🇮🇸 Hera Björk on Eurovision 2024 controversy, last place and how the song contest can move forward

Following this year's Eurovision Cruise, Hera Björk, Iceland's Eurovision 2024 singer, discusses the difficulties of competing at the song contest in Malmö - from the EBU's poor communication to tensions over Israel's participation. She offers her suggestions to improve Eurovision in the future and discusses how "last place is just another place." She spoke with Simon just after the Eurovision cruise in Helsinki.
Timestamps
00:30 Hera Björk discusses the Eurovision Cruise
01:30 What was it like singing "Scared of Heights" in high heels on a boat?
03:42 How does it feel to be involved with the Eurovision family again?
04:36 What is it like to see the ongoing love for your Eurovision 2010 song "Je ne sais quoi"?
06:11 What was it like to sing at Eurovision 2024 in Malmö, given all the controversy and tension surrounding it?
08:12 Hera on placing last and the drama in Iceland
10:07 Hera discusses the impact of the Euro-drama on younger artists
13:00 Hera on the political situation regarding Israel's participation
14:20 How can the EBU help Eurovision get back on track after the 2024 crisis?
17:10 Hera discusses how world events impacted Eurovision fans and healing
Featuring:
Simon: / simonfalkdk

[@ESCOscar]

She’s literally so sweet she deserves the world 😭

[@Allthingsadam_ie]

Hera Bjork’s answer on fixing the contest next year was so wise

[@Labbish1]

I was at Eurovision Cruise last weekend. I think it was my tenth time. It's always so much fun. I even met Hera and took picture. 🇫🇮❤️🇮🇸🇩🇰

[@carlojacomet6589]

What a wonderful and warm human being Hera is. Love her ❤

[@throughthewindowpane]

She is such a wonderful woman!
I was at the Eurovision cruise last year and it was great! Two nights with three former ESC-artists a night, Eurovision karaoke, Eurovision disco, dance performances and the hilarious drag queen Jukka K. The atmosphere was fantastic.

[@CookieFonster]

aww, hera seems like such a sweet and positive person. she really understands the spirit of eurovision so well. and i love that as a returning contestant, she encouraged all the newcomers and helped them through the storm.

[@Mtanic]

I loved her since 2010, now I love her even more. The way she maturely comments on coming last, just wow. Such a heart.

[@ulricajonsson3277]

Thanks for an honest and lovely interview. I've been a Eurovision fan since I was a young teenager. This year it was the first time I was disappointed and not sure to watch it at all.... Way to much politics and drama. And that makes me kinda sad 😔
I really hope that EBU will do a huge change for next year *fingers crossed*

[@robspereall8203]

Hera's response as to how we move forward from the controversies this year is exactly the right way to go about fixing the contest.
It's wonderful to see such a delightful human being be successful in her career.

[@jodygrottino8257]

Screw that Martin Österdahl, let HER be the ESC supervisor!!! 😂😂😂

[@elaychscrazyworld4173]

Given that it was said right after ESC 2024 week that Songvakeppnin would continue but with reformatting, can she present it? (this is independent of whatever degree it ties in with ESC and with how Iceland handles febrile issues not really within their control). She had presented the promo gigs in the past, which is why it would be a legitimate question to ask. Also, jokes about Iceland the supermarket and the slogan formerly being “that’s why mums go to Iceland!” or her having the levels of calmness of Cole Palmer (who is very composed, just like she is - she handled all this like a pro!) are perfect ones to make for this.

[@davidfrance3243]

Thanks for the great, honest interview. We do indeed love Hera, and JNSQ is surely always a “winner”! But couldn’t Iceland create a truly winning entry and have Hera at the top where she belongs?! I hope so!

[@gozdeucurum8473]

See you in Sydney in our summer 😊❤

[@richardseaman4947]

She is, quite simply, a goddess

[@lenya889]

she's THE Queen🤍

[@fyr_og_flamme_vasil]

queen 👑

[@markbougourd7379]

I loved the Song very much❤and was very disappointed for Hera and 🇮🇸 Iceland.
The Eurovision has changed so much now too many cheesy songs🧀 🎵 .
You did Hera a great 👍 performance in Malmo at Eurovision 2024.
Release now a great Album.❤

[@johnoflaherty9105]

So Scared of Heights is not "cheesy"? 😮

[@markbougourd7379]

@johnoflaherty9105 Read 📚 I did not say Hera Song was Cheesy.
I am 💯 for Hera Song 🎵 the others were not as good as Hera Bjork.

[@escmadeira]

Je ne sais quoi

[@beller8501]

❤

[@elliotarundella7581]

OMG coming to australia????