Iceland at Eurovision 2025: “Everything is going to be much bigger, more beautiful, and much more understandable” – this is how VÆB’s new performance in Basel will look.
When watching the pre-Eurovision version of the Icelandic duo VÆB and their song “Róa” (in English: “Row”), it is hard to miss the energy and joy that erupted on stage during the Icelandic national final. But now, as Eurovision 2025 approaches, they are preparing to raise the bar significantly. In their upcoming performance in the first semi-final in Basel, they plan to make far-reaching changes – both in the visual appearance of the stage, in the graphic design, and in the storytelling elements of the show.
Stage Revolution: “The Graphics Are Simply Insane”
The duo shared in an interview with the Icelandic national broadcaster that the new performance in Basel will be completely different from the version presented in the national final:
“It’s going to be much bigger and much more beautiful and much more understandable. The graphics are simply insane; we just saw them”
the duo revealed enthusiastically. They emphasized that one of the main goals in upgrading the staging was to ensure that the message of the song, and especially its lyrics, would be clear to all viewers across Europe. Therefore, the performance has become much more visual – with the use of graphic elements that add depth to the content of the song.
Costume Changes
In addition to the graphics and staging, the choice of costumes is also expected to be updated. The duo said that they have not yet seen the final costume they will wear on stage but clarified that there is a clear line:
“The color silver will be very prominent in our clothing and that of the dancers accompanying us.”
From the Previous Look – to an Impressive and New Format
If the performance in the national final was based on direct and relatively simple stage energy, it now appears that the version for Basel is planned as a richer experience – one that combines the magic of the song with a powerful and unforgettable visual. This is a significant change that puts VÆB in line with the most impressive stage productions in the competition.
Behind the Scenes: What Remains Out of the Spotlight?
Behind the stage changes hides a hectic schedule: “It’s going crazy, and there’s a lot to do”, the brothers said. According to them, their days are full of meetings, interviews, rehearsals, and preparations—from nine in the morning until night. Fame also comes as a surprise:
“It’s a special experience to be in a store when dozens of children approach you and want a picture,” they shared. “It’s an honor to experience it.”
Since Winning – They Haven’t Stopped for a Moment
The brothers admit that they did not expect to win the Icelandic final.
“We read the numbers of the points, jumped to our feet, and celebrated. And then, suddenly – we were already on stage, singing the song again. When we returned backstage, we looked at each other and thought – what just happened here? […] From the morning after the win, everything started – interviews, meetings – and it hasn’t stopped since.”
A Whole Family Goes to Basel
On the second of May, the duo will fly to Basel and stay there for about two weeks. Almost the entire family is joining them – five out of the six brothers (except for the eldest brother who is expecting a child), the parents, the aunts, the grandmother, and the grandfather. This support gives them the strength to continue the race.
“We Only Have Three Minutes to Excite Europe”
The goal is clear – to qualify for the final. “We strive to get further. It would be a privilege,” the brothers say unanimously. But it is no less important for them to ensure that the audience truly enjoys the performance itself. “We only have three minutes to excite Europe,” they emphasize.
The two describe the performance as one clear mission—to make the most of every second and ensure that every detail, from the graphics to the costume, serves the story they want to tell. The duo knows: every rehearsal, every fix, every change – can make the difference between a memorable performance and an unforgettable performance.
Iceland in Eurovision 2025
“Róa” is the song to be performed by Væb, representing Iceland in the first semi-final of Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland. The song was written and composed by the duo, along with Ingi Þór Garðarsson. It is the songwriters’ first Eurovision entry and is performed in Icelandic.
The song describes the stages of building a boat from simple planks, preparing for a journey with suitable equipment, and sailing to distant destinations like the Faroe Islands and Greenland. Despite challenges and dangers, the song expresses optimism and determination to continue the journey, likening themselves to brave captains. The central message of the song is about facing challenges, seeking better places, and persevering through obstacles. The recurring chorus emphasizes the feeling of freedom and continuous movement across the waves.
Currently, Iceland ranks 36th in the betting odds for Eurovision 2025.
Source: ruv.
Eurovision 2025: This will be Iceland’s 37th participation in Eurovision. Iceland joined the competition in 1986 and achieved its best result in Eurovision 1999 and Eurovision 2009 after finishing second twice.
