RÚV – the national broadcaster for Iceland – has announced that the decision on whether the country will take part in Eurovision 2025 has been delayed.
Still reviewing participation
We recently reported that the decision on whether Iceland will participate or not in Basel was set to be announced on September 5. However, it has now been revealed that it is yet to be decided, and that the decision is set to be announced before Sunday, September 15th, with the Icelandic Head of Delegation Rúnar Freyr Gíslasson commenting:
We are still reviewing the issues, including at a meeting attended by our representatives and those of the other nations with Eurovision representatives after the weekend. The deadline to confirm participation in Eurovision expires on September 15. We will announce our decision before that time.
For participation in Eurovision, broadcasters would have two deadlines. As detailed above, the first deadling to apply for participation on the 15th of September, with broadcasters having the option to withdraw without financial penalty in October.
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