Alongside the household names of Blackpink, Dua Lipa and Katy Perry, Ubisoft’s gaming juggernaut, Just Dance 2022 will include another Eurovision act to its series. Later this year you’ll be able to groove along to Daði Freyr & Gagnamagnið’s 2020 entry ‘Think About Things’.
‘Think About Things’ in Just Dance 2022
Last month we saw Daði Freyr holding a virtual concert for Psychonauts 2, now he’s taking his love for gaming a few dance steps further. The funky rhythms of Daði Freyr & Gagnamagnið’s Eurovision 2020 entry will be making their way to the gaming world in Just Dance 2022. From the safety of your living room, although to the horror of your friends and family, you can recreate the hip-swaying choreography of ‘Think About Things’. Aiming for the highest score, as you imagine yourself on the Eurovision stage, whilst perfecting the air grabs and jazz hands.
To get us in the mood, Just Dance have released a sneak preview of what to expect from its inclusion this year. Some might say it’s too soon for thinking about Christmas, but clearly Daði Freyr & Gagnamagnið are the gifts that keep on giving! Since many will be playing the game at family Christmas parties, Daði Freyr is reimagined as a festive, dancing elf. With the colourful, vibrant scenery we have come to know from the Just Dance series.
Named after Lady Gaga’s debut single, ‘Just Dance’, the dance-rhythm game has been one of Ubisoft’s leading franchises. With annual releases since 2009 and featuring some of the biggest selling artists of past and present.
Eurovision and Just Dance
Of course, this means Daði Freyr & Gagnamagnið join an exclusive club of artists to feature their Eurovision choreography in the video game series. Only five Eurovision entries, including ‘Think About Things’ have appeared. Previous songs to make the crossover include: Lena’s 2010 winner ‘Satellite’ (Just Dance 3), Netta’s 2018 winner ‘Toy’ (Just Dance 2019), Little Big’s 2020 entry ‘Uno’ (Just Dance 2021) and ABBA’s 1974 winner ‘Waterloo’. The latter featured in the dedicated ABBA game, ABBA: You Can Dance, as well as Just Dance Now and the Just Dance Unlimited service.
The 2022 edition is scheduled for worldwide release on November 4, 2021. For Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Stadia.
Daði Freyr & Gagnamagnið in the Eurovision Song Contest
Back in 2017 Daði Freyr gave us a first look at the now famous green jumpers as he took part in the Icelandic national final x with ‘Is This Love?’. Unfortunately the public weren’t quite ready to feel that love, as he finished runner-up to eventual representative, Svala. Undeterred, he would return with his band Gagnamagnið to perform ‘Think About Things’. Sure enough, not just Iceland, but the world did think better this time. As the band stormed to victory and viral success.
Through the power of social media platforms, including Twitter and TikTok, the track particularly earned success in the UK and Ireland. Where it would chart top 40 in the former and top 3 in the latter. Indeed, it was the first Eurovision song to chart in the UK top 40 since ‘Heroes’ in 2015.
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic the EBU had to announce the cancellation of the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest. For what was looking likely to be Iceland’s maiden victory. However, spurred on by this early success, RÚV along with Daði Freyr and Gagnamagnið decided lightning could strike twice.
In late 2020 they formally announced their return for the 2021 contest, once again taking place in Rotterdam. Sadly, a week before the Grand Final, Jóhann from Gagnamagnið tested positive for COVID-19. So rehearsal footage was used in place of a live performance. Despite this, they qualified from semi-final two in 2nd and ultimately placed 4th in the Grand Final with 378 points.
Are you thinking about Just Dance 2022? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts. As well as YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to the 2022 national final season.