Hello ESCHeartbeats readers! The 2025 Eurovision season may have come to an end, but here at ESCHeartbeats, the party never stops! And today, we’ve got the perfect excuse to dive back into Eurovision magic—because it’s Iceland’s National Day!
So grab your skyr, put on your puffin slippers, and let’s take a glittery trip through Iceland’s fabulous Eurovision history!
Iceland in Eurovision: Small Country, Big Energy!
If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that Iceland LOVES Eurovision. And Eurovision loves them right back! Don’t believe us? Just look at the fact that Iceland got its very own Eurovision-themed movie: Netflix’s “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.”
This hilarious and heartwarming film featured the fictional duo Fire Saga from the small town of Húsavík, which now hosts a real-life Eurovision Museum where you can see costumes, memorabilia, and even the Oscar-nominated anthem “Húsavík (My Hometown).”
Iceland’s Journey to Eurovision
Iceland made its debut in 1986 with the cheerful pop trio ICY and the catchy tune “Gleðibankinn“ (meaning “Bank of Fun”). While it wasn’t a top finisher, it marked the beginning of a passionate and colorful Eurovision adventure!
Since then, Iceland has earned seven Top 10 finishes, including:
🥈 1999 – Selma with “All Out of Luck” came heartbreakingly close to victory.
🥈 2009 – Yohanna melted hearts across Europe with her stunning ballad “Is It True?”
🏅 2021 – Fan favorites Daði og Gagnamagnið placed 4th with “10 Years” – despite never performing live on stage due to COVID isolation. (True legends!)
*Fun fact: Iceland remains the only Nordic country that hasn’t won Eurovision… yet. But if passion counted for points, they’d be champions every year!
Iceland at Eurovision 2025: A Quick Recap
This year, Iceland channelled their love for electro‑folk into “RÓA” by VÆB, taking listeners on a poetic rowing journey through Nordic soundscapes. The energetic brothers won Söngvakeppnin convincingly—but while their performance secured a spot in the Grand Final, televoters responded more than the juries, resulting in a 25th-place finish with 33 points.
Why We Love Iceland in Eurovision
From quirky entries to emotional ballads, from glittery costumes to meaningful lyrics, Iceland brings heart, soul, and a little bit of volcano-fueled magic to every show. Whether it’s the touching vulnerability of Yohanna, the joyful nerd-pop of Daði, or the wild ride of Hatari—there’s never a dull moment.
So, on this Icelandic National Day, we raise a toast (or a Brennivín!) to a country that keeps Eurovision fresh, weird, and wonderful. Takk, Ísland!
