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After a bout of “will they, won’t they,” RÚV has officially confirmed Iceland’s participation in Eurovision 2026. Song submissions for Söngvakeppnin 2026 opened on August 30, accompanied by a cheery banner on their Eurovision site: “We are accepting entries for Söngvakeppnin 2026. Are you excited about Iceland’s entry for Eurovision?” Subtext: yes, we’re in, please stop asking.
The confirmation follows weeks of hand-wringing after Iceland’s 25th place finish in Basel and vague mutterings about withdrawal over Israel’s continued involvement. But with the portal now open, it seems Reykjavik has decided to keep flying the Eurovision flag – if not necessarily near the top of the scoreboard.
The Electoral Headache
Here’s the curveball: Eurovision’s Grand Final on May 16 happens to fall on Iceland’s national election day. That’s right – voters will be choosing their next government while RÚV attempts to convince the public that this year’s Söngvakeppnin winner might sneak Iceland back into the left-hand side of the scoreboard.
RÚV has promised to broadcast both events. Quite how that plays out in practice is unclear. Will the nation tune in to ballot counts or bangers? Ballot boxes or box-steps? Either way, Eurovision coverage remains a priority – suggesting that, in Iceland at least, Eurovision still counts as a civic duty.
Looking Forward
So, despite a Basel battering and the political awkwardness, Iceland is in. Submissions are open, Söngvakeppnin will deliver its annual blend of earnest ballads and quirky indie pop, and RÚV will juggle the small matter of democracy alongside it. Eurovision remains safe in Iceland – elections permitting.
