Denmark in the Eurovision Song Contest
Denmark has been part of the Eurovision Song Contest since 1957. Denmark has won the song contest three times - 1963, 2000 and 2013. Their most recent win is 'Only Teardrops' by Emmelie de Forest. Denmark holds the record for the largest Eurovision event ever. In 2001, 35,000 people attended the 2001 Grand Final in Copenhagen's Parken Stadium. Last year, Denmark sent We Are Reddi with their lively pop rock song 'The Show', which unfortunately failed to qualify for the Grand Final.
2023 Entry: Reiley - 'Breaking My Heart'
Reiley will open the second semi-final
My Eurovision Scoreboard ranking: 29th
Odds to win ranking: 30th
(Rankings as of 18 April 2023)
About the Artist
Reiley, born as Rani Petersen, is a 25-year-old singer and social media influencer. Reiley started taking piano lessons at six years old. It wasn't until his high school put on a production of Grease that he started to take an interest in singing.
He is the first ever representative from the Faroe Islands, which is a self-governing archipelago within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Reiley began rising in popularity after he released his debut single 'Let It Ring' in 2021. It was this song that gained major attention within South Korea. Since then, Reiley has continued to engage with his South Korean audience and has even collaborated with K-Pop boy band AB6IX.
Reiley has nearly 11 million TikTok followers and is now connected with fans all across the globe and is telling them all to vote for his song 'Breaking My Heart' this May.
About the Song
Reiley originally penned the song during a bad relationship and then decided to team up with some other Nordic songwriters to complete the song and make it competition ready. he worked with Bård Mathias Bonsaksen, Sivert Hjeltnes Hagtvet and Hilda Stenmalm.
'Breaking My Heart' song holds heavy feelings of romance and whimsy with its light hearted synths, topped off with a catchy chorus. 'Breaking My Heart' definitely draws upon Reiley's music background and inspirations, such as Lizzo, Mimi Webb and Beyonce. With a song like this, viewers can expect a classic pop performance from Denmark this year.
How Reiley was chosen for Eurovision
The Danish broadcaster DR organised the traditional national final Dansk Melodi Grand Prix (DMGP).
Reiley was subject to controversy when he was almost disqualified from the national selection, due to his performance of the song overseas. This is because the song had been performed at the Slow Life Festival in Seoul back in October 2022, under a different title and modified lyrics. Many cited that this may possibly lend Reiley to an unfair advantage. Eventually the head of show Erik Struve Hansen commented that "DR does not consider that the artist has gained a competitive advantage in relation to a Danish audience and participation in DMGP."
Reiley went on to win the DMGP with 43% of the final votes thus earning his right to represent Denmark, and becoming the first Faroese winner.
Denmark will compete in semi-final 2 on May 11 (European time) in Liverpool.
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