Could two years of hurt be coming to an end? After failing to qualify for the Eurovision final in both 2015 and 2016, Denmark have re-evaluted their options for 2017. That means one thing: there’s no proper boyband this year! Today, they’ve announced the names of the ten acts taking part in Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2017. Among the acts are fan favourites, Anja Nissen and Sada Vidoo.
You can find all ten finalists below, along with more information on each of them.
Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2017 — Finalists
1. Ida Una — “One”
Nineteen-year old Ida was discovered on YouTube, where she performed cover songs along with her boyfriend. She’s currently a student at the Aarhus Academy. “One” was written in part by Peter Bjørnskov, who has penned multiple DMGP songs in the past.
Song by: Peter Bjørnskov & Lene Dissing
2. Thomas Ring — “Vesterbro”
Former X Factor Denmark winner Thomas makes his Dansk Melodi Grand Prix debut this year. After his victory in 2010, Thomas has gone on to release two albums, but is calling DMGP his “comeback”. He is performing the only Danish-language song in the entire DMGP field. It’s also the first single from his upcoming third album.
Song by: Thomas Ring
3. Rikke Skytte — “Colour My World”
Eighteen-year-old Rikke is the youngest performer in the field. She too was discovered on YouTube, where she has uploaded many of her own original songs. In her spare time, she’s also a swimming teacher. Songwriter Laura Kloos also penned Swiss entrant Michèle’s “Two Faces”.
Song by: Mads Løkkegaard, Joël Pagiël MacDonald, Mohamed Alitou & Laura Kloos
4. Anja — “Where I Am”
Anja Nissen’s return will no doubt be celebrated by many Eurovision fans. She was one of the big favourites at DMGP 2016, where she finished second with her Emmelie de Forest-penned “Never Alone”. Anja previously won the third season of The Voice Australia.
Song by: Anja Nissen, Angel Tupai & Michael D’Arcy
5. Calling Mercury — “Big Little Lies”
If Denmark does want to send a boyband again, they’ll have to settle for an all-male duo. Calling Mercury are made up of 25-year-olds Jeppe Norup and Joel Peters. The two have only performed together publicly once before, but have uploaded many songs online.
Song by: Thomas Sardorf, Rune Braager & Martin Luke Brown
6. Anthony — “Smoke In My Eyes”
Anthony Lopez won X Factor Denmark in 2014, as part of the duo Anthony Jasmin. The duo split up shortly after their victory though and Anthony has since been living in the USA. During his time there, he has set up a popular Danish boutique.
Song by: Kim Nowak-Zorde, Kasper Larsen, Hans Petersen, Ollie Marland & Phil Plested
7. René Machon — “Warriors”
René is another act returning, having ditched a partner. In 2015, he took part in DMGP alongside Tina, with the song “Mi Amore”. He previously fronted a cover band for 20 years.
Song by: Astrid Cordes, Alexander Grandjean, Hans Petersen & Lars Andersen
8. Sada Vidoo — “Northern Lights”
Anyone who followed Saara Aalto’s run of X Factor UK may remember Sada. She styles herself as a “living doll”, which notably freaked out judge Simon Cowell. She previously had success as the vocalist for DJ Alligator’s “Lollipop”.
Song by: Christoffer Lauridsen, Andreas Öhrn & Alessandra Günthardt
9. Jeanette Bonde — “Hurricane”
Jeanette is an experienced backing vocalist for numerous Danish stars, including Stine Bramsen and Aura Dione. She also performed the Danish vocals for Jessie J’s character in Ice Age 5.
Song by: Jeanette Bonde, Alexander Grandjean, Jeppe Pilgaard Ulrichsen & Nermin Harambasic
10. Johanna Beijbom — “A.S.A.P.”
Swedish singer Johanna has plenty of Eurovision experience. She has performed backing vocals on stage for Loreen, Olivia Lewis, Anti Social Media and many more. She also toured Sweden alongside Jessica Andersson in 2014 and 2015. The team behind her song “A.S.A.P.” has written hits for the likes of Kylie and One Direction.
Song by: Christian Fast, Peter Wallevik, Daniel Heløy Davidsen, Patrick Devine, Dimitri Stassos & Freja Jonsson Blomberg
There’s a bit of a wait until we hear the songs, unfortunately. DR have confirmed that they will only be released on 20 February, just under a week before the final.
The final of Dansk Melodi Grand Prix will be held in Jyske Bank Boxen Arena, Herning on 25 February. This year the show will be hosted by returning host Annette Heick and Lighthouse X singer Johannes Nymark.
What do you think of the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2017 finalists? Are you excited to see Anja back, or do you think Denmark will fall in to the boyband trap once again? Let us know in the comments section below!
Thomas Ring is good singer/songwriter. Looking forward to hearing the Danish language on “Vesterbro” too.
Check out his new Danish language CD “Gadedreng” it’s remarkably good. His voice sounds fresh and very current.
We need another male voice for variety, preferably the voice of Thomas Ring in my opinion.
We don’t need any more wailing diva’s that’s for certain. We have plenty as it is. Maybe a few more to come our way aswell.
Choose wisely Denmark.
Seems like same dull generic massproduced europop as usual from Denmark. One of ny least favourites with national selections. Where is the musical diversity? The brave and innovative songs? Anjas song last year was btw awful
Hopefully the songs will leak soon like last year
OMG, Sada Vidoo was AWESOME in Britain’s X-factor. I would love to see her on ESC stage. She has charisma to pull of a strange performance with perfect vocals.
Btw one person credited on Anja’s song is Angel Tupai who was on the X Factor here
ANJA!!! I hope she wins this time, a guaranteed 12 points from Australia direct to Denmark, I can’t wait to see her again on the stage 🙂
All 10 are very good. Yes, I know Sada’s “doll” act is not to everyone’s taste, but she can really sing well live. May the best song win. This is gonna be good. 🙂
I just learned that Bjornskov was the author of several DMGP songs in the past :O
His collaboration with Kato, and Safri Duo in “Dimitto” in 2013 was superb! It is the perfect EDM track with powerful vocals. I wish the Danish broadcaster chose him internally some day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Pp-QWXH3s0
great line-up! hoping for a revenge for anja! <3
+ blondboybc
The people who were running DMGP this year said that all the artists will be soloists.
Oh my goodness I am too excited to see Sada Vidoo again!
Yes! So happy to see Anja back! Can’t wait to hear ‘Where I Am’.
The fact that 5 eurofans will have the 50% of the voting is going to be a disaster
Calling Mercury almost sounds like a boy band to me…if they’re a cuteboy 90’s sounding duo then I fear Denmark will send such a group again. Let’s hope not! Let’s wait for the songs, but I’m partial to Anja or Thomas–sending Danish language realness! Oh, and no “dolls” please. : D
SADA MY QUEEN!
They choose this singer and songs to fix Anja to win in her second attempt. I think this DMGP wili be worst in quality of songs from 2010.
Please send Sada Denmark I loved her on X Factor and think she would get votes from my country if she’s in Eurovision can’t wait to hear all the songs though
Big expectation for Thomas Ring, since he is the only one to sing in Danish. I love that language. 🙂
The field does seem more promising than the one last year, but I’m still not hoping for much!
Omg Sada Vidoo to Eurovision!! Please Denmark, if she has a good song you are guaranteed top 10 at least!
Pleased for Anja and surprised for Sada! I look forward to finding out what their songs will be like.
northern lights sounds promising
I was hoping for Anne Gadegaard to be in the lineup, but I’m definitely happy for Anja and Ida. Held og lykke!!! 🙂
Anja Nissen is so overrated, let’s hope she flops this year. oh and let’s hope the songs leak this year too I don’t want to wait until 20 February.
Well I guess the male duo will win lol
Very curious to hear what Sada Vidoo has to offer
Not the doll. Ugh.
I wanted Simone, but I’m happy about Anja. 🙂
I’m already supporting Thomas ring Just because he’s the only one singing in danish XD calling mercury also sounds interesting.
Sada vidoo, Yes! Hope her song is great and weird like she is!
I’m looking forward to hearing all the songs. Last year was a complete letdown and I believe that not even the fan favorite Trash Shaped Hole would have been in the final, but most of these new faces look promising. I can already imagine A.S.A.P. being a dance anthem!