As the excitement for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 builds, the release of the Icelandic entry has sparked significant controversy. The song "RÓA," performed by the Icelandic duo VÆB, has been accused of plagiarism, drawing comparisons to the Israeli song "Hatunat HaShana." The conflict has heightened in intensity, leading to the freezing of copyright fees for "RÓA" for a four-month review during ongoing investigations.
VÆB, which consists of Hálfdán Helgi and Matthías Davíð Matthíasson, recently made headlines after being selected to represent Iceland in the upcoming Eurovision contest. However, the song's resemblance to "Hatunat HaShana," written by Israeli composer Offir Cohen, quickly caught the attention of music enthusiasts and critics alike.
In February 2025, Cohen formally reached out to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the Icelandic copyright organization, asserting that the melody of "RÓA" is strikingly similar to his hit. He has requested disqualification if licensing fees cannot be agreed upon, emphasizing the seriousness of his allegations. The public's curiosity piqued as videos contrasting the two songs circulated online, intensifying the scrutiny on Iceland's entry.
VÆB has vigorously defended their work, claiming they have never heard "Hatunat HaShana" and maintain that they do not listen to Israeli music. In a statement to Icelandic media, they expressed their surprise at the allegations, firmly rebutting the claims of plagiarism. The band's conviction is further complemented by insights from experts in the field.
Musicologist Arnar Eggert Thoroddsen weighed in on the situation, stating, "In a way, it is inevitable that a song resembles another. It’s often hard to escape the similarity." He clarified that, in his professional view, "RÓA" does not constitute a plagiarism case, seeking to alleviate concerns surrounding the song's authenticity.
Meanwhile, Rúnar Freyr Gíslason, director of Söngvakeppnin, the Icelandic national selection committee, mentioned that the controversy does not fall under the jurisdiction of the national broadcaster RÚV and voiced his support for VÆB. Gíslason remarked, "We believe them and trust them. We know their creativity and what they have created before. There’s no reason to doubt their word." This position highlights the ongoing trust in the creators of "RÓA" amidst rising accusations.
The frozen copyright fees and the investigation will undoubtedly impact the momentum of VÆB as they prepare for their upcoming performance. Currently, they are also participating in the Nordic Eurovision Party in Oslo, an event that serves as a platform to showcase their talents and engage with the Eurovision community.
The broader implications of this controversy are noteworthy, as similar issues have cropped up in the music industry throughout history. What's fascinating is how audiences and critics respond to such allegations, often viewing them as common within the musical landscape. As the debate rages on, public opinion remains divided, with many listeners taking to social media to express their thoughts.
As preparations continue, the atmosphere surrounding Eurovision 2025 intensifies with anticipation. VÆB's fate now intertwines with both legal discussions and artistic expression, as the band attempts to assert its originality while facing mounting scrutiny. How this situation unfolds will have lasting implications for the artists and the competition itself.
The world of Eurovision is no stranger to controversies, and this case highlights the delicate balance between inspiration and imitation in music. As Eurovision 2025 approaches, the stakes are high for all participating entries, and "RÓA" finds itself at the center of a national and international conversation about the essence of musical creativity.
