Recently appointed Icelandic Head of Delegation Rúnar Freyr has said the format of the nation’s national selection, including the superfinal, is always under review.
Superfinal amongst potential changes
Speaking to RÚV after returning from Eurovision 2024, where Hera Björk failed to reach the final in Malmö, Freyr said: “We are always looking at how we can do better and we are definitely doing it this year, for example, let’s look at how we choose the song, How we select artists, this is always under consideration.”
The superfinal format specifically, which this year saw Hera Björk win over Bashar Murad in controversial fashion, was singled out as a possible change to the contest.
What is Söngvakeppnin?
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 semi finals 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 chose to do this.
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 semifinal, scoring only three points.
What do you think of Söngvakeppnin? Do you think the Superfinal should go? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky as we start the long journey towards Eurovision 2025
News Source: RÚV
Photo Credit: Corinne Cumming / EBU
Giwrgos Oiko