🇩🇰 Blast from the past: Denmark 2013

We know a lot about Eurovision and we want to share this knowledge with you! Therefore we’d like to bring you a blast from the past. Today we talk about yet another winner: Denmark 2013.

Denmark in the Eurovision Song Contest

Denmark made its debut in the contest in 1957. The country won its first Eurovision in 1963 with the song “Dansevise” performed by Grethe & Jørgen Ingmann. Denmark took a hiatus from the contest between 1966 and 1978 due to poor results and disagreement with the voting structure. After their return, it took a while but in 2000 the Olsen Brothers got to first place with “Fly On The Wings Of Love”. In 2013, the third Danish win was there: Emmelie De Forest sang “Only Teardrops”.

Photo credits: Robin Skjoldborg

National Final

To select its entries for Eurovision, Denmark holds an annual national selection called Dansk Melodi Grand Prix. In 2013, it was held in the Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning on 26 January. The show was hosted by Lise Rønne, Louise Wolff and Sofie Lassen-Kahlke. The 10 competing songs were:

  1. Jeg har hele tiden vidst det“, sung by Frederikke Vedel
  2. Human“, sung by Brinck
  3. I’m not alone“, sung by Kate Hall
  4. Rejs dig op“, sung by Louise Dubiel
  5. We own the universe“, sung by Daze
  6. Stay awake“, sung by Simone
  7. Invincible“, sung by Jack Rowan feat. Sam Gray
  8. Only teardrops“, sung by Emmelie De Forest
  9. Beautiful to me“, sung by Albin
  10. Unbreakable“, sung by Mohamed Ali


In a superfinal, 3 songs came out:

  1. “Stay awake”, sung by Simone (15 pts., 3rd)
  2. “Only teardrops”, sung by Emmelie De Forest (26 pts., 1st)
  3. “Unbreakable”, sung by Mohamed Ali (19 pts., 2nd)

 

Photo credits: Albin Olsson

Emmelie De Forest

Emmelie Charlotte-Victoria de Forest, born on 28 February 1993 in Randers, Denmark, has music in her blood, claiming descent from Queen Victoria of the UK. With a Swedish father and Danish mother, her multicultural roots have influenced her musical journey. Starting her singing career at a tender age, Emmelie found her passion in jazz classics from the 1930s and 1940s, performing in local festivals by the age of 14.

Her moment of international recognition came in 2013 when she represented Denmark at the Eurovision Song Contest with her song “Only Teardrops.” Winning the competition, Emmelie became a sensation not only in Denmark but throughout Europe. This triumph was followed by her debut album of the same name and numerous tours across the continent.

Further establishing her Eurovision legacy, Emmelie introduced “Rainmaker” in 2014, which became the official anthem for the Eurovision Song Contest the following year. Her commitment to music continued with her sophomore album and various singles. After parting ways with Universal Music Group in 2015, she joined Cosmos Music and shifted her focus to songwriting. Her lyrical contributions graced multiple Eurovision stages, including penning Lucie Jones’ “Never Give Up on You” in 2017.

By 2018, Emmelie released her second album “History.” Her most recent endeavors include launching “Typical Love Song” in 2021 and making an appearance in the short film “Text Me When You Get Home.” Emmelie’s journey from a local festival singer to an international sensation underscores her enduring impact in the music industry.

Only Teardrops

The song combines a pop melody with folky undertones, particularly noticeable with the inclusion of the flute. Its catchy chorus and emotive lyrics discuss the complexities of love and conflict, suggesting that both love and understanding can be the solution to disputes. 

At the Eurovision contest, “Only Teardrops” stood out both in terms of its melodic appeal and Emmelie’s spirited performance. Garnering a total of 281 points, the song allowed Denmark to clinch the Eurovision victory that year. Emmelie’s barefoot performance added a unique touch and became one of the memorable moments from the contest. After its Eurovision win, “Only Teardrops” became a hit across Europe, charting in multiple countries.

 

 

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In the Spotlight: Søren Torpegaard Lund

Tomorrow the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest takes place in the Wiener Stadshalle in Vienna . 15 countries compete for a spot in the final. One of them is Denmark, represented by Søren Torpegaard Lund But who is he? Let’s give him a spotlight Danish singer and musical theatre star Søren Torpegaard Lund is quickly becoming one of the most exciting names in Scandinavian entertainment. With a background deeply rooted in theatre and a growing catalogue of heartfelt pop songs, the Danish artist combines emotional storytelling with impressive stage presence. In 2026, his journey reached a new milestone when he won Dansk Melodi Grand Prix and secured the ticket to represent Denmark at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. Early Life and Education Søren Torpegaard Lund was born on 23 December 1998 in Gudme, a small town on the Danish island of Funen. From an early age, it was clear that performing would play a major role in his life. As a teenager, he already appeared in short films, while musical theatre became his true passion. After completing secondary school, Lund decided to fully dedicate himself to the performing arts. Between 2016 and 2019, he studied at Den Danske Scenekunstskole in Fredericia, one of Denmark’s most respected performing arts academies. There, he earned a bachelor’s degree in musical performance and developed the versatile style that would later define both his music and theatre career. Dansk Melodi Grand Prix Debut Lund first entered the Eurovision spotlight in 2023, when he competed in Dansk Melodi Grand Prix with the emotional ballad “Lige her”. Although the song did not qualify for the final round, his performance stood out thanks to his warm vocals and sincere delivery. Eurovision fans quickly took notice of the young performer’s theatrical charisma. Following the competition, Lund released an English version of the song, titled “In a Perfect World”, introducing his music to an international audience. Later that same year, he released “Stor Kunst”, his first original single as a songwriter. The track, created together with Tim Schou, showcased a more contemporary pop sound while still maintaining the emotional depth that characterizes his work. In 2024, Lund continued building his musical identity with releases such as “De ting, jeg hvisker” and “En dreng som mig”. The latter originated from the Danish musical Matador, in which Lund also starred on stage. In October 2024, he released his debut EP Øjesten through the Little Yellow House label. A Rising Star in Musical Theatre Alongside his recording career, Lund has become a familiar face in Danish musical theatre. Shortly after graduating, he landed roles in several major productions, including Oliver!, Grease, Dirty Dancing, Kinky Boots and Jersey Boys. One of his most notable performances came in 2022, when he played Tony in West Side Story at the Copenhagen Opera House. The role further cemented his reputation as one of Denmark’s most promising musical theatre talents. Audiences also praised his portrayal of Daniel Skjern in the successful stage adaptation of Matador. It was during this production that he performed “En dreng som mig”, a song he would later officially record and release. His work in theatre has not gone unnoticed. In 2021, Lund received the prestigious Reumert Talent Prize, honoring exceptional emerging performers in Danish theatre. He later appeared as a featured soloist during Denmark’s nationally televised Christmas celebrations and at Queen Margrethe II’s 50-year jubilee concert. Outside the theatre world, Lund has also made occasional television appearances, including a guest role in the crime drama Sommerdahl. As an openly queer artist, he has become an important voice for visibility and representation in Danish entertainment. In 2024, he received a nomination for “Artist of the Year” at the Danish Rainbow Awards. Road to Eurovision 2026 After his first Dansk Melodi Grand Prix experience, Lund openly expressed his wish to return to the competition with a song he had personally helped create. That ambition finally became reality in 2026. Competing with the upbeat pop track “Før vi går hjem” (“Before We Go Home”), Lund delivered one of the evening’s most energetic performances during the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix final on 14 February 2026. Both the jury and the televoters embraced the performance, leading him to a surprise victory over strong favourite Sissal. Denmark’s entry is massively popular and currently ranked third with the bookmakers. The question is not whether Søren will qualify for the final — the real question is: just how far can he go once he gets there?        

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Eurovision 2026
Anja Kroeze

In the Spotlight: Søren Torpegaard Lund

Tomorrow the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest takes place in the Wiener Stadshalle in Vienna . 15 countries compete for a spot in the final. One of them is Denmark, represented by Søren Torpegaard Lund But who is he? Let’s give him a spotlight Danish singer and musical theatre star Søren Torpegaard Lund is quickly becoming one of the most exciting names in Scandinavian entertainment. With a background deeply rooted in theatre and a growing catalogue of heartfelt pop songs, the Danish artist combines emotional storytelling with impressive stage presence. In 2026, his journey reached a new milestone when he won Dansk Melodi Grand Prix and secured the ticket to represent Denmark at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. Early Life and Education Søren Torpegaard Lund was born on 23 December 1998 in Gudme, a small town on the Danish island of Funen. From an early age, it was clear that performing would play a major role in his life. As a teenager, he already appeared in short films, while musical theatre became his true passion. After completing secondary school, Lund decided to fully dedicate himself to the performing arts. Between 2016 and 2019, he studied at Den Danske Scenekunstskole in Fredericia, one of Denmark’s most respected performing arts academies. There, he earned a bachelor’s degree in musical performance and developed the versatile style that would later define both his music and theatre career. Dansk Melodi Grand Prix Debut Lund first entered the Eurovision spotlight in 2023, when he competed in Dansk Melodi Grand Prix with the emotional ballad “Lige her”. Although the song did not qualify for the final round, his performance stood out thanks to his warm vocals and sincere delivery. Eurovision fans quickly took notice of the young performer’s theatrical charisma. Following the competition, Lund released an English version of the song, titled “In a Perfect World”, introducing his music to an international audience. Later that same year, he released “Stor Kunst”, his first original single as a songwriter. The track, created together with Tim Schou, showcased a more contemporary pop sound while still maintaining the emotional depth that characterizes his work. In 2024, Lund continued building his musical identity with releases such as “De ting, jeg hvisker” and “En dreng som mig”. The latter originated from the Danish musical Matador, in which Lund also starred on stage. In October 2024, he released his debut EP Øjesten through the Little Yellow House label. A Rising Star in Musical Theatre Alongside his recording career, Lund has become a familiar face in Danish musical theatre. Shortly after graduating, he landed roles in several major productions, including Oliver!, Grease, Dirty Dancing, Kinky Boots and Jersey Boys. One of his most notable performances came in 2022, when he played Tony in West Side Story at the Copenhagen Opera House. The role further cemented his reputation as one of Denmark’s most promising musical theatre talents. Audiences also praised his portrayal of Daniel Skjern in the successful stage adaptation of Matador. It was during this production that he performed “En dreng som mig”, a song he would later officially record and release. His work in theatre has not gone unnoticed. In 2021, Lund received the prestigious Reumert Talent Prize, honoring exceptional emerging performers in Danish theatre. He later appeared as a featured soloist during Denmark’s nationally televised Christmas celebrations and at Queen Margrethe II’s 50-year jubilee concert. Outside the theatre world, Lund has also made occasional television appearances, including a guest role in the crime drama Sommerdahl. As an openly queer artist, he has become an important voice for visibility and representation in Danish entertainment. In 2024, he received a nomination for “Artist of the Year” at the Danish Rainbow Awards. Road to Eurovision 2026 After his first Dansk Melodi Grand Prix experience, Lund openly expressed his wish to return to the competition with a song he had personally helped create. That ambition finally became reality in 2026. Competing with the upbeat pop track “Før vi går hjem” (“Before We Go Home”), Lund delivered one of the evening’s most energetic performances during the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix final on 14 February 2026. Both the jury and the televoters embraced the performance, leading him to a surprise victory over strong favourite Sissal. Denmark’s entry is massively popular and currently ranked third with the bookmakers. The question is not whether Søren will qualify for the final — the real question is: just how far can he go once he gets there?        

Read More Âť
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