RÚV, the Icelandic national broadcaster, have formally cancelled Söngvakeppnin 2026, following their withdrawal from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna.

While RTVE, the Spanish national broadcaster, is continuing Benidorm Fest as a separate Contest in it’s own right, RÚV have formally cancelled Söngvakeppnin. RÚV has informed those who had submitted songs for the show that it no longer plans to hold the contest this year. Eva Georgs Ásudóttir, the Programme Director at RÚV, had the following to say:

“There will not be a traditional Söngvakeppnin . It was clearly planned in December , and we are considering what will replace it . We will do our best to offer a good program in place of the Söngvakeppnin.

It is clear that Söngvakeppnin in the format that has existed since we participated in Eurovision will not be held. The prerequisites for a traditional Söngvakeppnin are broken by our not participating in Eurovision, what will be done next has not been decided.”

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Author: Richard Taylor

Source: ESCplus Espana & Eurovoix