Jury Darling Leonora brings Denmark back to radio friendly pop

Leonora Eurovision
At the 2019 Danish Melodi Grand Prix (Dress Rehearsal)

Eurovision 2019 is the year of jury darlings. No less than 9 times this preselection season, a song won without the support of the televoters. ESCDaily introduces them all to you in the build-up to Tel Aviv, including Leonora from Denmark.

Denmark has selected its entry via a one-night preselection for a long time now, and this year was no different. Dansk Melodi Grand Prix took place on February 23rd and Leonora won the Grand Final with her song “Love is forever”. She beat two other acts in the super final after seven songs had been eliminated in the first round.

In the super final, female duet Julie & Nina surprisingly came on top of the public vote. Their song “League of light” had certain Celtic influences and seemed a decent follow-up for Rasmussen. The Viking band had brought Denmark a respectable 9th place in Eurovision 2018. The Danish jury, however, seemed not so keen on Julie & Nina. Not only did they give 48% of their points to Leonora, but they also put Julie & Nina on a third and last place in the superfinal.

“Love is forever” (Denmark, Eurovision 2019)

With “Love is forever”, Denmark returns to safe and familiar territory. The country has been known for its safe, middle of the road, radio-friendly pop music. Leonora’s song fits into this genre. It resembles musical influences of the Australian pop star Lenka Kripac, right down to the childlike use of voice. This type of song is traditionally popular with Eurovision juries. It is harmless, easily accessible and will not easily finish low on someone’s list.

However, the question is whether televoters will pick it up easily, too. The colorful act from DMGP is visually interesting and will most likely be translated to the Tel Aviv stage. That in combination with the use of other languages including French and German, reminds the Eurovision fan of Austria 2016. She proved more popular with televoters than with juries.

 The alternative: Julie & Nina – League of light

Julie & Nina won the televote in Denmark’s national final with the song “League of light”. Do you think Denmark should have gone for them instead of Leonora?