Eurovision Song Contest | FESTIVALPHOTO
| Eurovision Song Contest 39 European countries competing in a big live broadcasted music competition. In 2013 Malmö, Sweden will be the home of Eurovision Song Contest thanks to last years winner Loreen and her song Euphoria. http://www.eurovision.tv |
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Covered festivals: Eurovision Song Contest 2013 Eurovision Song Contest 2014 Eurovision Song Contest 2015 Eurovision Song Contest 2016 |
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Copenhagen, Denmark - Fans across Europe have held their breath – now, finally the hosts of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest will be announced. The Host Brodcaster, DR is happy to reveal that hosts of this year's show will be Nikolaj Koppel, Pilou Asbæk and Lise Rønne.
They will greet viewers with "Good Evening Europe" and will lead Europe through three spectacular shows, when the Eurovision Song Contest is held at the B&W Arena in Copenhagen on the 6th, 8th and 10th of May. The press conference to announce the hosts was held in the historic Odd Fellow Mansion in central Copenhagen today.
Pernille Gaardbo, Executive Producer of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest comments: "I am very happy to announce our decision. It is – in itself – a huge task to be the host of a live TV-show, but the Eurovision Song Contest is the world's largest music competition, and that puts exceptional demands on the hosts. The hosts need to keep their cool, be professional to the highest degree, and appeal to the whole world. I am confident that Nikolaj, Pilou and Lise will fill this role completely and that Europeans will feel the enthusiasm and warmth that we are trying to make part of the show."
Jan Lagermand Lundme, Head of Show for the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest, continues: "I am thrilled with our host team of Nikolaj, Pilou and Lise – they are a huge addition to the shows. They each bring – in their own unique way – a lot of charm and very high qualifications to the role, and I am sure they will handle the job to perfection. It is a match made in heaven for the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest."
In a league of its own
Nikolaj Koppel and Lise Rønne are both hosts employed by DR. They bring significant experience from large TV-productions in prime time, and can draw on their background from many other hosting roles. Despite this, they both agree that the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest is in a league of its own.
Nikolaj Koppel says: "You can't really compare being the host of the Eurovision Song Contest with much else. It is a task in a league of its own. I will do my utmost to reach out to every corner of Europe and the world, so everyone can enjoy and feel welcome at the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest."
Lise Rønne continues: "This is something of a dream job for me – I am both excited and a little daunted by the task ahead, but I can't wait to get started. I see my role as trying to create a sense of calm and closeness in the middle of a giant show. When all that is said, I am looking forward to welcoming everyone to the party!"
A challenge and an honour
Pilou Asbæk will have his debut as a TV-host for the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest. Although he is a new TV-host, he comes to the job with great experience as an actor – including as the star of DR's political drama series, Borgen, which has been shown in more than 70 countries worldwide.
Pilou Asbæk comments: "When I was offered the job as host, I didn't have any doubts whatsoever. I just had to do this. When I think about what lies ahead, I must admit that I am a little nervous – but I will do everything in my power to become a great host for the Eurovision Song Contest. I am sure that this will be a fantastic experience - and a party that everyone is invited to join!"
How do you like the hosts of this year's contest? What expectations do you have for them?
Public broadcasters from 36 countries have confirmed participation in the 59th Eurovision Song Contest with Poland (TVP) and Portugal (RTP) making a comeback in 2014
on sale this Friday
The very first tickets to all nine shows of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest are set to go on sale this Friday, 29th of November at 10:00 Central European Time (CET).
The next edition of the Eurovision Song Contest will be held on the 6th, 8th and 10th of May in Copenhagen, Denmark. In addition to the tickets for the three live shows on those dates, it is possible to buy tickets to the so-called 'jury shows', during which juries in all participating countries determine their vote. Tickets for the afternoon family rehearsals are going on sale as well.
Prices of the tickets will start at approximately 14 euros and can only be bought through Billetlugen.dk, the official ticket handler.
On Friday, one-third of all tickets will go on sale. The next batch of tickets is set to go on sale on the 31st of January, while more are to follow in April.
The former shipyard will undergo all necessary improvements to be able to host three state-of-the-art television shows in May next year.
The choice was approved by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU/EUROVISION) and the Reference Group, the contest's governing body on behalf of the participating public broadcasters.
Voters rewarded with artist response
Today, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in cooperation with its voting partner Digame Mobile started rolling out the official app for the Eurovision Song Contest. It is the first time that viewers of the contest will be able to vote for their favourites through an app, which is available for iOS and Android users.
The app provides news updates, photos and videos 365 days a year, and allows users to download their favorite songs of this year's contest. A highlight is the app's second-screen functionality, providing viewers with live updates during the shows about the contestants, their songs, opening- and interval acts, as well as the results.
After all songs have been performed, viewers can vote for their favorites via telephone and SMS, as well as via the app. A vote via the official app will be rewarded with a video response message from the contestant backstage.
"With this app, we bring the Eurovision Song Contest closer to the viewer than ever before, adding a new dimension to viewing and voting," says Jon Ola Sand, the Executive Supervisor for the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of the EBU.
The EBU worked with Member Broadcasters in Sweden (SVT), Germany (NDR) and the Netherlands (TROS) too, besides English, offer the app in Swedish, German and Dutch. In the future, the EBU expects to offer the app in more languages.
The 2013 Eurovision Song Contest will take place on 14, 16 and 18 May in Malmö, Sweden. For more information and to download the app, visit http://app.eurovision.tv.
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