Karlotta Sigurðardóttir: “I would sing in English at Eurovision” (Icelandic semifinalist – Interview)

ESC+Plus has talked to Karlotta Sigurðardóttir, semifinalist of this year’s Icelandic national selection for Eurovision. Karlotta will perform “Óstöðvandi” (Unstoppable), composed by herself, Kristinn Sigurpáll Sturluso and Ylva & Linda Persson, in the first semi-final set on February 6.

ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in Icelandic national selection for Eurovision 2016!

Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?

I took part in The Voice Iceland in late 2015, but I didn’t qualify for the next round when they choose 8 out of 16 in the first live show. That is my first and only big experience until now.

E+: What impelled you to take part in “Söngvakeppnin 2016”?

I just couldn’t say no to being a part of this song. It is a very good opportunity to get yourself out there and get people to notice you. You meet a lot of different people and learn a lot of new things every time you do something big and, of course, you also gain more self-confidence. You also surprise yourself in the process not only the audience.

E+: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the semi-final? Did you expect it?

Well, I wasn’t really a part of the act when that happened. Ylva and Linda discovered me at The Voice and sent me a message on Facebook the week before the songs were announced, but I was very flattered to have been chosen as their singer because I really like the song.

E+: What it would mean for you to represent Iceland?

It would be an honour to represent my country in the Eurovision Song Contest and would definitely do my very best to make everyone proud.

E+: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?

My song is about facing things in your life and believing in yourself while doing so, making decisions according to your ups and downs.

E+: Would you sing in English or in Icelandic at Eurovision?

I would sing my song in English in Stockholm.

E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Stockholm? What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?

The song has a meaning that everyone can relate to or will at some point in their life. There is much happening in the melody, there are a lot of emotions and a lot of fun ways to play with it on stage. The best thing that I can do is to do my very best and we will see how it goes.

E+: Have you started to prepare your stage performance for “Söngvakeppni”?

It is in progress, we just had the first meeting with the director crew and we will start working on it as soon as possible.

E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What are your favourite songs in the history of the competition?

I try to watch Eurovision when I can, but I used to watch it when I was a kid. My favourite song is probably “Fly on the wings of love” by the Olsen brothers. My mum had it on a CD when I was younger and she played it every time she cleaned the house so it is kind of stuck.

E+: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?

I would choose Lordi from Finland, I mean who wouldn’t want to try that?

E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?

I am studying at a junior college in Iceland and I want to graduate next Christmas, so I’m working on that. I am also planning to travel to Spain on summer holidays.

E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?

We will upload an English version on very soon, so stay tuned! I have a twitter account: karlottas97 in the case you want to follow me or have any questions. Otherwise, I just want to thank you for the good reactions to the song. I am looking forward to meeting some of you, maybe in Sweden (fingers crossed).

E+: Thank you for your time and good luck!