Disclaimer: The video and written reaction below features the opinions and views of the reviewers and does not necessarily represent the views of That Eurovision Site as a whole!
As the songs competing for this year’s competition in Basel continue to be selected, the team at That Eurovision Site will react to the entries that will be participating at Eurovision 2025. The next entry we will react to is Iceland, which will be competing in this year’s competition with “RÓA” by VÆB.
Our thoughts on “RÓA”
In this series, we will provide our opinions via two methods. One of our team members will be reacting on video, which you can see below, whilst up to three members will give their written opinion on the entry. Kittens will be on the main seat and will be showing her reaction to “RÓA”
What did the other team members think of “RÓA”?
Daniel: This is just pure fun and the VÆB boys are an absolute delight. Everything about this reminds me of two of my favourite Norwegians, Han Helge & Han Håkon and the type of party music they make, I can see this being particularly popular with the Nordic nations, two of which are in Iceland’s semi final. Whilst I do think it will still be a borderline qualifier at best, I still think it’s a really solid entry, and think Norway in particular should look over their shoulders and take notes from Iceland.
Tim: I love seeing Iceland sending something in Icelandic once again, whenever they do it the song just slaps a bit better, and this is no different for RÓA, you do not need to understand the language, you just need to vibe along and have fun. I think for the past few years the audience have shifted and have come to embrace non-English songs a bit more, and I would love to see Iceland back to the final.
Molly: I think this entry is a lot of fun and the performance itself adds to this with VÆB on there looking like they are having a lot of fun on stage which is an infectious energy that could engage the audience well in Eurovision. The song itself connects all its elements very well making it not feel disjointed and has many different elements that make this song unique within its competition.
Listen to “RÓA” on streaming platforms
You are able to listen to Iceland’s Eurovision 2025 entry on the following streaming platforms:
Spotify
Apple Music
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 “RÓA”? Are you excited to see what VÆB will do in Basel? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Tumblr, Threads and Bluesky as we gear up for Eurovision 2025!
News Source: That Eurovision Site
Photo Credit: Ragnar Visage