Interview Eurovision Eurovision 2020 Denmark

Interview with Emil (Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2020) | Eurovision 2020 Denmark

Earlier this morning Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called for the cancelation or postponement of events with groups of over one thousand people.

After this announcement, DR stated through its official website that the audience would not be allowed inside the arena following the “Epidemic Act”.

On the basis of the Prime Minister’s recommendation, we have made the decision to carry out the Melodi Grand Prix without the audience. – Gustav Lützhøft (DR spokesperson)

This is what the Epidemic Act says according to retsinformation.dk:

Section 7. The Epidemic Commission may order that an area in which a generally dangerous disease occurs or where there is a suspicion that a biological fighting substance has been suspected, so that communication with the environment is prevented to the extent necessary, and the Commission can prohibit that public events and the like are held in the area.

This is the first time in Denmark’s history that they hold a Eurovision event without a live audience in the venue.

Despite the lack of a live audience, the show will continue its scheduled timeline:

Kicking off the show is the most notable Danish act in this year’s competition, Isam B. He is known for his two-decade career with the rap group, Outlandish. Tonight, he takes his folksy song to the stage and in doing so provides a different direction musically for his fans.

Second up, are this year’s pre-contest favorites – Ben and Tan. Two X-factor alumni unite on the overly repetitive ‘Yes’ which will be the earworm of the night. Its Monsters and Men sound have made it a favorite of fans ahead of the live performance. Can they deliver onstage?

Next, we have Maja og De Sarte Sjæle performing ‘Den eneste goth i Vejle’. The song is a tribute to the only goth in a small town in Denmark that worshipped the bands of the eighties, the Smiths, New Order and the Cure. This is definitely the dark horse of the competition with the potential for fans to respond to its lyrical musical references and coinciding alternative sound.

Leaving the village behind we turn to Benjamin Kissi next. Benjamin gives us ‘Faith’, an upbeat soul-pop number with lots of hook.

Finishing up the first half of the running order we have Emil with ‘Ville ønske jeg havde kendt dig’. Emil co-wrote this song about his grandfather whom he never had the chance to meet. A folky number that continues to bring the Danish language to the fold tonight.

Next up is Sys Bjerre with ‘Honestly’. Sys is a jury alumni from both Dansk Melodi Grand Prix and Eurovision. Sys is another recognized artist in Denmark. Her song pleas that she wants ‘polar bears when my kids grow up’. This is more than a pop song for Sys, it’s a social message.

Next we have the very charming Jamie Talbot, a runner up from X-Factor 2018. The extremely radio-friendly ‘Bye Bye Heaven’ suits his voice to perfection. Ironically, Jamie received a wild-card berth to the final tonight after not advancing through his regional selection during the radio semi-final.

Eight in the running order we have Sander Sanchez, who is bringing the social commentary back to the forefront with ‘SCREENS’. The song is an energetic piece of electronic pop with tinges of a Sam Smith sound. It is an obvious social commentary on our preoccupation with staring at our device screens.

Next to last in tonight’s show we turn to Kenny Duerlund with another fan favorite, ‘Forget It All’. Kenny brings his musical theatre background to the competition and says that his “We all have something in our backpack that we have put on. Something that inhibits and restricts us. Sometimes you meet a person who makes you forget everything and reset it all, which can be very healthy.”

Closing out the show is the duo Jasmin Rose feat RoxorLoops. The couple is linked both musically and romantically. Jasmine says “Human” comments on how people are “Losing touch with each other in an increasingly technological world.” This is a futuristic, driving piece of modern pop. This should position itself well for a return into the superfinal.

Following this event, SVT is having a meeting to decide whether or not allow people inside the arena for the Melodifestivalen final. Could coronavirus affect May’s Eurovision Song Contest?