We are headed north this week, as all eyes focus on Iceland. The final of their national selection, Söngvakeppnin 2025, is taking place on Saturday 22 February. This will determine the artist and song which will represent the country in Basel.
The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — has assembled and is ready to review the participating entries. Iceland has failed to qualify for the Eurovision grand final for the last two years. Have we found a song to take them back to the promised land? Read on to find out.
Georgia
1. Væb – “Róa”
“Róa” is a vibrant pop track that marks a refreshing departure from the previous songs Iceland has sent to international music competitions. Unlike its predecessors, this song stands out with its rhythm and upbeat energy, setting it apart from other entries.
2. Júlí and Dísa – “Fire”
3. Stebbi Jak – “Set Me Free”
4. Ágúst – “Like You”
5. Tinna – “Words”
6. Bjarni Arason – “Aðeins lengur”
Ruxy
1. Tinna – “Words”
Tinna has a fantastic duality when performing — she can be incredibly sweet and charismatic, yet also powerful and commanding. Personally, I love the country/acoustic vibe of this track. After Beyoncé’s victory at the Grammys, we know that country music can still do well on the charts, right? Tinna completely draws me into her story, and I enjoy both versions of this song. The studio version of “Words” became an addictive track on my playlist from the very first listen. During the live performance, her expressiveness pulls me into her story, even if I don’t understand the lyrics. I see strong potential for this song, and at this moment, a girly country-pop track would be a refreshing addition to this year’s Eurovision playlist.
2. Væb – “Róa”
3. Júlí and Dísa – “Fire”
4. Stebbi Jak – “Set Me Free”
5. Bjarni Arason – “Aðeins lengur”
6. Ágúst – “Like You”
Andreas
1. Væb – “Róa”
This song feels like a mix of Swedish epadunk and Joost Klein, which is probably why I enjoy it so much — it’s just so much fun! The silver outfits give off Verka Serduchka vibes, though the staging is a bit unusual. The song itself is super enjoyable, and it even has a key change, which I personally love. Overall, I feel this year’s lineup is weaker compared to last year, but if Iceland selects Væb, they could definitely qualify for the final. Væb, here’s my twelve points to you.
2. Júlí and Dísa – “Fire”
3. Tinna – “Words”
4. Bjarni Arason – “Aðeins lengur”
5. Ágúst – “Like You”
6. Stebbi Jak – “Set Me Free”
Pablo
1. Tinna – “Words”
Söngvakeppnin is so strong this year! There are several lanes I feel Iceland could take and end with a great entry for Basel, but after looking at all the live performances, “Words” stood out among the rest. The simplicity and familiarity packaged in such a world-class way, combining comfy country with Icelandic indie music in a subtle yet effective way. Tinna would be a fantastic addition to the lineup and endear many over Europe with her tender, upbeat number.
2. Júlí and Dísa – “Fire”
3. Væb – “Róa”
4. Stebbi Jak – “Set Me Free”
5. Bjarni Arason – “Aðeins lengur”
6. Ágúst – “Like You”
Antranig
1. Væb – “Róa”
Seeing as Iceland left one of the best songs in the semis in “Stormchaser”, this has turned into a two-horse race and I have to give the edge to Væb. It is a fun, upbeat number, which doesn’t reinvent the wheel but does enough to get you moving. I really enjoy the entry of the string instruments throughout the song, which gives it this fantastic blend of genres and effortlessly mixes past, present and future. Out of the current Eurovision 2025 lineup, nothing is in the same ballpark as this, so I could see it doing well.
2. Tinna – “Words”
3. Júlí and Dísa – “Fire”
4. Ágúst – “Like You”
5. Stebbi Jak – “Set Me Free”
6. Bjarni Arason – “Aðeins lengur”
What do you think of the songs competing at Söngvakeppnin 2025? Who should win the ticket to represent Iceland? Let us know in the comments below.
With birgo out, it’s all on vaeb to give Iceland a fighting chance to make it to the final. It’s not a 100% guarantee, especially if their vocals and staging is still messy like their semifinal performance, but at the very least it’s not completely doomed. With a little cleanup, and if they win tonight, vaeb won’t finish last in the first semifinal at the very least. Even if Iceland doesn’t qualify in the end, at least they gave it their best shot.
While Birgo losing in the Semis was both unexpected and a shame, Vaeb is simply the only other act with Eurovision quality. Iceland has a clear decision if they want a chance at the final.
Vaeb has got to win. Icelands best chance for their long awaited victory in years. A real standout from the other text book entries. Tinna is my personal favourite so wouldn’t be disappointed if she got it.