Bookmakers currently predict a 24th-place finish for Iceland’s Eurovision entry RÓA by VÆB in Saturday’s final. The duo defied odds by qualifying in Tuesday’s semi-final, highlighting the contest’s unpredictability.
Against the odds
Iceland’s entry in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, RÓA by the duo VÆB, qualified for the grand final during Tuesday’s semi-final and will now compete in Saturday’s final alongside representatives from 25 other countries. The live broadcast begins at 7 PM and will be aired on the national broadcaster RÚV.
Despite securing a place in the final, betting odds currently predict a 24th-place finish for Iceland. As reported by Mbl.is, however, bookmaker forecasts are far from definitive. Just yesterday, odds suggested that Iceland would not make it past the semi-finals—yet the duo advanced.
The unpredictability of the contest was further underlined when Belgium’s Red Sebastian, given a 90% chance of qualifying by the betting markets, failed to make the final. Based on current odds, Iceland’s closest competition lies with entries from Lithuania, Denmark, Greece, and Latvia, Mbl.is notes.
It’s worth noting that the voting system changes between the semi-finals and the final. In the semi-finals, only public votes determine the outcome. In the final, results are split evenly between jury votes and public televoting, meaning significant shifts in standings can still occur.
Hera Björk to announce Iceland’s results
Singer Hera Björk will announce the results of the Icelandic jury during Saturday’s final. A Eurovision veteran, she represented Iceland in 2010 with the song Je ne sais quoi, performed the song Scared of Heights in Malmö last year, and has served as a backing vocalist and vocal coach for several Icelandic entries.
“It’s a true honour to take on this role this year, and I’m very excited to perhaps try my hand at some of the contest’s classic French phrases and deliver Iceland’s douze points to Europe,” Hera said.
The second semi-final takes place on Thursday evening and will determine the remaining countries advancing to the final.
