Hera Björk opens up on 2024 Eurovision experience

Image: Alma Bengtsson / EBU

Ahead of her Australian tour in 2025, Hera Bjork shared difficulties behind the scenes at this year's Eurovision.

The artist represented Iceland with Scared of Heights after first competing at the 2010 Contest in Oslo.

Hera was also a backing vocalist for Iceland in 2008, 2009, 2015 and 2016.

In an interview with Aussievision, Hera said that although there were challenges, she found some positives from the 2024 experience.

"These were two very different contests and very different decades, but in similar countries," she said.

"I did have a fabulous time, I could understand the language and I love the food so that's that makes this always easier."

The controversy around Israel competing did have an impact though.

"But of course, the political landscape was a little bit haunting. But that being said, my team and I, we, in a way, connected on a deeper level," she said.

"It was actually a little bit back I would to old times when all the nations were in the same hotel and we all got to know each other.

"I got a little bit of that in 2008 and 2009 in Belgrade and Moscow, because nowadays the countries are spread in many hotels, but this time, there were a lot of us in the same hotel, so we were actually in our pyjamas at breakfast, you know cuddling, and so it was actually a really nice experience."

After finding the positives, Hera's outlook changed when we ask her about which Icelandic artist she'd like to see at the Contest.

"I wish this upon no one"

"If it's gonna be the same, like drama as last time no one, I wish this upon no one," she says

"It was a lot to take, but I am a mature experienced woman with a fantastic team, so I could do it. But for some young artists, I wish this upon no one."

She said everyone involved with Eurovision including fans had a responsibility.

"It depends on how the Eurovision nation, how we're going to treat each other online, and is it going to be respectful?" she said.

Image: EBU

"Are we going to keep Eurovision what it's supposed to be, like, this beacon of light and peace? Because that's what it should be, and that's what we are all trying to bring to the stage.

"If the artists bring what they are supposed to be doing. I wish whoever is going to represent us, the best."

Hera is touring Australia in January and February 2025.

Tour details

Hera will be performing across the country in January and February.

• Melbourne: 22 January - O'Brien IceHouse (plus four nights cabaret show - details TBC)

• Brisbane: 27 January - The Brightside

• Sydney: 30 January, 1 February - The Bridge Hotel

• Perth: 3 February - Connections

• Adelaide: 5 February - The Jade

Get all details on the tour website.

Read out interview with Hera about the tour in Australia

Watch our interview with Hera below