It’s the time of year when the Post-Eurovision depression is in full swing, but there’s no better cure than to reminisce! Together with ESCDaily Editor, Dennis Van Eersel, we will be discussing each of this year’s competing nations – from their results to how we think they could improve in the future!
Denmark
Predictions, Personal Scores and Results
Anita:
Prediction: Qualifier
Dennis:
Prediction: Qualifier
Results: 11th, Semi-Final
Did Denmark live up to expectations?
A: This is another case of yes, but also no. I would have put this in the borderline category for qualification this year, but the rehearsal period changed my mind. I started to feel a lot more confident of its chances to qualify, but then as we know, it just missed out on the final. I think it would have been a nice, fun addition to the final, but alas, it was not meant to be.
D: Before the contest I thought Denmark did not have a chance of qualification at all, but that changed after seeing the draw and during the rehearsal week. In a weak semi final it was a shot of pure fun to close off the show. In the end Denmark was not amongst the best ten of the night, so in a way it still lived up to expectations, being a non-qualifier. However, they came closer than many thought beforehand, which was still a bit surprising.
How do you personally feel about the song for Denmark at Eurovision 2021?
A: When it was chosen, I didn’t enjoy the song. It took a number of listens before it really grabbed my attention, and by the rehearsal period, it really started to grow on me. I don’t think I was the only one who felt that way either, and I think that’s why many people were shocked it didn’t make the final. It was a nice, upbeat song, and it was also great to hear the Danish language.
D: The Danish song was retro in the most retro way possible. Dated is also a way to describe it. I was not a big fan of the song before the contest and didn’t see it’s appeal or the reason why it won a national final. After seeing it during several rehearsals, the song and performance grew on me and I started to at least appreciate it. I thought it would even sneak through qualifying, but overall I hope Denmark sends something more contemporary and of higher quality in the years to come.
Could Denmark have done anything different?
A: I think it was a bit unfortunate that a lot of acts chose to use the neon lights, retro style of staging, but out of all the songs, this was the most suitable. I actually don’t think that they should have changed anything. Nothing really felt out of place to me.
D: The staging, clothing and overall feeling matched this song very well. When you go for such a retro song, you need to go all the way and stick to that. Which is what the Danish team did.
What can Denmark do to ensure success in future years?
A: I do think that the quality of Dansk Melodi Grand Prix has decreased in the last few years, from maybe around 2015 or so. I used to look forward to seeing what they could bring to the contest, but now it’s one of those national finals that I don’t pay too much attention to. The focus needs to return to the songs. They could choose an unknown singer, or relatively unknown, but the song needs to be stronger. It’s easier said than done when the broadcaster is relying on what’s submitted.
D: I agree, the level of the songs in the national finals in Denmark has been going down over the course of the last couple of years. The reasons for this are hard to grasp for me. Maybe there is another auditing team, judging and selecting the entries? Maybe DR was more proactive in the past with the songs in DMGP? Either way, this is what they should do. Be more strict on which songs make the cut and be proactive in approaching strong composers so the field of songs in the national final gets stronger.
Which was better, the live-on-tape performance or the actual performance?
A: The performance was pretty much identical, with the only difference obviously being the stage design. Either performance would have probably achieved the same result, although I do love the stage design of the national final. It really added to the retro feel, which obviously suited their performance.
D: There is hardly a difference between both performances. The staging, camerawork, colors… Denmark kept it all like in their national final performance. It shows that Denmark had a solid plan in 2021 and stuck with their choice, despite the risks that a song in this genre had. This is something I can appreciate in seeing the live-on-tape performances. It shows which countries were already very prepared early in the season.