Iceland’s national selection for Eurovision, Söngvakeppnin, remains in limbo as uncertainty continues over whether the competition will even take place this season. Although the submission window for songs technically remains open, RÚV, Iceland’s national broadcaster, has yet to specify a deadline or confirm the contest’s status.

In a written statement to Icelandic media, Rúnar Freyr Gíslason, project manager for RÚV Television and long-time producer of Söngvakeppnin, explained:

“The short answer is: there’s still uncertainty. We are reviewing the situation, and hopefully, things will become clear in the coming days.”

The broadcaster had initially confirmed Iceland’s participation in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, but only conditionally, pending the outcome of the EBU’s internal consultations on Israel’s participation. However, a vote that was planned for November was cancelled following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, leaving the situation unresolved. The issue is now expected to be discussed at the EBU General Assembly in December, but no concrete decision or vote is anticipated.

RÚV had opened song submissions for Söngvakeppnin on September 9, later extending the deadline in early October to align with the expected EBU decision but that decision never came, as the vote was cancelled on October 13.

According to Icelandic outlet Vísir, this year’s number of submissions has been significantly lower than in previous years, which is understandable given the ongoing uncertainty about whether Iceland will ultimately participate in Eurovision 2026.

No hosts or production team have been confirmed for Söngvakeppnin so far, marking a notable delay compared to previous years. For reference, last year’s submission window lasted just 23 days while this year, nearly two months have passed since entries opened without any closure date in sight.

Söngvakeppnin has served as Iceland’s traditional method of selecting its Eurovision entries since 2013, with only a few exceptions in the country’s history such as in 2004 and 2005, when Jónsi and Selma were internally selected. Should RÚV decide to opt for a different approach this time, it would mark one of the most unusual turns in Iceland’s Eurovision history.

For now Söngvakeppnin’s fate, much like Iceland’s Eurovision future, hangs in the balance.

Source: Visir.is