Iceland | 132 Songs Submitted To Söngvakeppnin 2019

The broadcaster for Iceland RÚV, has announced that a total number of 132 songs have been submitted to the channel for the Eurovision 2019 season, in a bid to be the winner of Söngvakeppnin 2019.

The deadline closed earlier this week, with the national broadcaster revealing today that the country had received a total of 132 songs. It is now up to a specialist panel to decide which songs should make up the countries national final.

There has been slight changes to proceedings this year, as there will only be ten artists competing for the place in Tel Aviv, as opposed to the traditional twelve. RÚV have also opted to use British choreographer Lee Proud to be the artistic director for the national final.

It will now be down to a seven member committee which encompasses representatives from the Association of Icelandic Sound Artists, the Association of Composers along with songwriters and representatives from RÚV to decide which songs will make the grade.

RÚV have also announced that they are inviting specific songwriters to take part in the competition too. Although, it is likely to be in the new year before the artists, and songs are formally announced.

This year Iceland opted to send Ari Ólafsson to Lisbon with the song, "Our Choice". Unfortunately, despite being popular he failed to qualify from his semi-final finishing in last place. Could 2019 be the year that Iceland qualify?

Eurovoxx were in Lisbon in May, and were fortunate enough to interview Ari, this is what he had to say.