Last week the three qualifying acts were confirmed for Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2020. Now Danish broadcaster DR has announced the full lineup for their 2020 national selection.
In doing so, the broadcaster also confirmed the jury wildcard picks from the district-based semi-finals. They are Emil with “Ville ønske jeg havde kendt dig” and Jamie Talbot with “Bye Bye Heaven”.
Ben & Tan, Kenny Duerlund and Sander Sanchez had previously qualified via a public vote announced last week.
The remaining five finalists did not have to go through the preliminary round.
Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2020 – Grand finalists
You can also listen to the competing songs at the official Dansk Melodi Grand Prix website.
Ben & Tan – “Yes”
Ben & Tan are the first of the semi-finalists, having qualified from the District Group East. The two singers met last year while contestants on the Danish X Factor. The duo describe their folk-pop song “Yes” as “It is about being open to love and not rejecting it because it does not fit into your life plans and it may hurt.”
Benjamin Kissi – “Faith”
Benjamin Kissi has previously performed as part of the Electric Gypsies Are We Brothers but also has a solo career. His song “Faith” is a bold soul-pop jam with rock accents. Benjamin describes it as having “an old-school soul feel and is about believing in the best in people.”
Emil – “Ville ønske jeg havde kendt dig” (“Wish I had known you”)
Emil was a contestant in the semi-final and was awarded a wildcard entry to the grand final. His song’s co-writers include Tim Schou and Esben Svane — former members of Denmark’s Eurovision 2011 act A Friend in London. Emil says “the song is about my grandfather, whom I have never met, but got lots of stories about.”
Isam B – “Bølger” (“Waves”)
Isam Bachiri was originally part of the rap group Outlandish. He’s since gone solo in more of a folk-rock direction. Isam B was one of the songwriters behind Denmark’s Eurovision 2012 song “Should’ve Known Better”. He says “Bølger” is “a song about being proud of the person you are – regardless of color, culture, religion, sexuality, age.”
Jamie Talbot – “Bye Bye Heaven”
Jamie Talbot is the second act to received a jury wildcard from the semi-finals. He became known via his participation on the X Factor in 2018 where he placed second. Jamie describes his song as “straightforward pop” and says it’s about “love and how you sometimes have life planned, but you have to surrender to the temptation because you can’t help it.”
Jasmin Rose feat RoxorLoops – “Human”
Newcomer Jasmin Rose is joined by beatboxer RoxorLoops. He previously beatboxed with as part of Witloof Bay, who represented Belgium at Eurovision 2011. “Human” was co-written by “Only Teardrops and “Love is Forever” writer Lisa Cabble. Jasmine says “Human” looks at how people are “Losing touch with each other in an increasingly technological world.”
Kenny Duerlund – “Forget It All”
Kenny is the second qualifier from the semi-finals, representing the District Group South. He is an actor with a background in musical theatre. Regarding his song, Kenny says that “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.”
Maja & De Sarte Sjæle – “Den eneste goth i Vejle” (“The only goth in Vejle”)
Maja Rudolph and Timo Mastrup-Andersen make up the duo. Their song is a throwback to 1980s Manchester rock. The band says the song is “a divorce song from the children’s perspective”, adding that “we tend to forget about the children who get torn down their entire foundation when the parents break.”
Sander Sanchez – “Screens”
Newcomer Sander is the third act to qualify from the semi-finals, from the District Group North. His song examines living via screens rather than reality. He says his message is “Burst the bubble and look each other in the eyes. Do not live through the screen.”
Sys Bjerre – “Honestly”
Sys Bjerre is known for previous hit singles from the 2000s, “Malene” and “Alle mine veninder”. Her song DMGP 2020 song “Honestly is about climate change. For Sys, her song is about the message. She says, “It’s a song that means a lot to me and it comes straight from my heart. I don’t just want to entertain with my music. I want to make connections.”
How will Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2020 work?
For the 50th edition, the final show will return to Copenhagen for the first time since 2008. It will be hosted by actress Hella Joof and actor Rasmus Bjerg. As per previous years, a total of ten acts will compete in the grand final.
The final of Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2020 takes place on March 7 at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen. The show will air live from 7pm on DR.
The 2020 selection also saw the introduction of a preliminary round. Three district-based semi-finals were held with three acts in each semi. The winners of each heat were determined by online public votes from radio listeners, while two wildcards were chosen by an expert panel. The following acts did not progress beyond this stage:
- Nick Jones – “2AM”
- SamSara – “For You”
- Søren Okholm – “Impossible Dreamers”
- Mielou – “We Could Be So Beautiful”
What do you think? What is your favourite song? Who should represent Denmark in Rotterdam? Tell us your thoughts below!
I believe it’s between “Yes” and “Human”. Which of the two has the biggest chance of qualifying from the semi in Rotterdam? “Yes”. Which of the two has the biggest chance of winning the whole contest in Rotterdam? “Human”. – So I guess “Yes” is the safest choice. And since the Danes tend to vote conservatively, I think “Yes” will win DMGP, although I personally like “Human” slightly more. But – much depends on the live performances! 🙂
Or could be that DMGP is a family gathering event and Yes might hit the bigger audience but if human hit the right note and performance it could win it. But Human sure could be perfect for the fans and hit a home run or fall because its only the fan favorite But DMGP is watched by everyone from 15 year olds to 75 years old and human might not appeal to them The 15 year olds might vote for Ben&Tan also because they loved them in xfactor last year The jury often pick the safest just like last year… Read more »
I finally found the time to listen to all of these; sorry it took so long. I like almost all of them, actually. Well done artists and songwriters in Denmark. 🙂 (I’m trying not to be biased, as I am a fan of a few of these songwriters…) “Honestly” and “Yes” I enjoyed. The extended refrain in “Yes” throughout the Choruses really does get stuck in my head, so that’s a good sign for Ben and Tan. “Bølger” has a beautiful transition from acoustic guitar to piano – I really like how the instrumentation develops along with the song; good… Read more »
It’s ‘Yes’ for me! This has positive vibes and the most memorable song of the bunch, which is a good thing when it comes to televoting. I really hope this one will winn Gran Prix, and Denmark will sail easily to the GF 🙂
bye bye heaven is my winner, but it won’t do well at Eurovision. it’s still my fav tho
Honestly, Screens, and Forget It All are alright, and would have a solid shot at qualifying. The rest less so.
“Human” got me hooked, can’t stop playing it. In general terms, I never like the Danish entries, but if this one goes to Rotterdam, it will be one of my favourites. “Yes” sounds really stupid, I hope Denmark doesn’t commit the mistake of chosing that one.
What happened to for you?
Eliminated in radio semifinal
Yes or Screens for me 🙂 I can see Denmark doing really well with both.
Im from Denmark! It would be so typical that “YES” wins, but for me it is meh! Human are absolutely fantastic, and I can see a potential great result this year!, IF we choose human I really hope the jurours look what you guys say here at Wiwibloggs, and at other sites so they can see the potential in “Human.” I like Kenny Duerlunds song to.
Denmark: are we losing being human?
me: yes
Lithuania: make me human
me: same
Last two days have been pretty good for Eurovision. Very strong line-ups and entries. Denmark is stepping forward from a bunch of years in a row with average line-ups in its DMGP. My top 10 and my thoughts: 1. Kenny Duerlund – “Forget It All” (7.25). HQ coming from the SF, what an irony. This could be in Mello and, what’s more, it could reach the final. As with every pop act it will need a wisely staged performance to stand out but the song is there already. 2. Jasmin Rose feat RoxorLoops – “Human” (7). It’s nothing out of… Read more »
I personally love indie vide folk-pop songs, so Yes is obviously my favourite from the bunch…however it doesn’t feel strong enough. If I had to guess it would be a borderline qualifier
I think fight for win between 3 song Human, Yes and Bye,Bye Heaven. Human forvme is best , but I dont know how Danish people love arabic sound in song (remins of France 1991). If they love Human is winner, if they don t Yes than have chance. If we have super final of 3 songs then some chance have Bye Bye Heaven, because 2 duos will split the votes .
Human is clearly the « Spirit in the sky » of 2020
However “Human” is better musically and less tacky.
This final is going be decided on the day because everything will come down to the staging and live performances of the favorites (favorties acording to the odds). “Human” needs a strong and wild staging, one that makes you unable to stand still, while “Yes” needs a staging that is really uplifting and fun and makes you want to sing along.
If both songs get the right staging and all vocals are on point then this is going to be one tough battle.
Most people say they are impressed by the overall quality of this year’s DMGP, but I’m disappointed. There are only two songs that stand out to me, and those are “Yes” because it’s catchy, and… By a HUGE margin… “Bølger”! That song is amazing, like a diamond.
The other eight entries, meh. They don’t speak to me.
Denmark should send “Bølger”, or “Yes” as a last resort.
Yes is the obvious choice here. Definitely stands out among the rest. Human, Forget it all and Den eneste goth i Vejle are also decent.
I think “Ville ønske eg havde kendt dig” is the best of these entries. Maybe a bit because I understand the language and as a father of four and a survivor of cancer I think alot about the future and the next generation and the text really gets to me. But still, I like the melody alot wothout the lyrics. “Yes” is a good number two. Thumbs up for the Danish selection this years. (I`m not Danish but spent two years of my studies in Denmark;)
“Yes” is okay. The heaven one, the forgetting one and the goth one, too. I suppose “Yes” is the best bet. Under no circumstances should it be “Human”, it’s by far the worst.
That´s an impressing line up, with “Human”, “Yes” and “Forget it all” being strongest.
Denmark is in with a great chance this year!!
I would go with “Yes” or “Den eneste goth i Vejle”. The 1st has a cozy “put a smile on your face” nature that the last I’ve felt in Eurovision was with Naviband. I love the 80’s rock vibe of the 2d, that has the coolest song title of the season. But I wouldn’t mind “Honestly”, which has the most creative instrumental and a cute approach. I feel it’s a much better Danish selection than in the last few years. My only criticism is that the songs of some of the guys are so similar that it got difficult to… Read more »
‘Yes’ is still my favourite but ‘Faith’ and ‘Human’ are also pretty decent 🙂
All the songs I’ve heard are so different from what I usually hear at DMGP. I must say, I’m very impressed that Denmark are willing to get out of their standard musical comfort food zone.
They managed to keep things cozy and cute as they normally like, but this time not in an obvious way. I hope it works for them. 🙂
OMG did you really say this was out of their comfort zone? …….. And then people call Australias, swedens, norways songs geneic. this was to much for me haha.
I genuinely think this is BY FAR Denmark’s best selection in years – it’s so much more diverse and interesting musically, and not just 10 formulaic “factory-produced-for-ESC” songs as it has been the past few years. For me, ‘Forget It All’ and ‘Yes’ still stand out as being the strongest entries, although I would be really happy with the more undermined likes of ‘Honestly’ or ‘Ville ønske jeg havde kendt dig’ going to ESC as well. And really, apart from ‘Human’ which seems to be the last mediocre remain of the basic and generic tunes that usually flood DMGP, and… Read more »
justice for mielou! it should’ve been instead of emil honestly
Did DR prompt the songwriters to make songs with ‘substance’ like not just songs about love?
I most say that the selection impress me. There’s not the obvious Eurovision winner but alot of radio friendly songs.
Personal preference:
1) Den eneste goth i Vejle
2) Honestly
3) Yes
Best chance of qualification :
1) Yes
Denmark is home to a really good alternative scene. I hope we get to see more of that in the future.
The people who call these 10 great and said Swedens first 7 were bad. haha i have no words for that. Its now proven 100% that people only judge the countries name and NOT the songs in here.
Why even take the time to write all that trash of comments on every other NF than the swedish one
I dont call it trash. dont you think its funny how these can be so great and Swedens trash on peoples opinion?
yes, everybody hates Sweden 😀 you should stop behaving like a small child, please
i dont 🙂 i like all countries but i dont like when people say these are great and Swedens are trash when they are all pop songs. Theere is no diefferece
they are all pop songs and what? all pop songs aren’t same 😀 I like one song from Melfest so far and it’s not because of that it’s Swedish but because I just don’t like the rest 😀
thats fine. but when people say Denmark have gone out from their comfort zone wiht their songs and Sweden is in theirs. thats to much for me haha because its so 100% not true.
Rasmus…why do you care what people have to say?? Sweden was by far the most successful country in Eurovision for the last decade, clearly what people say on here shouldn’t matter. Being patriotic and wanting to defend your country is fine but you are going about it in the wrong way to the point where you are being hypocritical by badmouthing other countries.
Excuse me but that is not true. I’m not a fan of the songs in semi 1 of melfest despite usually loving Sweden’s national final songs. Whereas I’m loving denmark’s songs this year, despite the fact I hated their national final in 2017-2019. Just because some people don’t like Sweden’s songs, doesn’t mean it’s because they hate Sweden. Don’t say stuff if you don’t actually have any proof
Yes… yes.. yes… all the way!!! Definite qualifiers! Top 10 quality! YAS Queen!
Qualify with one of these will be hard i feel. Right now i would say Denmark will miss.
Ville Ønske Jeg Havde Kendt Dig almost made me cry. The lyrics are so touching:-)
I Think bc that Yes is an Ear Worm it could crash the televoting this year.
Actually, on second thought, send Yes. I dig that kind of Lumineers-but-poppier sound.
Well, this is gonna be between Yes and Human. The other songs sound identical to each other and most of them are simply boring. Anyway, Yes or Human should do the trick for Denmark.
I don’t know what people hear in “Human” it’s annoying af, especially the chorus.
“Yes” reminds me of music for commercial.
Maja Og… is my favorite. The rest are kinda meh..
I played them again and I don’t see “Yes” losing unless juries do something or a messy live. Such a catchy poppy tune. Locals in Denmark will not resist to it. (Danes gave 8 points to Storm last year remember xD).
I think this selection is my favorite so far this year. Denmark has several great options in my opinion. “Yes” is my absolute favorite but “Honestly” is really interesting, I really like it. “Human” is catchy as hell and the beat is interesting but I still prefer “Yes”. I will be happy with any of these winnings. Shoutout to Maja & De Sarte Sjæle and Emil who also have great songs in my opinion. Well done Denmark! 🙂
“Den eneste goth i Velje” is my favourite. It’s sweet, melancholic and it gives me that weird feeling of nostalgia and comforting sadness. Apparently it’s about a divorce seen from a child’s perspective, which I think is a very unique and moving topic and I would love to get to know the whole lyrics.
It would be a terrible choice to send it to Eurovision tho, as it would very likely end up being another Latvia 2019. I guess “Yes” is the safest bet for another qualification, it’s an ear worm.
This fight it’s between human and yes
Den eneste goth I Velje sounds like an old Cure song. Send it.
I went with Joy Division as the comparison but yeah, that’s the ball park!
Anything will be better than last year!
True, I hate that song lol
The only song I could hear completely is Human. Most of them are boring as …
Den eneste goth i Vejle is good, but not a winner song.
Screens I like more his voice than the song.
Honestly is not bad, the same atmosphere like Maja & De Sarte.
So my Top 2 is Human and Honestly. Hope one of them go to eurovision 🙂
Unrelated perhaps but Im amazed Denmark will compete. Wasn’t DR forced to let staff go, especially in the entertainment department, since government forced them to save money and re- focus what public service should be? Will Denmark compete the next year and after that?
DR cut a lot of expenses, but will stick with Eurovision forever, I think. More than 20% of Denmark watches both national final and ESC, and the only other entertainment show who did that for DR is X-factor. And they dropped X-factor, which, in my opinion, signals that they really really don’t wanna let ESC go.
We pay a great deal of taxes to DR1, although those expenses are being lowered significantly after a massive outcry for years. It was only natural for many of the sub-service broadcasting stations and radio stations to shutdown. However, the quality of the songs, hosts and who participates clearly shows as well as other tv shows and series – Sys and Jamie are the only ones that are “known” in terms of musical career, but they are NOT “dominant”. Most of our top songs we listen to is usually American.
Human is stuck in my mind and that’s the ultimate goal of a eurovision song. With a nice staging it can be top 10 in May
It has an oriental sound which I love!
Eurovision fans are living in the past. Human sounds like a song from the late 90’s. I’m thinking about Swedish-Greek group Antique when I hear that song. So please.. Nothing new to the table.
Yes, Faith, Forget it all, Bye bye heaven.. Good luck Denmark
Do we know if “Yes” was rejected in Melodifestivalen? It is co-written by Swedes (Wikipedia). Jimmy Jansson and Linnea Deb.
Idk, If so, their taste in music is questionable, also considering they left out “Higher Ground” in 2018.
And In a Moment Like This. It was the mother of all ironies that a Melfest reject finished in the top 5 while the actual Melfest winner was Sweden’s first NQ. (And then Higher Ground stomped all over Dance You Off in the televote).
Human is televoting winner material! Denmark don’t hesitate, Human to Rotterdam and you have a Top 5 in the bag!
I see “Yes” with more televoting appeal tbh.
I liked Human as well but feels more Jury maybe
they also rejected “in a moment like this” which came 4th, the year they didnt qualify….
Congrats to Emil and Jamie! I’ll probably return to this selection later on, since it’s final is in early March and many others are earlier. All the best to Denmark! 🙂