RÚV – the national broadcaster for Iceland – has announced whether the country will take part in Eurovision 2025 tomorrow (September 5th).
Split across Iceland on Eurovision
According to information retrieved by Icelandic newspaper Vísir, RÚV is set to announce their decision on Thursday. Icelandic Head of Delegation Rúnar Freyr Gíslasson explained that while he expects Iceland to compete once again, “nothing is set in stone”.
Ahead of the Contest this year, Iceland was one of the most vocal nations to show displeasure at the EBU for Israel’s inclusion. Local associations representing the Icelandic music scene called on RÚV to boycott the show. The alleged interference with the results of their national final, Söngvakeppnin, also triggered a wave of discourse in the nation. Things got so bad that Ásdis María, one of Hera Björk’s songwriters refused to travel to Malmö for the competition.
Following the show, Gíslasson admitted in an interview that Israel’s participation had a negative effect on the Contest. He added that while he believed that Iceland would be participating in Switzerland, nothing had been given the final say.
Regardless of the decision of participation, it has been confirmed that Söngvakeppnin will return next year. However, the show is now separated from ties to Eurovision. This now means that the winner of the show may not decide to go to Eurovision.
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.
What do you think of Iceland’s potential withdrawal? Is this something that we might see other countries do this year? Would you like to see RÚV stay in the Contest? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky as we gear up for Eurovision 2025!
News Source: Vísir.is
Photo Credit: Alma Bengtsson / EBU
Giwrgos Oiko