Denmark is set to host the 2025 Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, with preparations underway to select its entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. According to Erik Struve Hansen, the director for this year's event at DR, Denmark's public broadcasting company, the eight finalists have already been chosen, showcasing diverse musical talents prepared for the international stage.
During an interview with Good Evening Europe, Hansen delved deepinto the selection process for the contestants, expressive of his ambitions and the way his team has strategically approached the upcoming Eurovision. Emphasizing the importance of variety and diversity, Hansen shared, "I am super satisfied. We have an absolutely amazing field of songs! I will be proud to take each and every one of them to Switzerland, and believe every one can get us to the final. We have looked at how we can optimize the songs so they both do well in Dansk Melodi Grand Prix and have potential in Eurovision." This optimistic perspective sets the tone for the anticipated competition.
The official announcement of the artists and their songs is scheduled for February 6, and Hansen provided some intriguing sneak peeks. Notably, the line-up will include songs performed in Danish, features from former Danish Eurovision representatives, and one song described as "the biggest ballad". Such variety aims to highlight Denmark's rich musical culture and broaden appeal across international audiences.
Collaboration has been at the forefront of this year's selection, with many songs crafted during songwriting camps involving established talents from Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Other contestants emerged from DR’s open selection platform, which invited submissions directly from songwriters. This approach not only extends the reach for quality submissions but also reflects the commitment to fresh, compelling music.
According to Hansen, this year was particularly favorable as DR had initial control over the song selection process and did not rely on entries previously rejected by other countries. There is also been deliberate attention to the genres represented this time around; songs will embody both classic Eurovision flavors and new global trends previously absent from the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix.
"The voting model will remain the same as last year, with public voting alongside juries composed of music experts, ensuring both audience and professional insights influence the decision," Hansen elaborated. Juror selection, managed by Ole Tøpholm, will include international voices alongside Danish Eurovision experts, underscoring the international dimension of this competition.
Hansen expressed his hope for Denmark to not just participate but to aim for the top ten positions at Eurovision 2025, also envisioning the ultimate goal of victory. Yet, he acknowledges the psychological toll such high-stakes performances can impose on artists. To combat this, DR is investing efforts to provide psychological support and press preparation for the competitors, ensuring they are matched emotionally and mentally for the pressures of the international music scene.
The Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2025 is set to take place at the Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning on March 1, 2025. This venue choice promises to host a dynamic night filled with anticipation, as the winning entry will have the honor of representing Denmark at the Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held this year in Basel. The stakes are particularly high following Denmark's recent record; the country has not reached the Eurovision final since 2019, placing pressure on the selected artists to reclaim their place among Europe’s top musical performances.
Denmark has historically paved its path at Eurovision, having debuted with notable success. The nation first won the contest back in 1963 and has since celebrated victories in 2000 and 2013. Despite this rich legacy, recent attempts to break through the finals have faltered—Saba, Denmark's representative at the 2024 contest, recently scored only 12 points, coming 12th in the second semi-final.
Looking forward, the excitement surrounding the 2025 Dansk Melodi Grand Prix signifies more than just the selection of songs—it's about rekindling Denmark's Eurovision spirit, sharing diverse musical talents, and aiming for glory on the grand stage once again. Stay tuned for more details as the event approaches, and certainly, the reveal on February 6 will be watched with eager anticipation by fans and participants alike.
