The final of Icelandic national selection for Eurovision 2023, Söngvakeppnin is taking place on Saturday, 4th of March. A total of 5 acts will be competing to win the show and represent the country at Eurovision. One of them is Diljá who will sing “Power” . We had a chance to talk to Diljá about her inspiration and participation at Söngvakeppnin 2023.

Hello Diljá, first of all I would like to congratulate you for qualifying to the final of Söngvakeppnin 2023! What made you decide to take part at Söngvakeppnin?
It has always been my dream to sing in Eurovision, so when my producer asked me if this was our year to give it a try I couldn’t resist.

Can you tell us a bit about your musical beginnings? When did you start singing and what were the songs you enjoyed performing the most?’
I know it’s a cliché but I started singing at the same day I started talking. I have always been a huge fan of singing soul music.

How did “Lifandi inni í mér”/”Power” came to life and what does it mean for you?
Pálmi, the producer and writer of the song, showed told me the idea of the song and I immediately fell in love with it. I love the energy and the message behind the lyrics. I had a strong connection with the song right from our first session in the studio.

What can we expect from your performance in the final? Will you be changing anything from the one in SF1?
I will give everything I have in the performance, and you can expect it to be more and better than the one in the semi final.

Will you perform the English or Icelandic version of the song in the final and which one would you rather choose to perform at Eurovision in the case you win Söngvakeppnin 2023?
I will perform the English version. We wrote it originally in english and I feel a little stronger connection with that version.

Do you watch Eurovision regularly, if so would you like to share a memory which you have of it or a favourite song from the contest?
I am the BIGGEST Eurovision fan. It is the most holy day of the year for me, my best friend and my mom. My first memory is seeing Jóhanna Guðrún with Is it true? when I was 7 years old in 2009 and I fell in loooove. It has been my dream to follow her footsteps ever since then. My favorite song from the contest has to be Amar Pelos Dois.

On YouTube channel you released several covers, is there a song which you’d really like to cover or perform but you never got a chance to?
I am about to release a cover of Hold me closer, the Swedish 2022 Eurovision song which is really exciting because I have wanted to do that for a long time.

Was there any artist who was your role model when you started singing?
Jóhanna Guðrún.

Which of the Eurovision artists would you like to do a duet with?
LOREEN 100%

What do you do when you aren’t singing? Any hobbies?
I do cross fit, I play the bass and guitar and I am studying physiotherapy in the University of Iceland.

What are your plans after Söngvakeppnin 2023?
Keep on making music and grow as an artist.

Thank you so much for your time Diljá. We wish you the best of luck at Söngvakeppnin 2023. Do you want to share something else or you maybe have a message for readers of escbubble?
No dream is too big. Go after it, that is the only way to get there.

You watch the semi-final performance of “Lifandi inni í mér”/”Power” by Diljá below:

If Diljá is your favourite in the final of Söngvakeppnin 2023, don’t forget to cast your vote for her in our poll below

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