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The Icelandic population has long shown an unwavering passion for the Eurovision Song Contest, with the event being aired in the country for quite some time. However, it wasn’t until 1986 that live broadcasting became feasible, coinciding with Iceland’s inaugural participation in the competition featuring the song „Gleðibankinn“ performed by the group Icy. This debut entry has attained cult status, frequently belted out at Eurovision gatherings, especially within Iceland. It’s inspiring to witness Iceland’s ascent as a strong competitor in the contest, demonstrating remarkable energy and delivering top-notch songs.

Iceland has successfully advanced to the final of the Eurovision Song Contest on 27 occasions, clinching a spot in the prestigious Top 10 seven times. The likelihood of Iceland securing one of these coveted Top 10 positions stands at 26%. Impressively, the country has secured a remarkable second place twice before, in both 1999 and 2009.

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In recent years, Iceland has seen some success in the Eurovision Song Contest, making it to the Grand Finals. However, this accomplishment hasn’t been without its challenges. In the most recent contest, several members of the band Daði og Gagnamagnið tested positive for COVID-19 and had to isolate in their hotel. Despite this setback, the group impressively clinched 4th place in the competition, partly thanks to the backup video that was showcased instead of a live performance.

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Iceland’s involvement in the Eurovision Song Contest is intriguing due to the extraordinary creativity and musical prowess emanating from such a small nation with a population of approximately 330,000. It’s remarkable to note that Icelandic music, in general, has gained widespread popularity worldwide. Renowned Icelandic artists and bands such as Björk, Sigur Rós, Mezzoforte, and GusGus have contributed to this global recognition. Interestingly, GusGus, also known as Daníel Augúst Haraldsson, represented Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1989 with the song „Það Sem Enginn Sér“ but finished in last place.

Last year, the popular Hera Björk faced disappointment as she failed to make it to the Grand Final with her song „Scared of Heights“ coming on last place in Malmö.

Biggest successes

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2nd place, Selma Björnsdóttir with “All Out Of Luck” (Jerusalem 1999)

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2nd place, Yohanna with “Is It True?” (Moscow 2009)

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4th place, Stjórnin with “Eit Lag Enn” (Zagreb 1990)

History

  • Debut: 1986
  • Participations: 36
  • Victories: 0
  • Finals: 27 (11 since 2004)
  • Chances to reach the final: 75% (55% since 2004)
  • Top 10: 7 (3 since 2004)
  • Chances to reach the Top 10: 26% (15% since 2004)
  • Best place: 2 (2x)
  • Last places: 2x in final, (2x in semi-final)
# location year performer song points rank show
1 Bergen 1986 Icy Gleðibankinn 19 16 final
2 Brussels 1987 Halla Margarét Hægt Og Hljótt 28 16 final
3 Dublin 1988 Beathoven Sókrates 20 16 final
4 Lausanne 1989 Daníel Augúst Haraldsson Það Sem Enginn Sér 0 22 final
5 Zagreb 1990 Stjórnin Eitt Lag Enn 124 4 final
6 Rome 1991 Stefán and Eyfi Nina 26 15 final
7 Malmö 1992 Heart 2 Heart Nei Eða Já 80 7 final
8 Millstreet 1993 Inga þá Veistu Svarið 42 13 final
9 Dublin 1994 Sigga Nætur 49 12 final
10 Dublin 1995 Bó Halldórsson Núna 31 15 final
11 Oslo 1996 Anna Mjöll Sjúbídú 51 13 final
12 Dublin 1997 Paul Oscar Minn Hinsti Dans 18 20 final
13 Jerusalem 1999 Selma Björnsdóttir All Out Of Luck 146 2 final
14 Stockholm 2000 Einer Augúst Víðisson en Telma Augústdóttir Tell Me! 45 12 final
15 Copenhagen 2001 TwoTricky Angel 3 22 final
16 Riga 2003 Birgitta Open Your Heart 81 8 final
17 Istanbul 2004 Jónsi Heaven 16 19 final
18 Kyiv 2005 Selma If I Had Your Love 52 16 semi-ifnal
19 Athens 2006 Silvia Night Congratulations 62 13 semi-final
20 Helsinki 2007 Eiríkur Hauksson Valentine Lost 77 13 semi-final
21 Belgrade 2008 Euroband This Is My Life 64 14 final
22 Moscow 2009 Yohanna Is It True? 218 2 final
23 Oslo 2010 Hera Björk Je Ne Sais Quoi 41 19 final
24 Düsseldorf 2011 Sjonni’s Friends Coming Home 61 20 final
25 Baku 2012 Greta Salóme & Jónsi Never Forget 46 20 final
26 Malmö 2013 Eythor Ingi Ég Á Líf 47 17 final
27 Copenhagen 2014 Pollapönk No Prejudice 58 15 final
28 Vienna 2015 Maria Olafs Unbroken 14 15 semi-final
29 Stockholm 2016 Greta Salóme Hear Them Calling 51 14 semi-final
30 Kyiv 2017 Svala Paper 60 15 semi-final
31 Lisbon 2018 Ari Ólafsson Our Choice 15 19 semi-final
32 Tel Aviv 2019 Hatari Hatrið mun sigra 232 10 final
33 Rotterdam 2021 Daði og Gagnamagnið 10 Years 378 4 final
34 Turin 2022 Systur (Sigga, Beta and Elín) Með Hækkandi Sól 20 23 final
35 Liverpool 2023 Diljá Power 44 11 semi-final
36 Malmö 2024 Hera Björk Scared of Heights 3 15 semi-final
37 Basel 2025 VÆB RÓA semi-final

Video Nostalgia

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Beathoven with “Sókrates”, Rank 16 (Dublin 1988)

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Sigga with “Nætur”, Rank 12 (Millstreet 1994)

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Jónsi with “Heaven”, Rank 19 (Istanbul 2004)