It’s the island that has spent the past four years in the Eurovision semi-finals.

But despite mixed fortunes, Iceland remains focused on Eurovision success. And now broadcaster RUV has announced the acts for Söngvakeppnin 2019 will be revealed on January 26.

?Myndataka af keppendum í gangi… okkur líst mjöööög vel á þá! Við kynnum þau svo fyrir ykkur 26. janúar kl.19:45. Takið kvöldið frá!? Posted by Söngvakeppnin on Tuesday, January 8, 2019

The news came through Söngvakeppnin’s official Facebook page.

Ten semi-finalists will be unveiled from 19:45pm, although how and where they’ll be revealed remains to be seen.

The announcement features three RUV staffers looking at a laptop screen and reveals they “really like” the semi-finalists.

Last year the announcement was made by televised broadcast.

Changes to Söngvakeppnin 2019?

RUV has made changes to the rules and format for Söngvakeppnin 2019.

For starters two places in the semi-finals have been cut. Only two songs will advance from each-semi final, meaning the final lineup will consist of only four songs. However, producers will reserve the right to throw one act a lifeline and have them advance as a wildcard entry, if they deem it to be necessary.

Moreover, a new emphasis has been placed on staging, with British choreographer Lee Proud drafted in to help up Iceland’s game.

The biggest change however is how songs themselves have been selected. Public submission hasn’t been the only gateway to the competition this year.

On top of that avenue, RUV held a songwriting camp and invited several experienced songwriters to compose songs for the competition.

The two semi-finals will take place on February 9 and February 16. A grand final will then follow on March 2, during one of the national final season’s “Super Saturdays” where multiple nations select their Eurovision acts at the same time.

RUV will hope the changes are enough to make it out of the Eurovision semi-finals in Tel Aviv in May.

As mentioned Iceland has been out in the cold at Eurovision since 2015.

Four acts in a row have failed to advance, despite fan hype around several Icelandic entries including, Maria Olafs in 2015 and Greta Salome in 2016.

What do you make of the changes to the selection? Are you excited to hear Iceland’s songs? Let us know in the comments below!