Tonight, seven countries will be deciding who their representative will be for Eurovision 2023. Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Italy, Latvia, Malta and Romania all have their National Final’s tonight, attempting to win their ticket to Liverpool.
Right now however, we focus on Denmark and their national final Melodi Grand Prix. Eight artists will compete for the Danish Eurovision crown at Arena Næstved. Our contenders are: Søren Torpegaard Lund, Nicklas Sonne, maia maia, EYJAA, Frederik Leopold, Micky Skeel, Mariyah LeBerg and Reiley.
But before Denmark decides, the Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of musical unprofessionals — has been busy listening to all the finalists’ entries. Now it’s time for them to reveal who their favourites are.
Let’s see who they think should qualify for Denmark this year!
Let’s do this!
Wiwi Jury: Melodi Grand Prix (Denmark 2023)
Lucy
1. Reiley – Breaking My Heart
As we know by now, Reiley is a TikTok megastar, with good reason. His covers, and dedication to creating a great performance in every video (he made his own video for Breaking My Heart!) has earned him a large gathering of fans by now, and he brings the same electro-edged pop he has succeeded with previously to DMGP. In a fairly poor field of songs this stands out as the most experienced artist, and professional quality song. If they want any chance of the final, Denmark must choose Reiley.
2. Freedom – Nicklas Sonne
3. Lige Her – Soren Torpegaard
4. I Was Gonna Marry Him – Ayjaa
5. Beautiful Bullsh*t – Maia Maia
Pablo
1. Reiley – ”Breaking My Heart”
There are a couple of nice options in DMGP, but “Breaking My Heart” has something above the rest: big appeal to Gen Z. Reiley’s song sounds current, familiar, and could come across as a reflection of the contest’s modernity. With great production and a strong hook, “Breaking My Heart” could put young eyes and young votes on Denmark.
2. EYJAA – “I Was Gonna Marry Him”
3. Maia Maia – “Beautiful Bullsh*t”
4. Nickolas Sonne – “Freedom”
5. Søren Torpegaard Lund – “Lige her”
Ruxandra
1. EYJAA – I Was Gonna Marry Him
This song captivated me from the very first audition. It has that kind of beauty that comes naturally, from simple things. The harmony between them is fascination, their voices blend very well together and yet you can still hear each of the well. I love the musical tension in the chorus. And of course, I simply the story related in the lyrics.
2. Maia Maia – “Beautiful Bullsh*t”
3. Mariyah LeBerg – “Human”
4. Railey – “Breaking My Heart”
5. Søren Torpegaard Lund – “Lige her”
Simon
1. Reiley – ”Breaking My Heart”
We have for quite some time had a reputation of sending middle of the road, bland songs, that doesn’t stand out in Eurovision. Reiley’s song is for me the one with the most current pop sound in the mix, it has a catchy chorus and he knows how to present himself both on the stage and on social media.
It’s K-pop mixed with a Scandi sound and it’s not bad to already have a big following in a televote only semifinal. We don’t need a top 10 finish in the final, let’s just qualify for it first!
2. Søren Torpegaard Lund – “Lige her”
3. EYJAA – ”I Was Gonna Marry Him”
4. Micky Skeel – “Glansbillede”
5. maia maia – “Beautiful Bullshit”
Tom
1. Reiley – ”Breaking My Heart”
Now, this is a radio friendly pop song. The “Breaking My Heart” verses give me tiny hints of Harry Styles’ “Adore You”. A comparison to one of the world’s biggest artists is hardly a bad thing. This track could easily be in the charts anywhere around the world. I wouldn’t say it’s because it is ‘that good’ but it is that accessible. I think a lot of people will like this so I think Reiley will be a shoo-in for Liverpool.
2. Eyjaa – “I Was Gonna Marry Him”
3. Frederik Leopold – “Stuck On You”
4. Søren Torpegaard Lund – “Lige her”
5. Micky Skeel – “Glansbillede”
What do you think of the Wiwi Jury’s reviews? Who is in your top five? Let us know in the comments.
Thank you, Wiwi Jury. I appreciate the effort to do the reviews and post this, even though it is a very busy day.