Welcome to Reykjavik
"Small city with a big Soul"
Welcome to Reykjavik, the northern jewel of Iceland that beckons with a symphony of natural wonders and vibrant culture. This is where the land of fire and ice meets modern sophistication, offering you an unparalleled adventure. Discover the magic of Reykjavik's geothermal wonders as you soak in the rejuvenating waters of the Blue Lagoon, where the azure pools are a testament to the earth's raw power. Or chase the Northern Lights, a celestial ballet that paints the night sky in hues of emerald and violet, leaving you in awe. Venture into the heart of the city, where colorful houses and lively street art infuse the streets with character and charm. Explore the iconic Hallgrímskirkja, a towering marvel that offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings, or take a leisurely stroll around Tjörnin, the picturesque city pond. For the adventurous soul, Reykjavik is the gateway to Iceland's untamed wilderness. Embark on glacier hikes that lead you to ice caves and frozen waterfalls, or feel the rush of adrenaline as you drive across the otherworldly landscapes of the Golden Circle. Savor the flavors of Icelandic cuisine, where fresh seafood and succulent lamb take center stage. Try hákarl, the infamous fermented shark, or feast on traditional Icelandic Skyr, a creamy delight that will tantalize your taste buds. Reykjavik's nightlife is legendary, with an array of bars, clubs, and live music venues that cater to every taste. Experience the midnight sun during summer months, where the city stays alive with endless possibilities until the wee hours of the morning. In Reykjavik, nature and culture merge seamlessly, offering you a glimpse into a world unlike any other. So, pack your bags and let Reykjavik be your gateway to a land of enchantment. Welcome to a city where the extraordinary is ordinary, and where every day brings a new adventure waiting to be explored.
Host City / Reykjavik, Iceland
Venue / Reykjavik City Theatre
Hosts / Ragnhildur Steinunn and Unnur Birna
Participating countries / 31
Debuting countries / Brazil and Puerto Rico
Returning countries / Lebanon, Luxembourg and Norway
Withdrawing countries / Argentina, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Colombia, Slovakia, Spain and Turkmenistan
Debuting players / Fredric for Luxembourg, Guy for Norway, Khwaja for Lebanon, Shebo for Puerto Rico and Sónia for Brazil
Venue / Reykjavik City Theatre
Hosts / Ragnhildur Steinunn and Unnur Birna
Participating countries / 31
Debuting countries / Brazil and Puerto Rico
Returning countries / Lebanon, Luxembourg and Norway
Withdrawing countries / Argentina, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Colombia, Slovakia, Spain and Turkmenistan
Debuting players / Fredric for Luxembourg, Guy for Norway, Khwaja for Lebanon, Shebo for Puerto Rico and Sónia for Brazil
Returning Artists
Antti Tuisku / for Finland / placing 9th
Celine Dion / for Canada / Silver Medallist Cheb Mami / for Morocco / placing 10th Elissa / for Lebanon / placing 11th Josh & Jutta / for Hungary / placing 9th Kate Ryan / for Belgium / placing 16th Marilou / for Canada / Silver Medallist Shiri Maymon / for Israel / placing 7th |
The Result
Countries receiving most 12 points / Japan and United Kingdom, 3
Countries giving 12 points to the winner / Russia, Netherlands and Hungary
Countries receiving points from most juries / Japan, 16
Highest placing country not scoring a top mark / Finland in 13th place with 10 points from Andorra, Denmark and Sweden as highest marks
Lowest placing country scoring a top mark / Poland in 22nd place getting 12 points from United Kingdom
For the most of the voting United Kingdom and Sweden were fighting for first place, but in the last third the United Kingdom almost collapsed and Japan pulled ahead, becoming the first Asian country to win the contest. Sweden finished as runner-up, and the bronze went to host country Iceland. Lebanon and Luxembourg rounded out the top 5.
Japan debuted in GM16 and though they have been to every final since, they have never reached higher than 13th place. Up until now. In their 7th attempt, Japan collects the most points and take the trophy to Asia for the first time. Well done Japan, Hitomi Shimatani and HoD Robert!
Countries giving 12 points to the winner / Russia, Netherlands and Hungary
Countries receiving points from most juries / Japan, 16
Highest placing country not scoring a top mark / Finland in 13th place with 10 points from Andorra, Denmark and Sweden as highest marks
Lowest placing country scoring a top mark / Poland in 22nd place getting 12 points from United Kingdom
For the most of the voting United Kingdom and Sweden were fighting for first place, but in the last third the United Kingdom almost collapsed and Japan pulled ahead, becoming the first Asian country to win the contest. Sweden finished as runner-up, and the bronze went to host country Iceland. Lebanon and Luxembourg rounded out the top 5.
Japan debuted in GM16 and though they have been to every final since, they have never reached higher than 13th place. Up until now. In their 7th attempt, Japan collects the most points and take the trophy to Asia for the first time. Well done Japan, Hitomi Shimatani and HoD Robert!
The Winner
Scoreboards and Live Voting
Voting
12, 10, 8...1 point for your top 10
In the final you also have to choose 3 substitutes
The voting forms are here / Semi final and Final
In the final you also have to choose 3 substitutes
The voting forms are here / Semi final and Final
Watching the Videos
All the videos are in the YouTube playlist at TVGlobalMusic