Friend in London fifth in Düsseldorf
Despite “lacking edge”, Danes meet bookmakers’ expectations Thousands of revellers took to the streets Azerbaijan’s capital Baku after the country won their first Eurovision crown on Saturday night in Düsseldorf. The act, Ell/Nikki, otherwise known as Nigar Jamal and Eldar...
Thousands of revellers took to the streets Azerbaijan’s capital Baku after the country won their first Eurovision crown on Saturday night in Düsseldorf.
The act, Ell/Nikki, otherwise known as Nigar Jamal and Eldar Gasimov, were the surprise winners with their song “Running Scared” about a love-struck couple.
While the 56th annual competition saw the usual parade of pop music’s do’s and dont’s, the proceedings were not without their upsets.
Denmark’s offering “New Tomorrow” by A Friend in London placed a respectable fifth despite initial worries about being the third act to perform.
In last year’s competition, the acts that played in first half did worse than those that played in the second half.
Going into Saturday’s final, however, the group said it was unconcerned about when it was to take stage.
Speaking to BT, drummer Esben Svane said: “At the end of the day it’s the song that will determine our success.”
Entering the competition, guitarist Sebastian Vinther, told BT he considered Ireland’s identical-twin act ‘Jedward’ to be their biggest competition.
“They have something that makes them stick in your brain no matter how irritating it is. You just can’t let go of the song once it’s made it into your head,” he explained.
Going into the final from the semi, expectations for the Danish began to rise as they moved from tenth to fifth seed.
But experts were unsure, however, whether the Danes really stood a chance. Markus Larsson from Swedish ‘Aftonbladet’ said: “Denmark’s going to do fine. But personally I think the song lacks an edge.”
While Denmark didn’t make the top three, they still managed to beat Ireland’s spiky-haired duo, who placed a disappointing eighth despite being second favourites at the bookmakers.
Other surprising results saw favourites France settle for a meagre 15, and Italy storming back into the competition after a 14 year absence, snatching second place and surprising the bookmakers, some of whom had offered 151 to 1 odds for them winning the competition.
Over 100 million people tuned into this year’s competition.
See related stories
Eurovision winner looking forward to 'New Tomorrow' in Germany
Danish role in German Eurovision victory