RÚV the Icelandic national broadcaster has confirmed their participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 to be held in the United Kingdom next May. As well as this the broadcaster has announced the return of national selection, Söngvakeppnin 2023 with the final to take place March 4.
Iceland to use Söngvakeppnin for Eurovision 2023
This week, the Icelandic broadcaster RÚV confirmed their participation in next year’s contest in the United Kingdom. Once more the small nation with big ambitions will use the Söngvakeppnin national final. Already potential candidates can submit their songs to the online submission website. The submission window closes on October 4. Experienced songwriters will also be approached to compose entries. All styles of music are welcome.
The acts competing in the selection will be revealed in January, with the live selection starting in February. Overall ten entries will participate, the format is set to follow the previous editions, with two Semi-Finals and a Final, (as well as a Superfinal stage). In the Semi-Finals, two songs will be selected via the public vote, with a fifth finalist being determined by a jury save. However, in the Final, the Superfinalists will be determined by a 50/50 public and jury vote. The winner ultimately being determined by a final televote.
Söngvakeppnin 2023 live show dates:
- Semi-Final 1 – February 18
- Semi-Final 2 – February 25
- Final – March 4
Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest
Back in 1986 Iceland made their Eurovision debut in Bergen with vocal trio ICY and their entry, ‘Gleðibankinn‘. During the contest they placed 16th with 19 points. Despite their underdog stature, Iceland have achieved seven top 10 results. Meanwhile they have only failed to qualify for the Grand Final on seven occasions. Their best results came in 1999 and 2009, finishing runner-up both times. Firstly with Selma and ‘All Out Of Luck‘ and secondly with Yohanna and ‘Is It True?‘.
Last year the Icelandic public chose Systur and ‘Með hækkandi sól’ through Söngvakeppnin 2022. During the Turin contest the trio qualified for the Grand Final and placed 23rd with 20 points.
Who should represent Iceland in Eurovision 2023? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram, @escxtra on TikTok and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts. As well as YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to the new Eurovision season.
