Tomas Thordarson

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Tomas Thordarson (born 1974) is a Danish singer with Icelandic roots. He grew up loving music and started performing in his teens. Thordarson became the lead singer of a funk and soul band called Chokolate City, where he honed his powerful vocals. In 2001, he stepped into the spotlight by entering the TV talent show Stjerne for en aften (“Star for a Night”). He advanced from the preliminary round to the finals of the competition, which convinced him that music was his true calling. This early exposure on national television set the stage for his rise in the Danish pop music scene.

By the early 2000s, Thordarson was performing regularly and exploring various musical styles. He sang everything from pop and R&B to jazz and Latin-inspired tunes, often collaborating with different bands. His ability to cross genres – from soulful funk to upbeat Latin pop – made him a versatile vocalist on the Danish club circuit. These experiences built Thordarson’s confidence and stage presence, preparing him for the biggest opportunity of his career: Denmark’s famed song contest, Dansk Melodi Grand Prix.

Eurovision 2004 and “Shame On You”

Thordarson’s big breakthrough came in 2004 when he entered Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2004, Denmark’s national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. He performed the catchy Latin-pop track “Sig det’ løgn”, written by composer Ivar Lind Greiner. Thordarson won the competition. As a result of this victory, he earned the honor of representing Denmark at the Eurovision Song Contest 2004 in Istanbul.

For Eurovision, “Sig det’ løgn” was translated into English as “Shame On You.” The song stood out with its upbeat, Latin-flavored dance-pop style, reflecting Thordarson’s musical influences. In the Eurovision semi-final, Thordarson delivered an enthusiastic live performance, backed by a vibrant stage show. He finished in 13th place in the semi-final with 56 points, just missing the cut to qualify for the grand final. 

Continued Music Career

In late 2004, Thordarson released his debut album Sig Det’ Løgn, named after his hit song. The album, released under Universal Music Denmark, featured 12 tracks and solidified his status as a pop artist in Denmark. Throughout the late 2000s, he remained active in music. He also appeared on Danish television programs like “Hit med sangen” (Hit with the Song), further keeping him in the public eye. During this period, Thordarson expanded his skills beyond singing – he began writing songs and working as a producer. He contributed as a songwriter to various projects, co-writing material for albums such as Wait for It and Reset, which allowed him to develop his craft behind the scenes.

New Projects

Tomas Thordarson’s musical journey did not slow down in the 2010s and 2020s. In 2018, he embarked on an exciting collaboration by forming a duo called Darson & Friend with fellow musician Henrik Raabo. The duo released their debut album Reset in June 2018. This pop album was well-received for its catchy and soulful pop songs, blending modern electronic production with Thordarson’s smooth vocals. Tracks like “Keep Holding On” and “One Of A Kind” from Reset highlighted his ability to adapt to contemporary pop trends while maintaining his soulful touch. 

In recent years, Thordarson has continued to release new music as a solo artist. After a brief recording break, he made a comeback with a string of singles in the early 2020s. In 2022, he released “Don’t Stay” alongside a Danish-language single “Havnet i en blindgyde” (“Ended up in a dead end”). Both songs marked a return to the studio for Thordarson and showed his growth as a vocalist.

He followed up in 2023 with more new tracks, including “The Beautiful Game” and “Checkmate,” which are upbeat pop tunes that received airplay on Danish radio. Notably, he has shown a willingness to record music in both English and Danish. In fact, Thordarson released a bilingual set of singles in 2023 – the Danish song “Der er brug for kærlighed” (“There is a need for love”) and its English version “The World Needs Love Today”. These uplifting songs carry a positive message and feature Thordarson’s signature soulful delivery.

Collaborations

Collaboration remains a key part of Thordarson’s career. He frequently works with other Danish artists and songwriters. For example, he has a long-running partnership with songwriter Susanne Ørum, with whom he has recorded duets. They have been preparing an album of duets together, showing Thordarson’s continued passion for musical teamwork. Thordarson’s voice has also been featured in projects by other artists – he has contributed guest vocals on tracks like “My Life” by the funk duo Cool Million and on charity singles within the Copenhagen music community. 

Personal Life and Public Image

Tomas Thordarson is not only known for his music, but also for his open and friendly public persona. He is one of the few Eurovision artists from Denmark who was openly gay at the time of his participation. In fact, his representation of Denmark in 2004 was noted in the media as a breakthrough, as he was an openly gay singer representing a country known for its LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Thordarson has never shied away from discussing his personal life in interviews. He has mentioned that being true to himself has been important throughout his career, and he has been a visible figure in Denmark’s LGBTQ community. Over the years, he has even performed at Copenhagen Pride events, celebrating diversity through his music.

Tomas currently fronts his own live show band and Tomas Thordarson Orchestra, performing at weddings, corporate events, and concerts.