Up there in the north, preparations for Eurovision are a big issue and of course, already well underway! Immediately after confirming the conduction of their annual national selection event Söngvakeppnin once again in 2019, the Icelanders have quickly proceeded to the organization of the show whose winner will be offered the opportunity to represent the island nation in Tel Aviv.

Following the deadline’s closure for song submissions at the country’s national broadcaster RÚV, further details regarding the event are now being unveiled. As reported by the latter, a total of 132 entries have been submitted and will be evaluated by a 7-member appointed committee which will determine which ones will be competing at the two semi-finals and subsequently at the event’s Grand Final on 2 March.

Beyond the 132 submitted entries, RÚV holds the right to invite acclaimed musicians to submit their own compositions and be among the semi-finalists of 9 and 16 February. This year sees yet another change, as a total of 10 acts will be fighting at the live shows, instead of 12.

More information regarding the 10 qualified entries and the show in general are expected from the broadcaster in January.

Iceland at Eurovision 2018

Following once again their annual tradition, Iceland used their national selection process Söngvakeppnin in order to pick their hopeful for Eurovision Song Contest 2018. At the final of 3 March, the young artist Ari Ólafsson was crowned as the show’s winner, who would be representing the nation in Lisbon, with his ballad Our choice.

He finally didn’t manage to qualify to Eurovision’s Grand Final, coming only 19th at the first semi-final with a total of 15 points. Here is his live performance at the Altice Arena:

Following Netta’s victory with Toy, the 64th Eurovision Song Contest is set to take place on 14, 16 and 18 May at the EXPO Tel Aviv Convention Center in Tel Aviv, Israel.