Meet Ari Ólafsson From Iceland

This year 43 countries will be present at this years Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Lisbon in May. With less than two weeks to go until all of Europe descends on Portugal's capital, Eurovoxx will introduce you to each country that will be participating.

Who is Ari Ólafsson?

This year Iceland has decided to send Ari Ólafsson to Lisbon with the song "Our Choice". One of the youngest singers this year, he was born in 1998, and is currently 19 years old. He has always been into music, and started singing from a very young age. His distinctive charming voice, is what got him noticed in Iceland. He has starred in many lead roles in musicals for the National Theatre of Iceland.

His first claim to fame came in 2015 when he participated in 'The Voice Iceland'. Last year he was a backing singer for some artists for the country's national final. His talents now bring him to London, as he has been accepted for a scholarship for the Royal Academy of Music, starting later this year.

He is huge fan of Eurovision, and this year he has made this dream come true. To date this is his big accolade representing his home nation at the contest.

Check out Ari Ólafsson's, "Our Choice" Eurovision Entry Here:

How Was Ari Ólafsson Chosen To Represent Iceland?

This year the Icelandic broadcaster decided to continue with their national final Söngvakeppnin 2018. This was a televised national final that comprised of two semi finals, and a grand final. Each semi final consisted of 6 singers, with only three advancing to the Grand final from each.

The final took place on March 3rd 2018, and saw the six artists fight it out for the right to represent Iceland. The first heat saw only two of the songs compete for the super final. Both Ari Ólafsson and Dagur Sigurðsson made it through. What is amazing is that Dagur initially won with both the televotes, and the jury. However, in the super final, Ari won with nearly 5000 more televotes than his rival, winning 53% of the vote. The show is one of the most watched in the Nordic nation.

Check Out Eurovoxx Reaction Video To "Our Choice" First Rehearsal Here:

Iceland At The Eurovision Song Contest

This year will mark Iceland's 31st Eurovision Song Contest participation. It is the most northern nation competing, and has been present every year since 1986, with the exception of 1998 and 2002. They have still to win the competition but came close on two occasions. In 1999 Selma came 2nd, this was repeated in 2009 when Yohana nearly won the crown.

They have only made the top 10 on five occasions, and their worst ever result came in 1989 and 2001 when they came 22nd. Since the introduction of the semi finals back in 2004, the Nordic nation has qualified 8 times, which is very respectable. Could Ari make it nine?

Check Out Eurovoxx Interviewing Ari Here:

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