Iceland have decided to withdraw from the live shows of this year's Eurovision Song Contest after one of the performers tested positive for coronavirus.
Dadi Freyr and Gagnamagnid were the favourites to win last year's contest, which was ultimately cancelled because of COVID, and have returned this year with new song '10 Years'.
The whole of the Icelandic delegation has been in quarantine in Rotterdam since Sunday after one of the team tested positive for COVID-19, and in a statement today, organisers confirmed that one of the band has now also returned a positive test.
As a result, the group have made the decision not to participate in the live shows - although they will remain in the competition and their rehearsal footage will be used in lieu of a live performance.
A Eurovision statement said: "In close collaboration with the EBU and the host broadcaster, Dadi og Gagnamagnid have taken the difficult decision to withdraw from performing in this year's live Eurovision Song Contest shows, as they only want to perform together as a group.
"Their song will remain in the competition and we will broadcast their rehearsal performance, recorded on the stage on 13 May.
"The Icelandic delegation will remain in quarantine and be monitored by the Health Authorities.
"We wish them all the best and will provide further updates in due course."
Iceland are due to compete in the second of the semi-finals tomorrow night.
Neil Wilkes
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