Iceland’s Eurovision 2025 representatives, the duo VÆB, held their first rehearsal in Basel with the song “Róa.” Stay tuned for all updates from Switzerland.
VÆB, Iceland’s representatives, were the first act to rehearse today on the Eurovision 2025 stage with their song “Róa” (in English: “Row”). VÆB will perform as the opening act (song number 1) in the first semi-final, scheduled for May 13.
The performance closely resembles their act from Iceland’s national selection, with some refinements. On stage is a wooden boat built from two parts, painted white and surrounded by wave-like structures at stage level. The three backing dancers have been upgraded and now wear silver overalls paired with traditional Icelandic sweaters and silver bucket hats. The duo themselves don similar silver costumes to those worn in the national selection. The staging has been enhanced, featuring even a dramatic mic-drop at the song’s end.
Innovative Stage Design and Visual Effects
The LED screen at the back of the stage spans its full width and height this year, allowing artists to create highly impactful graphic backdrops. VÆB used it for striking geometric visuals and neon red-and-blue seascapes, fitting for Iceland, with the group’s name-“VÆB”-displayed prominently, just as in the national selection.
Additionally, there is a massive rectangular frame at the front of the stage supporting the ceiling, also wrapped in LED screens on three sides. This allows for graphics to be displayed both in front and behind, creating impressive depth. It’s a particularly clever solution that looks great both on screen and in the arena.
Pyrotechnics and Special Effects
In terms of pyrotechnics, the performance makes extensive use of smoke jets to simulate Icelandic geysers.
Take a look at the duo’s and dancers’ outfits just moments before they headed to their first rehearsal on the Eurovision stage:
הצגת פוסט זה באינסטגרם
The photos from the rehearsal will be updated later.
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 35th in the betting odds for Eurovision 2025.
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.
