ESC+Plus has talked to Elísabet Ormslev, semifinalist of this year’s Icelandic national selection for Eurovision, “Söngvakeppni 2016”. The young singer will perform “Á Ný” composed by Greta Salóme, Icelandic representative at Eurovision 2012 and semifinalist of the competition as soloist.
ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Icelandic national selection for Eurovision 2016!
E+: Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?
I have been involved in the music industry in Iceland for a few years, but never really had the guts to really make my music dreams come true until this year. I was offered to be on the reality show and singing competition “The Voice” in Iceland and I was hesitant at first, but I had a gut feeling that it would be both extremely fun and beneficial for me. I made it to the semi-finals and after that everything began to snowball to say the least. Many offers have come along such as Eurovision so I´m really excited about the year 2016.
E+: What impelled you to take part in “Söngvakeppnin 2016”?
I had decided a long time ago that if I ever had the chance to take part in Söngvakeppnin, the song would have to be great. Greta Salóme and I have known each other for 18 years now or since I was 4 when I started practising violin. Greta is one of the most talented individuals I know and an exceptional songwriter and her song “Á Ný” is amazing so I had to go for it.
E+: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the semi final?
I wasn´t asked to perform the song until after it qualified actually, but I was honoured to be asked and trusted to do it justice. The song suits me very well and I can´t wait to perform it on stage in February!
E+: What it would mean for you to represent Iceland?
It would of course be an honor to represent my country and follow in my mothers footsteps. I´d probably make her sing back up vocals for me. HAH!
E+: Can you tell us about your song “Á Ný” (Again)? What is the story behind the lyrics?
The lyrics are about losing someone or something and how the loss haunts you. You feel like the person is somewhere near you and like things never changed.
E+: Your song has been composed by Greta Salóme, who is also taking part in the competition as soloist. Moreover, Greta already represented Iceland at Eurovision 2012. Have you talked about this coincidence? Has she given you any advice?
She has two songs in Söngvakeppnin this year just like last time and the other song suits her very well. We have discussed it and we agree that both acts are 100% supportive of each other from start to finish. She has been through this roller-coaster before so she has a lot of advice for me, for example to just be myself, enjoy every moment and sing my heart out!
E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Stockholm?
It´s different and fresh, I think. Not something you typically hear in Eurovision. The song immediately fascinated me and others who have heard it and would do a great job in Stockholm.
E+: How are you preparing your performance for “Söngvakeppnin”?
Right now we are figuring out all the details, such as stage lighting, performance and the overall look. Then we are doing some finishing touches on the production and recording the vocals. It´s coming together so well!
E+: What is your opinion about the past Icelandic representatives in Eurovision? Do you have any favourites?
I love how diverse and different they have been. We´re not afraid to go old school or completely outrageous. My favorite I would say are Selma´s “All out of luck” from 1999, I´ll remember that night forever and of course my mom´s and ICY´s “Gleðibankinn” in 1986, the first year Iceland participated in Eurovision. I wasn´t born yet though, but I still love it!
E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?
I´m working on my own music and I plan to go abroad to chase a few dreams of mine. It’s all in the works and nothing is final, but a lot of things are in the mix for the year 2016.
E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
Thank you so much for your support, I am excited to show all of you what we got and hope to see you in Stockholm 2016!
E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!
Steph Parker liked this on Facebook.
Anthony Cox liked this on Facebook.
Sergei Montesin liked this on Facebook.