is their popular music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFZNvj-HfBU
Go Iceland!