After last weekend’s two semifinals we are now anxiously waiting for the final of Söngvakeppnin Sjónvarpsins 2013. Some of the finalists are newcomers to the competition, while others may be considered veterans. One of them is Birgitta Haukdal, who took the time to chat with escNorge.

Wiv; Not all of our readers know all that much about you. Could you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your musical background and your career?

Birgitta; My name is Birgitta Haukdal and I’m a mucisian from Iceland. I have been writing, singing, acting and perfoming since the year 2000. I love Eurovison, like all the people in Iceland.

Wiv; You have participated in Söngvakeppni Sjónvarpsins earlier too; can you tell us about that? 

Birgitta; I sang for the first time in Eurovision in 2003 but after that I have been in the semifinals twice. Once alone with the song «Mynd af þér», which is a sweet song, and then with Magni with the song «Núna veit ég». So this time is my fourth….wow 😉

Wiv; If you were to win, this would not be your first time on the Eurovision stage; what is your best memory from last time?

Birgitta; I have a lot of great memories from Riga. But the funniest one is that I almost went in to a blackout in the green room after the show. I was so relaxed when I was singing and there I was, dying when we where waiting for the points…hahah

Wiv; This time you have been a part of the songwriting team, along with your sister, among others. 

Birgitta; My sister is my best friend, so I can always call her and ask her for help in any way. So when I needed help with this song she was the first to pop up in my mind. And she is so talented in every way.

Wiv; How will you describe your entry?

Birgitta; A dramatic dark ballade that speaks to your heart. Everyone can find themselves in it I think.

Wiv; What do you think of the other finalists? Do any of them stand out to you?

Birgitta; I think this year we have many great songs. I love Ég á líf and Magnis songs. My son is 3 years old and he is singing «Ég á líf» all the time. 😀

Wiv; All songs have to be performed in Icelandic in Söngvakeppni Sjónvarpsins. Is there a chance your song will stay in Icelandic, should you win the ticket for Malmö?

Birgitta; I think not, but I don’t want to think that far yet 😉

Wiv; Do you usually prefer singing in Icelandic or in English? And why?

Birgitta; I love both. Actually it is a lot easier to sing in English, as it is harder to sing the vowels in Icelandic.

Wiv; It has been 16 years since Icelandic was last heard on a Eurovision stage. What do you think of the fact that many (most?) countries choose to sing in English instead of in their native language?

Birgitta; I have to say that a song is not a song without the story. If you don’t know the story and understand it you are only getting half of the song, wich is not good, I think.

Wiv; If you’re not going to be representing Iceland in Malmö, do you think you would try your luck in Söngvakeppni Sjónvarpsins again?

Birgitta; Hahaha…I don’t know about that. Maybe , maybe not. It is so hard to make plans for the future. We should just enjoy the time now.

Wiv; Most Icelanders have a rather strong opinion on the Eurovision Song Contest, some positive and others negative. How about you; Are you into Eurovision?

Birgitta; Yes I am, I love it.

Wiv; So, being a fan; do you have a favorite ESC-entry?

Birgitta; I have many favorites. But Sandra Kim was the one that made me wanna sing in Eurovison. I was 7 yers old and I loved her. I went straight to my room and started practising, pretending I was her 😉

Wiv; And what is your favorite Icelandic entry?

Birgitta; It is hard to choose but «Eitt lag enn» was amazing. So bright and well performed.

Wiv; And since we’re a Norwegian site; do you have a favorite Norwegian entry as well?

Birgitta; Yes I love the song in 2003. It was soooo beautiful. That was my favorite then. I can’t remember the name…but the lyrics are….»I am in love with a beautiful girl. She is the one…..lalalala»

Wiv; Oh, nice! That’s my favorite Norwegian entry as well; «I’m Not Afraid to Move On». What music do you usually listen to? And which artists inspire you?

Birgitta; I am the type who listens to all kinds of music. I love klassic Andrea Bochelli when I am having a cosy time, love rock when I am singing and in a good mood, Celine Dion when I want to get inspired as a singer, and more and more.

Wiv; When you’re not singing, what does your life look like? 

Birgitta; I live in Barcelona and I am trying to learn some Spanish, wich is great. Then I write music, am a mum and a wife…soo my life is quite normal.

Wiv; Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me! I’m really looking forward to hearing you perform «Meðal andanna» on stage on Saturday. All of us at escNorge wish you the best!! 

Birgitta; Happy Eurovision everybody, and thank you for your support and love.
1000 kisses from Iceland!

Photos; ruv/facebook