Episode 297

Icy Reception

March 31st, 2026

40 mins 22 secs

Season 9

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About this Episode

Iceland's television broadcaster RUV turns 60 this year and 2026 is also their 40th anniversary of entering Eurovision. We take a look at why it took 20 years for Iceland to join the party, how the country helped push the Contest into a more modern mode, and why they won't be in Vienna this year.

Icy Reception Summary

  • History of Iceland Speedrun Any% (4:51)
  • 1986: Iceland Joins Eurovision (19:38)
  • Iceland's First Decade at Eurovision (27:03)
  • Pall Oskar / Paul Oscar (29:30)

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