The Icelandic broadcaster RĂšV will air the Semi-Finals and Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 across its channels.
RÚV is set to air the 70th Eurovision Song Contest across both of its TV channels in May. The Semi-Finals and Grand Final will be broadcast live on RÚV 2, with a delayed broadcast of the Semi-Finals on RÚV. The final will not air on the Icelandic broadcaster’s main channel due to a clash with Icelandic municipal elections, which are scheduled for the same day.
The Icelandic broadcaster RÚV is one of five broadcasters that withdrew from competing in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in protest at Israel’s continued participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain will also not compete in the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest.
Source: RĂšV
Iceland debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1986 and, aside from 2 years of relegation in 1998 and 2002, had participated annually until the 2026 contest. The contest is incredibly popular in Iceland, regularly being one of the most-watched programs of the year. Iceland has yet to win the contest but has finished in 2nd on two occasions. In 1999, Selma missed out on victory in Jerusalem by 17 points, and in 2009 Yohanna became the most successful Icelandic entrant ever finishing 2nd in the final with the song “Is it True?”. She scored 218 points, yet still finished 169 points behind the runaway winner Norway.