Icelandic duo VÆB qualified for the Eurovision final after performing their song Róa in the first semi-final held yesterday in Basel, Switzerland. Despite low expectations going in, their strong performance secured one of ten spots in Saturday’s final.
Eurovision parties coming up
There’s always a moment of suspense when Iceland competes in Eurovision’s mid-week semi-finals. The nation holds its breath as the presenters prepare to announce the results. After all, the weekend’s Eurovision parties are always better when Iceland makes the cut—drinking games all the more enjoyable.
Representing Iceland this year were brothers Matthías Davíð and Hálfdan Helgi Matthíasson, who form the duo VÆB, with the song Róa. They were the first to perform at the first Eurovision semi-final yesterday, opening the show with the words, “let’s go.”
Fourteen other acts competed for the ten available spots in this Saturday’s Eurovision final, held in Basel, Switzerland.
As noted by Vísir, prospects had looked somewhat bleak for the competition, with predictions suggesting that Iceland might not qualify for the final. However, the VÆB brothers delivered a strong performance and secured a place in the final.
In an interview with RÚV, the brothers expressed their delight and referenced the upcoming Eurovision parties in Iceland: “Now Icelanders can throw a good Eurovision party this weekend!”
Countries advancing to the final:
Iceland – VÆB brothers with Róa
Poland – Justyna Steczkowska with Gaja
Estonia – Tommy Cash with Espresso Macchiato
Sweden – KAJ with Bara Badu Bastu
Portugal – Napa with Deslocado
Norway – Kyle Alessandro with Lighter
San Marino – Gabry Ponte with Tutta l’Italia
Albania – Shkodra Elektronike with Zjerm
Netherlands – Claude with C’est La Vie
Ukraine – Ziferblat with Bird of Pray
Countries that did not qualify:
Croatia – Marko Bošnjak with Poison Cake
Cyprus – Theo Evan with Shh
Belgium – Red Sebastian with Strobe Lights
Azerbaijan – Mamagama with Run With U
Slovenia – Klemen with How Much Time Do We Have Left
