Ahead of his participation in Söngvakeppnin 2025, Shiloh speaks with Bjarni Arason. After a 33-year absence, he returns to Söngvakeppnin with the song “Aðeins lengur”.
For any of our readers who may not know you, tell us about yourself! What has your music career been like so far?
My name is Bjarni Arason and I am a singer and a trumpet player. I have my own radio show at Retro 89.5 FM here in Iceland. I was born in Reykjavik, Iceland on July 13th in 1971. I am happily married, a proud father of 3 amazing girls and we have one grandson.
My introduction to music started in music school at the age of 9 years old when I played the trumpet. When I was 15 years old, I won a singing competition at RUV national TV station here in Iceland. That was the big break for me as a singer and I have been singing, performing and recording ever since. During this time I made several solo records.
You have previously competed in Söngvakeppnin, but that was many years ago. What made you decide to come back this year?
That is correct, the last time last I was in the competition was 33 years ago with the song “Karen”. The song was composed by Jóhann Helgason and lyrics by Björn Björnsson (the same writers team that made the song “Aðeins lengur”). But my very first time in the competition was back in 1988 when I sang the song “Aftur og aftur” composed by Jakob Frímann Magnússon.
There is a little story behind why I am in the competition now with “Aðeins lengur”. I think it was in 2013 when I called Jóhann Helgason and told him that I had this idea of sending a song into the Icelandic “Söngvakeppnin” and I wanted him to compose a song and having Björn Björnsson to write the lyrics, because we did alright in 1992 with “Karen” ending in 2nd place.
Jóhann was not thrilled with this idea of mine, and I told him that I would of course respect that if he did not want to go forward with it. But the next morning Jóhann called me and to my great surprise where he told me that he had written a song for me.
So, Jóhann went to sleep the night before where he dreamt the song. I could not believe it, I said “really” …? And Jóhann said yes, he had dreamt it and when he woke up, he had the melody in his head. Being such a great composer, he then took his guitar and put some chords to it. Jóhann and me made a few demos of the song and then we sent it into the competition with no results that year.
So, the song was put back in the drawer and stayed there until September 2024. Then Jóhann called me and asked me if I was ok with the idea of letting the song compete again. I told him that I felt it was good idea. So here we are and there no turning back, we are back in business, and both feel very humbled and honoured being here again.
How was your experience in Söngvakeppnin before different from your experience now? How have you seen the Icelandic music industry change?
Today it is a much bigger production. Back in 1992 when I sang “Karen” there were 3-4 cameras in the studio, but today probably 15-16 cameras plus a much bigger studio and much larger audience. It is a much bigger thing than before.
What is the meaning behind your song “Aðeins lengur”?
The song is about two lovers saying goodbye for the final time. And he is asking her to stay a little bit longer, searching for the love that they once had. He wants to reignite the spark, asking her to stay a bit longer (Aðeins lengur), make love once more and find the feeling that no words can express. He wants to touch her hair and look into her eyes and see her smile again. It’s a song about love about a man living in the hope that he will get her back again into his life. It’s a song about feelings and wishing one could turn back the clock. It is a romantic song about the beauty of love and strong emotions. A man asking for a second chance.
Can you tell us anything about the stage performance for your song?
Thomas and Selma choreographed the performance. The idea is to keep it simple and to have full focus on the singer and the performance of the song. I will be on stage with a piano and a piano player. We all feel that the song deserves to be heard without major distractions. The melody, the strings, the whole song deserves to be heard in all its beauty.
Have you listened to the other competing songs? Do you have a favourite, or someone you’re excited to share the stage with?
I must admit that I live a very busy life, and I have not heard all the songs. I would feel honoured to share the stage with other singers and band members if I get the chance. I love music and love to perform.
Do you have a favourite Eurovision song?
My favourite Eurovision song is “Hold Me Now” by Johnny Logan. I hold it dear to my heart, I felt it is a great song.
And finally, what would you like to say to anyone discovering your music for the first time through Söngvakeppnin 2025?
I would like to point out that I have a extensive catalogue of music on Spotify. There I have my own songs and albums, with everything from Elvis gospel music to swing music. I am blessed with my voice and I hope that people will enjoy listening.
About Bjarni Arason
Arason’s music career started at the age of fifteen, when he won a televised singing competition. Since this big break, he’s recorded six albums, and has appeared twice before at Söngvakeppnin: in 1988 with “Aftur og aftur” and in 1992 with “Karen”. In 1992, he placed second in the competition, and returns to Söngvakeppnin this year 33 years later. Outside of his singing career, he is a proud father and grandfather. He also plays the trumpet and has a radio show in Iceland.
Iceland’s Eurovision journey
Iceland made its debut on the Eurovision stage in 1986, finishing 16th with the song “Gleðibankinn” (Bank of Fun) by ICY. In their 35 appearances, Iceland has finished in top 10 an impressive 7 times. Their best result to date is second place, which they have achieved twice. The first time was in 1999, where Selma Björnsdóttir received 146 points for her performance of “All Out of Luck”. The second time was in 2009, with Yohanna singing “Is It True” and receiving 218 points.
2010 returnee Hera Björk represented Iceland with “Scared of Heights” at the 2024 contest. She placed last in the first semi-final, scoring only three points.
Usually one of the later national finals in the calendar, Iceland’s selection Söngvakeppnin has taken place since 1981, and since 2006 has been in a format of semifinals leading towards a final. Under current competition rules, all semi-final songs must be in Icelandic, with the option there to translate the song to English should they reach the final. Since the current rules were adopted in 2015, all but two winners of the selection have chosen to do this.
What do you think of Bjarni Arason? Do you think we’ll hear “Aðeins lengur” in the Söngvakeppnin final? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2025!
News source: That Eurovision Site
Photo credit: Ragnar Visage
Giwrgos Oiko 
Samantha