Birgitta Ólafsdóttir, known as BIRGO, is an up-and-coming Icelandic singer with a huge passion for music!
At just 21 years old, she will make her maiden appearance at Söngvakeppnin 2025 this year, with her song “Ég flýg í storminn” (English version: Stromchaser”) . The song, co-written by Birgitta Ólafsdóttir, Helga Þórdís Guðmundsdóttir, Jonas Gladnikoff and Shawn Mayers, talks about overcoming fear and anxiety, sending a strong message of self-confidence and perseverance.
Listen to “Ég flýg í storminn” by BIRGO!
For BIRGO Eurovision is a cult, with Emmelie de Forest‘s “Only Teardrops” being the first song that made her fall in love with the Contest! She describes herself as hardworking, fun and creative, while her friends call her courageous, dedicated to her work and incredibly funny.
BIRGO is being investigated by OGAE Greece!
Q: BIRGO, hello, what inspired you to take part in Söngvakeppnin 2025? Was Eurovision always a dream for you?
Hello! Yes Eurovision is the biggest dream for me! I have always wanted to be a part of it and it is a HUGE part of my childhood!
Q: Your song is competing in both Icelandic and English. Do you feel a stronger connection to one version, and how will you decide which one to perform?
Hmmm I definitely love them both, I have been seeing a lot of comments about keeping the song in Icelandic and of course I want to listen to the people that love the song! So we are thinking what we can do with this information hehe But we originally wrote it in English so we never thought people would love the Icelandic version more hahah.
Q:Iceland has a unique music scene with a mix of indie, pop, and experimental sounds. How does your music fit into this landscape, and how does it stand out?
I feel like this type of song is not seen a lot in the Icelandic music scene but I want to change that! I love listening to very powerful songs with a lot of strength through the vocals and hard melodies so I hope this song will push Icelandic singers to make more of these type of songs and open up for it more in the scene here! Rap has kinda been taking over recently, I love that too of course but want more diversity! We show Iceland through the lyric and the passion of the song, we talk about landscapes and the staging will be powerful in that sense also of showing Iceland.
Q: If you win Söngvakeppnin and represent Iceland at Eurovision, how would you want Europe to remember your performance?
I want Europe to remember the power and really go home with strength and hope to follow their heart and dreams! Not to be afraid. I want them to really dig into the song and feel all the passion of the lyric. Every time they listen to the song to be a motivation for them and a reminder that they can do what ever they want, it’s hard of course but even though you are trembling and feel lost, to get back up! You are not alone and hopefully they can feel that in the performance and through the song.
Q: Your stage name, BIRGO, is linked to your name, but it is unique. Is there a story behind it?
Haha yeah, My sister started calling me BIRGO when I was young and I always wanted to use that name if I would go international and become famous and go to Eurovision, and this was the perfect time to build up my artist as BIRGO cus she is kinda my alter ego, not afraid! The real stormchaser in me haha
Q: How would you describe your musical style and how does your Söngvakeppnin entry represent your artistic identity?
My music style is very diverse, I love a good vocal and whistle moment. When I was growing up I mostly listened to Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston and Ariana Grande so that has really impacted hoe I sing and make my songs! Very powerful voices and that’s exactly what my song in söngvakeppnin is, power and whistle haha
Q: Many Eurovision entries stand out for their strong “visuals”. How important is staging for you, and can you share any hints about what we can expect?
Staging is sooo important! It has been amazing to work with people to build up the whole entry. Hints are we are 6 on stage very mysterious and cool!
Q: Iceland has sent some incredible entries to Eurovision over the years. Do you have a favourite Icelandic Eurovision song that has inspired you?
Yes soo many! Hmm it’s hard to think. I loved “I Hear Them Calling” by Greta Salóme! The staging and graphics and everything was so cool! But “Power” by Diljá, she is my favourite a 100% haha.
Q: If you could collaborate with one artist from Eurovision’s present or past, who would it be and why?
Hmmm I would say Loreen, she is an Icon and has sooo good vocals and I love her songs and her as a person!
Q: You already have fans across Europe, including Greece! What message would you like to share with them as you embark on this exciting journey?”
Thank you soo much for listening and loving the song, you guys mean the world to me! I cant wait to show you the song live and hope you will love that side of it too
BIRGO’s message to OGAE Greece!
BIRGO will enter the battle of the First Semi-Final of Söngvakeppnin 2025, next Saturday, February 8, 2025, where she will claim the golden ticket to the Grand Final! “Ég flýg í storminn” is already considered one of the favorites to win in Iceland. We thank Birgitta for the kindness and love with which she treated us and we are sure that the future belongs to her!
Gangi þér vel BIRGO!
Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest…
- Participating broadcaster: RÚV
- Participations: 36 (27 finals)
- Debut: 1986
- Highest placement: 2nd (1999, 2009)
- Lowest placement: 19th in the Semi Final (2018)
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