A Eurovision sensation has said "it's time" ahead of the 2023 song contest taking place in Liverpool.
Over the last few days, thousands have headed to Liverpool to celebrate all things Eurovision as the city hosts on behalf of reigning champions Ukraine. So far, we've seen many stars from Eurovision and beyond head to events and perform, with many superfans getting a chance to meet a number of music sensations.
Today, Icelandic Eurovision sensation Daði Freyr was in the city centre ahead of the Eurovision grand final on Saturday. As the frontman of 'Daði & Gagnamagnið', he was due to represent Iceland in the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest, being the bookies favourite to win that year with song Think About Things.
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The song and its brilliant music video went viral - but when the event was cancelled because of Covid-19, the group came back to represent Iceland in the 2021 competition. On the night of the final, the group were unable to perform song 10 Years live due to coronavirus, finishing in fourth place. But they will forever remain in the Eurovision hall of fame.
Yesterday, Daði played a one-off standalone show at Jimmy’s on Bold Street, performing iconic covers of Eurovision songs in the style of his beloved JúróDaði series on Youtube. And today, Liverpool ECHO reporter Christopher Megrath caught up with the Eurovision legend in Williamson Square at the Ice Land ice cream van.
Daði told the ECHO: "We rented a truck to give out ice-cream because I'm promoting a tour, because that's what you do when you're promoting a tour - I think. I'm here with my wife, she's giving out ice-cream and this is me, I'm standing HERE being here."
A huge queue could be seen in Williamson Square this afternoon, with many Eurovision fans waiting to get a photo with Dað and his fellow-band member and wife, Árný Fjóla Ásmundsdóttir.
When asked how does performing in the UK compare with his native Iceland, Daði said: "It's been a while since I played in Iceland. I've played like 20 times in the UK since I last played in Iceland and they're great."
This weekend, Daði will finally take to the Eurovision stage to perform in the grand final for the Liverpool songbook, alongside Liverpool's Sonia. He said for the 2023 competition, Eurovision didn't just reach out and ask him to be part of it - they said they "need" him to be part of it.
Daði said: "I think it's time for me to actually see the competition when it's actually happening. You can expect me singing a song from Liverpool and I don't know how much I can say."
Later this year, Daði Freyr will also release ‘I Made An Album.' The album comes two years after he won the world's hearts at Eurovision 2021.
For the first time in Eurovision history, viewers watching in eligible countries not participating in the 2023 competition will also be able to vote in both semi-finals and the Grand Final. The second semi-final takes place on tonight, May 11, at 8pm, with the grand final taking place on Saturday, May 13, on BBC One at 8pm.
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