He’s the reigning champ who’s current schedule includes appearances on top U.S. talk shows like TODAY and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. But Duncan Laurence’s biggest gig of the year will arguably come in May when he performs in both the first semi-final and grand final of Eurovision 2021.
Duncan Laurence to perform at Eurovision 2021
The Dutch Eurovision 2019 winner will have the honour of opening the first semi-final on Tuesday 18 May. The message behind his set will be clear –“the Eurovision Song Contest is back and we are going to celebrate it!”
Duncan will return to Rotterdam’s Ahoy a few days later for the 22 May grand final. Then he’ll debut his yet to be named new song, as well as reprising his winning entry from Tel Aviv — “Arcade”.
Speaking to Eurovision.tv, Duncan says: “I am really looking forward to performing at the Eurovision Song Contest. We have all had to wait so long for it, but it is almost there. It is very special to be able to return to the stage, where it all started for me two years ago.”
Head of Show Gerben Bakker adds: “It is special to work with Duncan and his creative team. In recent months, we have worked hard to present performances at a high level. In short: the quality that we are used to from Duncan Laurence and with which he brought this unique festival to our country. I am convinced that with his performance in the Grand Final he will touch the viewers again.”
Eurovision 2021 interval acts
With Eurovision 2021 now less than two months away, all the bits and pieces of the show are beginning to fall into place. As well as the 39 entries, we also know details of many of the interval acts set to appear across the three nights.
After Duncan, the highest-profile interval act will undoubtedly be Rock The Roof during the grand final. This set will see Eurovision icons perform from the rooftops of Rotterdam. Six former winners will feature — Lenny Kuhr (1969), Teach-In (with Getty Kaspers, 1975), Sandra Kim (1986), Helena Paparizou (2005), Lordi (2006) and Måns Zelmerlöw (2015).
Meanwhile, established singer Eefje de Visser is set to open the second semi with breakdancer Redo. DJ Pieter Gabriel will open the grand final on 22 May.
Are you excited to see Duncan back at Eurovision? What are your hopes for his new song? Let us know below.
Follow all of our Netherlands Eurovision 2021 news.
I want to echo the comment below. I wish the host winner would perform their winning song at the grand final too. Only half the countries get to vote in each semi final. It seams sad to have a winners song tucked away.
Can I also add, why aren’t the big 5 allowed to perform in their respected semi finals. It would make sense to show these as part of the interval act, in full instead of a 30 second clip. That way, each qualifying song has the potential to be heard in full, twice.
No you are not an alien, you are simply trying your best to be petty and nasty. Some people do that. Hope it gives you what you want, you could try to focus on the positives in life,maybe, just maybe you get more out of that.
I don’t like the fact that in recent shows the winner gets to perform the winning entry in the first semifinal that a small number of viewers watch.
I want the winners to reprise their winning song in the grande finale and remind everyone the winning song.
I am glad Duncan will perform it in the final (i guess with Fletcher).
Lisbon was brilliant!
Mazepsou mori eleos
Maybe it’s lockdown and pandemic getting to everyone but I’m surprised by all the intolerant and bitter exchanges in the comments section recently. It’s totally unnecessary to be so adversarial and abusive to others, simply because you disagree in music, or to the contestants putting themselves forward, simply because their music output is different to what you like. It’s particularly cruel and dim to call people ‘mentally ill’, ‘psycho’, or ‘insane’ – and over music of all things. It also shouldn’t really be acceptable to be so insulting of others while using and hiding behind an image of a current… Read more »
Ana Moura and Mariza a snooze fest. Go wash your mouth.
Well he was the only one who waited 2 years to come back so we expect something big!
Isn’t it always like this?
it’s a world wide hit so it’s doing something right.
you aren’t cool or trendy for hating what everyone else likes lol
Well said ! You are a champion Ethan !!!
Gjon is copy of Duncan and Casse is a copy of Netta.
Its a strong year but with no good winner. (ofcourse Finland and San Marino would be good winners but it wont happen)
And now I will not listen to ESC songs before 1 May, so that I wont get bored of them 🙂
Unfortunately I agree. It would be very bad for Eurovision if they won. None of them can become a hit like Arcade and they’re a bit like copycats… Haters will start hating in 3,2,1..
Poor Switzerland, now everyone will realise the similarity
Hell yes let’s bring stereotypes on sexuality to the topic ! What’s next ? People of colour prefers dancing songs and do not appreciate balads ?
Could you spare us your brilliant insights, honey?
Your self-loathing is really sad. I sincerely hope you can grow to open your heart, tolerance and compassion – for others and yourself.
LOOOOOl
He looks so happy in that pic. Like he’s enjoyed having the trophy for double the time that he was supposed to 🙂
As is tradition! 😀 I do like it when the reigning champ comes back with new tweaks and stage material though. He’s still slowly climbing in the spotify world wide chart so the timing for eurovision couldn’t be more perfect.
But there are exceptions. It did not happen in 2000 there would sure be other exceptions if you look for it
Wonderful winner + song!