It’s just a couple of weeks ago that a new king was crowned in Denmark, and soon we will find out who will be crowned the winner in Denmark’s biggest music competition. Because the 8 acts and songs competing in Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2024 – the Danish selection for Eurovision – were revealed today, Thursday 25 January.
Among the eight finalists are Eurovision alum Basim and successful artist Aura Dione, along with upcoming artists from different spectres of the Danish music scene.
One of these acts will go to Eurovision just on the other side of the Öresund Bridge in Malmö, hoping to emulate the success that Denmark has had the previous times Eurovision was held in Sweden.
They won both in 2000 in Stockholm with the Olsen Brothers and of course again the last time Eurovision visited Malmö in 2013, where Emmelie de Forest took the victory.
Format of DMGP 2024
This year’s Danish final will be held in the DR Koncerthuset in Copenhagen on 17 February.
Three songs will go through to the super final decided by televote.
The winner will then be chosen in the super final, where the televote counts for 50% and the jury vote for 50%. The jury in the super final will consist of 10 fans from Denmark, 5 foreign fans and 5 foreign music professionals.
Hosts of Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2024 are Stéphanie Surrugue and Sara Bro.
Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2024 line-up
Aura Dione – “Mirrorball Of Hope”
Composers: Alexander Brown, Aura Dione, Michelle Leonard, Andres Artiles Jerrik
Aura Dione has Faroese, French and Spanish heritage. She grew up on the seven seas, before her family settled on the Danish island Bornholm when she was seven years old. Her debut single came out in 2007, and it didn’t take long for her to establish herself as one of Denmark’s most successful artists, with the single “Geronimo” being her most successful song to date.
Aura’s debut also had a big impact in Germany, where she has topped the charts with “I Will Love You Monday”.
Now the time has come for Aura to make her debut in Dansk Melodi Grand Prix with her self-penned entry “Mirrorball of Hope”. An anthem of never losing hope and faith in the world, even in the difficult times we currently are in:
“I dream of being able to inspire and bring the world together with a song about hope. And to give a voice to those without one: After becoming a mother, I have rediscovered the primal power, and want to
remind people of the power we all possess… stand strong, Like a Mirrorball of Hope.”
Basim – “Johnny”
Composers: Frederik Nordsø, Frej Randrup Lund, Basim Moujahid, Frej Randrup Lund
This year marks ten years since Basim won Dansk Melodi Grand Prix with “Cliche Love
Song”. The earworm, that came ninth at Eurovision 2014, has since become a fan favourite among Eurovision fans. A decade after his victory, Basim is back in DMGP with his entry “Johnny”.
Basim was 15 years old when the public first got to know him as a participant in the first season of X-Factor in 2008, where he made it through to the semi-final. The 31-year-old artist is nowadays one of the most sought-after songwriters in Denmark, and he has written several hits for artists both at home and abroad.
Basim also achieved a number one record on the Japanese album chart, which is one of the world’s biggest music markets.
“I am very grateful to have the opportunity to stand on the big stage again with one that means a lot to me. My chance meeting with Johnny later proved to become more important in my life. It taught me the importance of appreciating them people who mean something to you while they are here. I look forward to sharing my story with all of Denmark.”
CHU CHU – “The Chase (Zoom Zoom)”
Composers: Nina Vejen Henriksen, Emma Lincoln, Merle Pi Madsen, Christopher Engel Snitkjær, Amy Jeyasri Larsen
Camilla Chu Xu Bjørner, with the stage name CHU CHU, grew up in Denmark and China. She is known for her explosive energy and unique musical style, which she brings to the big stage at DMGP 2024.
CHU CHU has a unique, powerful sound, plus a rebellious energy and attitude that, according to herself, will rub off on the audience, give them the strength to take their place and be exactly who they are. With her entry she is ready to deliver a powerful show of force for the festive event of the year:
“Performing “The Chase (Zoom Zoom)” at Dansk Melodi Grand Prix is an honour. The song represents a journey through pain and recovery and I can’t wait to share this emotional experience with you all!”
CHU CHU is known for her unique and innovative approach to art, which she takes with her on the stage for her performance. CHU CHU’s presence at the DMGP thus represents more than just music: It is a celebration of personal strength and endurance.
Janus Wiberg – “I Need Your Love”
Composers: Søren Balsner, Nick Tsang, Janus Wiberg, Símun Dam, Danny Baldursson, Marius Ziska
Janus Wiberg is one of today’s biggest voices from the Faroe Islands and his debut single, “Mitt Vakra Føroya Land” (“My Beautiful Faroe Islands”), has been repeatedly described as an “unofficial national anthem” by several journalists in the Faroe Islands. And now Janus is ready to take the stage at Danish Melodi Grand Prix 2024 with the entry “I Need Your Love”.
The 33-year old Faroese singer was born and raised in Tórshavn. His distinctive rustic, intense vocals went straight into the hearts of people and onto the Faroese radio stations.
He has co-written his entry with songwriter, Carpark North bassist and producer Søren Balsner, as well as songwriter and producer Nick Tsang, who has toured and recorded with big names like Backstreet Boys, Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi.
Janus wants to capture everyone’s hearts with the song, which is about lost love. The song is the first of a series of releases from Janus this year, and with the song the bar is set high.
RoseeLu – “Real Love”
Composers: Anders Bønløkke, Anders SG, Rosa Frydensbjerg, Jakob Groth Bastiansen, Joachim Ersgaard, Stine Bramsen
Behind the stage name RoseeLu is singer and songwriter Rosa Frydensbjerg. She has established herself as a distinctive personality on the Danish music scene with her extraordinary vocals and songwriting. RoseeLu had her breakthrough with the single “Playing Alone” in 2021.
RoseeLu will soon take a new step in her career, when she will present her new sound for Dansk Melodi Grand Prix with the song “Real Love”. She wrote the song in collaboration with the Alphabeat members Anders S.G. and Anders Bønløkke and produced by Jakob Groth Bastiansen and Joachim Ersgaard.
With her sensitive lyrics, RoseeLu wants to create a common point of view that many would recognise when it comes to love, posing the eternal question: Is it just a fling or is it true love?
Saba – “Sand”
Composers: Melanie Wehbe, Jonas Thander, Pil Kalinka Jeppesen
Saba Lykke Oehlenschlæger goes by the stage name SABA. Last year, she had the lead role in the musical HAIR, replacing her twin sister who got pregnant. Now she enters Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, where she is looking forward to really making a mark as an artist and singer. She wants to inspire people with her entry to seize life and follow their dreams – exactly as they are.
SABA will perform the song “Sand”, that was written by some familiar names in the song-writing team: Melanie Wehbe (winning with The Mamas – “Move” in Melfest 2020), Jonas Thander (competing as a songwriter in Eurovision 2016, 2019 and 2021) and Danish pop artist Pil Jeppesen.
SABA was adopted from Ethiopia to the small town of Ringkøbing in Jutland when she was just eight months with her twin sister Andrea. As an adult, SABA began to dream of something more and moved to Copenhagen, where she founded her own company as an entrepreneur.
SABA’s goal was clear: To create her own path where there is room to be different. Therefore, she created an online agency, founded a successful business and started a modelling career.
“My goal by participating in Dansk Melodi Grand Prix is to establish myself more as my own, as you are often perceived as a unit when you have an identical twin sister. I want to show off my skills and value as an artist and singer.”
Stella – “Sign Here”
Composers: Tim Schou, Sophie Darum, Søren V. Christensen
Stella grew up in Assens on Funen with a dream of making music. Therefore, she has thrown a lot of energy into finding her own raw and direct expression as a songwriter and singer. Stella’s talent is sparkling clear throughout, and has quickly translated into her own songs and collaborations with some of the industry’s most talented producers and songwriters.
Now she is ready to enter the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2024 with the song “Sign Here”, which she co-wrote with former Eurovision participant Tim Schou (from A Friend In London) and Søren V. Christensen — the same team that were behind last year’s DMGP entry “Lige her” from Søren Torpegaard Lund.
Through all this, Stella has worked to be a shy advocate for introverted people, who don’t hold back to reach for their dreams: “Sign Here is about my journey from safety in Assens to adulthood in Copenhagen, and all the choices that have to be made. I think a lot of us can relate to the big upheaval in life that comes with standing on one’s own two feet”.
Stella believes that her song will make a difference, and she wants to prove it by performing on one of the biggest stages in Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2024.
UBLU – “Planetary Hearts”
Composers: Marie Rørbæk, Martina Nielsen, Adam Spanggaard Saarup, Andreas Darger, Frej Fogh Darger, Emil Emborg
UBLU is the sound of a latex whip hitting the dance floor. The sound of a disco ball filled with cracks. The sound of a rebellion against everyone who says you don’t belong. And most importantly: the sound of a group that will perform at Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2024.
UBLU has roots in the world of rock music, where they combine angular guitar riffs and pounding bass passages with the pulse of club music. UBLU loves pop’s grip on the catchy chorus where no emotion is too great. That’s why they made the entry “Planetary Hearts”, which is impactful, danceable and catchy:
“Planetary Hearts is about feeling a longing for something, that you don’t necessarily know what is – so the only thing to do is to leap into the galaxy. About letting go the old and step into the new, even if it feels dangerous.”
UBLU are doing something they have long been dreaming of – to enter Dansk Melodi Grand Prix. It just took courage, the kind of courage that “Planetary Hearts” is about.
Who is your favourite in this line-up? Do you think Denmark can qualify for the grand final in Eurovision for the first time since 2019? Let us know in the comments below.
Songs are added now 🙂
“SAND” totally my favorite! WOW! I can’t stop listening!
Why do I think that song written by 2 Swedes, including last year’s contestant Melanie Wehbe is a Melfest reject?
Or maybe she just sent it straight away to the MGP instead?
I wish they’d get a GOOD Melfest reject like „In a moment like this“ again. Should’ve won Eurovision in 2010.
Well… that song was a masterpiece. I am with you on that.
I agree.
Aura Dione’s just wonderful piece of magic, so anthemic, can see so much chart topping potential throughout europe tbh, especially a good hit in germany
hope she can sell it well live
i know her since i will always love you monday, that bop, am a fan of hers, and her taking part in DMGP makes me cry, tears of joy also with a song almost on par with that one
Grumpy rant. DMGP is broken. Why are these songs in English? The lyrics are boring, cringe, and usually both. What a sad state of affairs.
It’s a decent batch, the entries are very middle-of-the-road overall, but well produced and a couple of entries actually stood out for me (Saba and Chu Chu).
Denmark leaves a lot to be desired as usual. They have a great rap scene, acts like Lukas Graham or Mø and good EDM producers, yet none of that ever makes it to DMGP.
100% with you. The songs at DMGP are not the popular songs in Denmark. The team responsible for song selection at DR has to re-evaluate their criteria.
Shocking to see everyone raving about the only Swedish written song….NOT!!! Sand is my second last literally…Just generic…
Like it or not, the Swedes write awesome songs, unless someone else proves them wrong. But I can’t see that happening.
If Sand gets chosen, it would be the first Danish entry that I care about since Higher Ground
Overall, DMGP isn’t that much different from what it was 2-3 years ago, they always have just one song that I really like but it never ends up winning, so I’m a bit concerned for Saba here
Great to have Aura Dione…I remember how succesfulled she was with the song Geronimo…For me her song is very approaching…
International fans always say we play safe, but they want us to send Saba. I do like Saba and I think it would be a great eurovision entry, but is it not just another safe entry? That is why I like Chu Chu. A little bit risky and you would not expect it from Denmark. So I will probably vote for Chu Chu. If the live is bad, then it will be Saba tho 😉
Because of Kaarjas’ entry last year, this year, the national finals are full of weird songs, most of which are not either different / unique, or well worked (prepared, staged, performed, etc.). Playing safe did not favour any country in Eurovision ever. The song must be good, staging and performance must be good, vocals must be flawless, there must be a story or a hook or both. I am afraid this year’s DK songs are nothing of the above. I’m so sorry as a Danophile, but only Saba/ Sand stands a chance of just qualifying. I am so sorry for… Read more »
I really think international fans are overreacting insanely. Yes, the level is not at the level of UMK or melodifestivalen, but DR has shown that they would like to try. You don’t create a winner overnight. DMGP needs to be rebuilt and this year they have taken a step in the right direction. I’m not saying it’s fantastic, and I agree that many of the songs are similar, but it’s a good step in the right direction for the upcoming years. And then I just still think it’s funny to hear when international fans say that Denmark always plays safe,… Read more »
I mean, it’s Denmark so overall nicely middle-of-the-road and pretty safe, but I do hear a bit more variety than in recent years. Also most of these are well-produced and I hear some strong voices. Denmark has options. Chu Chu would be the most refreshing choice (I can imagine this being really cool on stage). Saba has a good voice and a pretty strong song which at least builds a bit differently. I must say I enjoy Janus Wiberg as well; it’s safe but his voice is great and that bridge and last chorus are actually impressive. I feel sad… Read more »
SABA and no one else. She could actually do quite well in Eurovision, like a top 15.
Snooze fest.
Denmark just refuses to change… I guess they REALLY want to NQ again
Denmark stopped putting in effort after 2024. Their NF is stuck in 2015. The only songs that deserve a spot in the final would be Sand and The Chase. The rest are cliches. Maybe Aura can sneak in
SABA “Sand” will win. It can score a top 10 at ESC if performed well.
I am team Saba, but I feel it will qualify at best. Then, at the final, no high expectations. I like the song but it’s been ages since a song like Sand hit Top-10.
Oh dear Denmark! Long are the days with great songs at DMGP!
At least Saba’s Sand saves the day. The only song with a decent chance of qualifying for the final if performed well.
Unfortunately, the Danes have no other option than Saba. It’s a good song actually. Dynamic and has something to say!
Most songs are generic, bland, or indifferent.Good luck Denmark!
Oh Denmark, what have you done? I feel the last couple of years you have had some interesting entries but this is all over the place. There are the expected swathes of banality but the ones that may be regarded as different are really wide of the mark. Planetary Hearts is so confusing Johnny has the most depressing of material set against a happy-clappy pop tune. And I am asked to consider that something is “like” a mirrorball of hope – which is quite hard to conceptualise when I have no idea what a “mirrorball of hope” is to start… Read more »
Aw, I don’t find Johnny depressing. More an affirmative life lesson, learned the hard way. An older man passing on his wisdom to an appreciative young boy.
“Don’t worry about what people think of you” “Tell your loved ones that you love them NOW, don’t wait”
Little Basim heeded the lesson, and will be forever grateful.
It’s definitely depressing. Johnny has learnt the lesson, I don’t think Little Basim can really understand. And putting that story over that pop tune is in my opinion quite baffling.
I think it’s probably because Denmark votes for these kind of mellow happy pop tunes and he wants to win again. I agree, I find the topic and the music paired together are a bit of a mismatch, although the lyrics with the flowers raise a good point. The composition is still weak though imo.
It seems to have left an imprint on his mind, though, with lasting value. An embittered dying alcoholic redeemed himself right at the end… there is hope for us all.
I have wanted to talk with those guys for years aswell.. i dont get how they choose songs.. to me it seems like its one or two guys picking them out based on their own taste cause most of them are pretty much alike or same tunes and styles.. they have to pick A LINE UP.. be more objective to taste and look at difference and variation.. For each song to stand out there has to be difference in what we get.. otherwise every song just end up killing each other.. there are a few good songs here that could… Read more »
A ‘mirrorball of hope’ is a metaphor. I recommend taking English language lessons!
So it is a simile of a metaphor? Wow, that’s confusing.
Denmark?1!?! Wow! I’m surprised! Good songs! My favorite is “Sand”. But almost every song that is chosen will bring Denmark to the top 10. Goodluck from Israel!
Real bland. REAL bland
RIP, Johnny
A wise man.
All entries are bad. I’d say RoseeLu is the least bad entry. So RoseeLu should win DMGP in my opinion.
I mean it’s not a bad selection but I expected so much better from Denmark, at least something like in Finland or Norway.
I didn’t know that this is EnglishVision HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
Hygge for life!
Am I the only that is getting a bit of Shakira vibes from Aura Dione’s voice?
I agree!
Not outstanding, but not bad at all neither as there are still good options imo, Sand is good, The Chase stands out. Good luck Denmark!
Denmark and Germany competing for the blandest national selection of the season is hardly a surprise anymore. DR needs to go back to the drawing board.
Germany’s selection isn’t bad, theres some quality in it. Denmark on the other hand…
Germany has Ryk (potential top10 song) though.
Ublu, Aura, Ublu, Chu Chu, Saba and Stella are the bearable ones. Chu Chu and Ublu would offer something a little bit different on the Eurovision stage.
Denmark is like a Lego: plastic and functional.
From the snippet Aura and Saba are promising. I’ve only listened to Roseelu in full so far and I like it a lot.
Ingen sange på dansk. Nein!! Allerdings I like, in this order:
RoseeLu with “Real Love” <3<3<3
Chu Chu with “The Chase (Zoom Zoom)
I like SAND. Curious how it will sound live
Pfff every damn year I’m getting less and less interested in Denmarks offerings
i mean, this dmgp the same as always… less mellow songs compared to a few years ago but still doesn’t stray from pop at all. no outright bad songs, but nothing that stands out too much either. an enjoyable, okay selection.
All perfectly fine, but perfectly fine doesn’t usually qualify for the final. Nothing standout here. Sigh…
Pleasantly surprised this year by the Danes, not as dreary as previous years.
All good solid scandi pop songs with no real duds. Not sure who the favourite is but I liked UBLU the most.
UBLU
LUBU
I really don’t see the new strategy here, how is this any different from the 8 generic songs that usually participate
Oooh. Sorry to say based on the clips not one is outstanding. I agree with comment below unless something magic happens when performed live Denmark may be staying in the semi this year.
Love to see finally Aura Dione on the list
Indifference is what I feel after listening to all. Denmark could easily stay in the semi again with any of those. For me, the downfall started right after Emmelie with Basim (so no need to repeat that one) and was only paused with „Yes“, unfortunately in the canceled year. I believe this would’ve been a televote magnet. „Only Teardrops“, indeed. Sounding better with every new edition of DMGP.
I hope this isn’t the case but the Eurovision is yet again at political mercy.
Iceland have threatened to leave the competition and this slashing their odds from 25/1 to 8/1. This truly is now about politics more than ever. I want to see great songs not political motivated victories.
It’s getting sad to watch more than ever as a Eurovision fan of 30 years to see this
I was wondering if this would get some reporting here. I only saw it by chance on Twitter. Seems like a pretty big deal, since it’s also coming directly from the broadcaster now. Apparently, they have a Palestinian competing in the NF now and frankly, I am not with Iceland on this one, seems like extreme virtue signaling to me.
Agree. I am just asking why do they need that to get attention and votes like. What is this
It has always been an almost entirely Icelandic competition. Marketa from Czechia competed and she was an Icelandic resident and co wrote the song with an Icelander. But now, in 2024, they just had to drag a Palestinian into this? Come on now. Making me lose affection for the Icelandic NF which I really enjoy most years.
Drag a Pa1estinian into this? That sounds disgustingly racist. Are you Israeli or a Jew by chance? Bashar Murad has a history within the ESC bubble. His duet with Icelands Hatari ‘KLEFI/SAMED’ was a huge hit with 2.3 million youtube hits.
I’d rather them internally select Hatari with the most explictly anti-war song with metaphors to the current situation yet it still being vague than that!
I am also a long time Eurovision fan, and I think (it’s just my opinion) that this Eurovision and the recent ones are really mostly political, more than ever.
You do know public service broadcasters can’t boycott anything right? Cause that would be partial..
They also said Iceland will take part but who knows, which I interpret as more likely to compete
Israel need to withdraw to end this.
And let Iceland win by sending a Palestinian artist? How much more political travesty do we need in this contest? I’d rather have Iceland withdraw at this stage tbh. If there’s anything that I hate more than war crimes, is third parties taking advantage of that for the sole purpose of performing a publicity stunt.
I’ve always said that I find odds to be BS, and this year, even more so because we’ve seen countries rise up and down for the wrong reasons. I don’t usually follow odds anyway at this early stage when we don’t have the majority of songs out or selected yet, and I’ll likely not follow them For the time being.
This is a step in the right direction. Still many of them don’t really stand out much, but there is potential in them. My favorite is Chu Chu – The Chase (Zoom Zoom). I want a little revamp if she wins, but now I know my dear fellow Danes, and they would never vote for that song unfortunately 🙁
Oh gawd, what a bunch of autotune mess.
Denmark, you in danger, girl.
Weak nf, none of them can qualify. Aura’s song sounds something from 2004. Saba’s and RoseeLu’s songs are listenable. Ublu’s song is the only one which might qualify but it needs a revamp. Chorus and bridge is nice but verses are terrible.
We all know that the worst song will win like the years after 2020. And im still waiting for Ben & Tan
So it looks like the leaks were true ONCE AGAIN. Loved Denmark’s selection last year despite the hate and it looks like they’ve tried to make it more modern or friendly for a Swedish ear.
Denmark’s selection was ALWAYS friendly for wax-obstructed Swedish ears considering that they adopt many Melfest rejects + share the same songwriting camps.
Interesting that after a few years of having an influx of Danish language songs that all entries are in English. I don’t think there’s anything that is immediately a standout. There’s clearly some variety here and as a whole feels stronger than recent years. But largely nothing feels like sure qualifiers just all decent passable entries. I was a big aura back in the day but the song didn’t grab me from the onset—have to listen a few times—is she still a big deal in Denmark?
Aura is not really that popular here in Denmark
A big deal in Denmark? Not really. She hasn’t had any hits in Denmark since “In Love with the World” back in 2012.
Aura’s song is potential Eurovision winner! SUPERB!!! Really touches and is SO powerful.
I agree that it felt like something of a Eurovision winner in the start of it…but unfortunately it feels a bit unfinished by the end of it…there is juge potential there though.
All I want is Denmark to have something good enough to make it to the final. Is that too much to ask?
Appeantly yes.. I use to be open and positive about my country but honestly this is the worst it has been since i dont know.. None of the songs got me its the same meh songs Same tempo same rhythm same build like you can really hear the songwriter camp influence on almost all of them.. boring, boring and boring.. Never been this disappointed in our selection.. i dont even have one that stand out or that i like over others.. right now i dont care who is winning and dont even want to vote for any of them.. so… Read more »
Hi fellow dane. I have to disagree with you. This is definitely a step up from the last couple of years. I agree that many of them are predictable, but if it is the level set for recent years, then I see potential in the upcoming years
For me and many others its not..
Its fine you like it.. i just disagrees.. this shouldnt be the way to go in the future at all.. songs sound the same and without soul.. when will we start to take some chances?..
I have seen many danish fans saying that this is an improvement. Not fantastic, but a step in the right direction. I agree that we need to take some chances and that is why Chu Chu is my favorite. Even tho there is no chance that the boring old people in Denmark will vote for her
The boring old people are the people who like the songs.. these are all songs that DR can easily just play over and over on their radiochannels without anyone raising an eyebrows.. pleasant but thats it.. boring, predictable and nothing special.. the groups im in are not happy either.. ofcause the average Danish viewer will think “oh that song is likeable” maybe vote for Basim because they think he is charming.. about ChuChu your right and UBLU.. wont get many votes from that audience
I totally agree! anyway Chu Chu will get my vote if the live is good. I don’t care if Fru. Hansen think the song is noise lmao
Not that i dont like any of the songs They are enjoyable but nothing special.. I can easily enjoy Janus Wilberg, Saba and ChuChu and UBLU are different (kinda remind me of Serbia 2023) And Basim and Aura aint terrible either but its so bland and the recipe they used are so basic that it becomes pretty boring.. they sound so much the same.. DR should understand how to put a line up together.. its not always that we want something else but if they brought variation to the selection Something funky, some rock just different sounds then that would… Read more »
I’ve only been able to listen to Stella – Sign Here (it’s on YouTube), and I’m very pleasantly surprised. If this is the level, Denmark might just make it back to the GF.
WOW Aura Dion, I been loving her songs like her song “Friends” it still in my phone since its release in 2011. Denmark selection are getting interesting, good luck.
Frankly, Denmark should withdraw from Eurovision 2024 to set a statement that Malmø is their own (occupied) city hehe