When you think of Iceland, you might picture breathtaking landscapes, volcanic eruptions, and maybe a few elves hiding in the hills. But what about Iceland in Eurovision: pop music, glitter, and epic stage performances? That’s right—I’m talking about Iceland’s unforgettable relationship with the Eurovision Song Contest. This small country, with a population of just over 370,000, is a heavyweight in this yearly musical spectacular event. So, let us dive into Iceland’s highs, lows, and memorable moments on Eurovision!
Iceland in Eurovision: Humble Beginnings to Fan Favourites
Iceland’s journey in Eurovision began in 1986 when the country entered the contest for the first time with “Gleðibankinn,” performed by the band ICY. The excitement in Iceland was palpable, with many believing that their debut entry had a real shot at winning. The country was confident, convinced they were about to take the Eurovision stage by storm. However, the final results surprised many, as Iceland ended up in 16th place. This placement would become an inside joke among Icelanders, as the nation finished in 16th place three years in a row.
However, Iceland did not let the poor start dampen its spirit. Fast-forward to 1999, and Selma’s “All Out of Luck” almost took the top position, finishing a heartbreaking second place. This was almost a win for Iceland and indicated the country’s musical talent that lay underneath its frosty surface.
Páll Óskar: The Man Who Saved Eurovision?
In 1997, though, Iceland made history in the Eurovision Song Contest. Páll Óskar (or Paul Oscar as he is sometimes referred to abroad) staged “Minn hinsti dans” (“My Final Dance”) during the Eurovision event. His racy and suggestive performance had him stretched out on a white leather couch with dancers clad in skintight latex suits surrounding him. It was for many people when Eurovision became modern again.
“Minn hinsti dans” finished in 20th place, but this performance became legendary. His daring and unapologetically bold performance was far from the conservative Eurovision offered for years. This showed that not only were there safe pop songs on parade at Eurovision, but it was also possible to use the contest as a platform for boundary-breaking and embracing diversity.
The Highlights: Drama, Divas, and a Dash of Controversy
Iceland has maintained a reputation for injecting drama, divas, and controversy into the European song contest following Páll Óskar’s footsteps. Over the years, Iceland has dispatched various acts to the event, all leaving their own mark on its history. In almost winning it with “All Out of Luck”, Selma made Iceland feel like they could conquer all of Europe in 1999. Then, in 2010, Hera Björk brought down the house with her disco-infused anthem, “Je ne sais quoi”, which, despite finishing in 19th place, became another favourite song cherished by many fans up-to-date as she is now considered one of Eurovision go-to classics.
Iceland’s entries have often been catchy tunes or powerful performances, or sometimes both. Every year, something new is revealed, keeping fans guessing about what will be next from this land of fire and ice. While these acts have had their share of Eurovision drama, few could prepare the audience for what came next.
Silvia Night: Iceland’s Most Controversial Eurovision Entry
At the 2006 contest, Iceland sent its most controversial entrant ever to the Eurovision, Silvia Night. Actress Ágústa Eva Erlendsdóttir created this fictional character. In Iceland, Silvia Night is known as a mock diva who exaggerates everything. She is a caricature of a self-obsessed celebrity, but that concept did not travel well, and so it generated serious backlash from other countries.
Silvia’s “Congratulations” entry was an ironic tribute to her inevitable win. She maintained this approach throughout by making audacious remarks about her co-competitors that were taken seriously by many viewers. This behavior, together with her on-stage arrogance, created confusion and anger among the people in attendance and fellow participants alike.
When Silvia Night appeared on stage during the second semi-final, she received loud boos – an uncommon and uncomfortable reaction at a Eurovision song contest venue. The crowd’s response resulted from her perceived hubris and the controversy she had aroused just before taking the stage.
And so, despite confidently delivering her performance, Silvia Night did not make it to the finals. Her Eurovision journey is remembered as one of the most divisive in the contest’s history, highlighting the risks of satire and how cultural humor can sometimes be lost in translation on the international stage.
Hatari: The Performance That Shocked Eurovision
Iceland started to earn a reputation for daring performances, and in 2019, the country went off the charts with Hatari. The techno-punk band had a controversial approach with an anti-capitalist message, and as such, they were Iceland’s choice for Eurovision that year. Their song, “Hatrið mun sigra” (“Hate Will Prevail”), was a dark, industrial anthem which stood out starkly from the typical Eurovision fare. For their performance, the band wore BDSM-inspired outfits and dystopian visuals alongside rebellious energy to excite the crowd.
There were many controversies surrounding Hatari’s participation in Tel Aviv, including unfolding Palestinian flags on live television during the final, which led to the Icelandic broadcaster being fined.
Hatari’s tenth-place finish affected Eurovision despite—or maybe because of—the controversy this attracted. This performance challenged everything normally associated with Eurovision, thus stirring up debates on politics within Eurovision, which makes Hatari one of the most audacious and divisive performers ever to grace its stage.
Politics and Eurovision: An Icelandic Perspective
It is nothing new that politics and Eurovision intersect; by 2024, it had become obvious that Eurovision was much more than just a music competition platform. Once again, Iceland was in critical discussions about what values should be projected at Eurovision.
Again, in 2024, there were demands for boycotts against Israel due to its controversial policies towards Palestinians. However, Icelanders, who are known worldwide for their strong stance on human rights, were divided over this matter. Söngvakeppni Sjónvarpsins became an arena for these disagreements before deciding on two finalists, among whom we find Bashar Murad – a Palestinian man who caused huge interest among people before he even stepped onto the stage of this national selection event. Although Iceland ultimately sent Hera Björk (again), having a Palestinian artist come so close to representing Iceland showcased the country’s solidarity.
Simultaneously, Russia remained banned from participating in Eurovision due to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Eurovision: A National Pastime
While political tensions unfolded on the Eurovision stage, back home in Iceland, Eurovision remained a beloved national pastime to most. Eurovision is more than just another competition; it is a national event in Iceland. As Icelandic TV sets flicker every May, its citizens wear outrageous outfits and settle down for an evening of songs, chaos and dreams. These are famous gatherings filled with laughter, applause and sometimes even tears when results are released.
This national obsession with Eurovision was even highlighted in the 2020 Netflix movie Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, where Iceland was front and center. The film, starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams, brought Iceland’s love for Eurovision to a global audience, combining humor and heart with a uniquely Icelandic touch. The movie portrayed Iceland’s passion for the contest, showcasing the nation’s spirit, culture, and unwavering belief that one day, Iceland will take home the Eurovision crown.
The Eternal Optimism: This Year, We’re Going to Win!
If one thing unites Icelanders during Eurovision season, it’s the unshakeable belief that this is the year we will win. Every spring, the nation gets caught up in a wave of optimism when Iceland’s entry is announced. The (hopefully) catchy tune and the spectacular staging convince us that it’s finally Iceland’s turn to take home the Eurovision crown.
But the conversation doesn’t stop there. Icelanders quickly start debating where the contest should be held once we inevitably win. Reykjavik is the obvious choice, with its vibrant arts scene and capacity to host large events. But then the practical concerns kick in: Can Iceland even afford to host Eurovision? The costs are notoriously high, and many believe that if we did win, Iceland might have to collaborate with another country to make it work—or even pass the hosting duties on entirely. To encapsulate the spirit, Páll Óskar even made a song called “Við vinnum þetta fyrirfram” (“We win this in advance”).
I’m here
Eurovision mood is on
No one can top
the nation’s spirit in this.
We get wild
— and always aim just as high.
So damn good
— it’s just a formality to participate.
We win this in advance
we don’t need luck.
And the only problem is
where we’ll hold the competition.
We step on stage, cheerful and glad
with the Gleðibanki syndrome.
So, go Iceland, let’s start a crazy party
— and we win, win in advance.If the song
doesn’t get any response,
And the points end up
somewhere in the Middle East.
Ah, who cares
if we end up in sixteenth place?
We know that
in reality, we are the best.
Best, best — always the very best.
We win this in advance
we don’t need luck.
And the only problem is
where we’ll hold the competition.
We step on stage, cheerful and glad
with the Gleðibanki syndrome.
So, go Iceland, let’s start a crazy party
— and we win, win in advance.We win this in advance
even if everything goes to hell.
We put everything on the line
and send our final dance.
We love all the Ninas
and the raised lines.
So! Go Iceland, let’s start a crazy party.
— And we crush this in advance.We win this in advance
we don’t need luck.
And the only problem is
where we’ll hold the competition.
We step on stage, cheerful and glad
with the Gleðibanki syndrome.
Yes! Go Iceland, let’s start a crazy party.
— And we win, win in advance!
There’s a kind of playful resignation in this discussion. We dream big but know what it means to be small with limited resources within our budgets when you are from small nations. Nevertheless, despite fiscal challenges ahead of us, we count on our ability to find solutions. We are always prepared to make Eurovision happen regardless of anything through cutting-edge innovation, creative budgeting, or sheer perseverance.
Looking to the Future: Will Iceland Ever Win?
So, will Iceland ever win Eurovision? That’s the million-dollar question. Despite coming close a few times, the top prize has remained elusive. But if there’s one thing we know, it’s that we’re not giving up anytime soon. With each new entry, we try to bring something fresh, exciting, and distinctly Icelandic to the contest. And who knows? Maybe the next Eurovision champion is just waiting to erupt onto the stage, much like one of Iceland’s famous volcanoes.
The only truth is that whatever happens, we will send something interesting to Eurovision—whether it be a pop diva, punk band, or something completely unexpected.
Iceland’s Top 5 Eurovision Moments
Selma – “All Out of Luck” (1999): Almost took the crown, finishing in second place.
Yohanna – “Is It True?” (2009): Another near-win, securing second place.
Hatari – “Hatrið mun sigra” (2019): A performance that no one could forget.
Páll Óskar – “Minn hinsti dans” (1997): The daring performance that many say modernized Eurovision.
Daði Freyr – “Think About Things” (2020): Became a viral hit even though the contest was cancelled due to the pandemic.
Icy – “Gleðibankinn” (1986): The first time Iceland took part, 100% convinced we would win, and it was just a formality to take part.
Daníel Ágúst Haraldsson – “Það sem enginn sér” (1989): The only time Icelanders haven’t got a single point in the competition.
Iceland’s Eurovision entries
- 1986: ICY – “Gleðibankinn” – 16th place
Winner: Belgium – “J’aime la vie“ by Sandra Kim - 1987: Halla Margrét – “Hægt og hljótt“ – 16th place
Winner: Ireland – “Hold Me Now“ by Johnny Logan - 1988: Beathoven – “Þú og þeir (Sókrates)“ – 16th place
Winner: Switzerland – “Ne partez pas sans moi“ by Céline Dion - 1989: Daníel Ágúst – “Það sem enginn sér” – 22nd place (0 points)
Winner: Yugoslavia – “Rock Me“ by Riva - 1990: Stjórnin – “Eitt lag enn“ – 4th place
Winner: Italy – “Insieme: 1992“ by Toto Cutugno - 1991: Stefan & Eyfi – “Draumur um Nínu“ – 15th place
Winner: Sweden – “Fångad av en stormvind“ by Carola - 1992: Heart 2 Heart – “Nei eða já“ – 7th place
Winner: Ireland – “Why Me?“ by Linda Martin - 1993: Inga – “Þá veist þú svarið“ – 13th place
Winner: Ireland – “In Your Eyes“ by Niamh Kavanagh - 1994: Sigga – “Nætur“ – 12th place
Winner: Ireland – “Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids“ by Paul Harrington & Charlie McGettigan - 1995: Bo Halldórsson – “Núna“ – 15th place
Winner: Norway – “Nocturne“ by Secret Garden - 1996: Anna Mjöll – “Sjúbídú“ – 13th place
Winner: Ireland – “The Voice“ by Eimear Quinn - 1997: Páll Óskar – “Minn hinsti dans” – 20th place
Winner: United Kingdom – “Love Shine a Light“ by Katrina and the Waves - 1998: Iceland did not participate
Winner: Israel – “Diva“ by Dana International - 1999: Selma – “All Out of Luck” – 2nd place
Winner: Sweden – “Take Me to Your Heaven“ by Charlotte Nilsson - 2000: August & Telma – “Tell Me!“ – 12th place
Winner: Denmark – “Fly on the Wings of Love“ by Olsen Brothers - 2001: Two Tricky – “Angel“ – 22nd place
Winner: Estonia – “Everybody“ by Tanel Padar, Dave Benton & 2XL - 2003: Birgitta Haukdal – “Open Your Heart“ – 8th place
Winner: Turkey – “Everyway That I Can“ by Sertab Erener - 2004: Jónsi – “Heaven“ – 19th place
Winner: Ukraine – “Wild Dances“ by Ruslana - 2005: Selma – “If I Had Your Love“ – Failed to qualify
Winner: Greece – “My Number One“ by Helena Paparizou - 2006: Silvia Night – “Congratulations” – Failed to qualify
Winner: Finland – “Hard Rock Hallelujah“ by Lordi - 2007: Eiríkur Hauksson – “Valentine Lost“ – Failed to qualify
Winner: Serbia – “Molitva“ by Marija Šerifović - 2008: Euroband – “This Is My Life“ – 14th place
Winner: Russia – “Believe“ by Dima Bilan - 2009: Yohanna – “Is It True?” – 2nd place
Winner: Norway – “Fairytale“ by Alexander Rybak - 2010: Hera Björk – “Je ne sais quoi” – 19th place
Winner: Germany – “Satellite“ by Lena - 2011: Sjonni’s Friends – “Coming Home“ – 20th place
Winner: Azerbaijan – “Running Scared“ by Ell & Nikki - 2012: Gréta Salóme & Jónsi – “Never Forget“ – 20th place
Winner: Sweden – “Euphoria“ by Loreen - 2013: Eyþór Ingi – “Ég á líf“ – 17th place
Winner: Denmark – “Only Teardrops“ by Emmelie de Forest - 2014: Pollapönk – “No Prejudice“ – 15th place
Winner: Austria – “Rise Like a Phoenix“ by Conchita Wurst - 2015: María Ólafs – “Unbroken“ – Failed to qualify
Winner: Sweden – “Heroes“ by Måns Zelmerlöw - 2016: Greta Salóme – “Hear Them Calling“ – Failed to qualify
Winner: Ukraine – “1944“ by Jamala - 2017: Svala – “Paper“ – Failed to qualify
Winner: Portugal – “Amar pelos dois“ by Salvador Sobral - 2018: Ari Ólafsson – “Our Choice“ – Failed to qualify
Winner: Israel – “Toy“ by Netta - 2019: Hatari – “Hatrið mun sigra” – 10th place
Winner: Netherlands – “Arcade“ by Duncan Laurence - 2020: Daði & Gagnamagnið – “Think About Things” – Contest canceled due to COVID-19 (the song became a viral hit)
Winner: N/A - 2021: Daði & Gagnamagnið – “10 Years“ – 4th place
Winner: Italy – “Zitti e buoni“ by Måneskin - 2022: Systur – “Með hækkandi sól“ – 23rd place
Winner: Ukraine – “Stefania“ by Kalush Orchestra - 2023: Diljá – “Power“ – Failed to qualify
Winner: Sweden – “Tattoo“ by Loreen - 2024: Hera Björk – “Scared of Heights“ – Failed to qualify
Winner: Switzerland – “The Code“ by Nemo
