Interview interrogation: Leonora (Denmark) - Eurovision 2019

The Eurovision Song Contest 2019 may be over, but there is still time to catch up with a host of entries to find out how how they felt, what their immediate plans on and to reflect on the artists themselves. Here Danish entry Leonora was more than happy to talk to Global Mainstream Arts about her journey from the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix to arguably music's biggest stage, the Eurovision Song Contest; this time held in Tel Aviv, Israel following Netta's win with 'Toy' last year.

Denmark has a rich history of winning the song contest having won it three times, the last win being 'Only Teardrops' by Emmelie De Forest back in 2013, so was the pressure on Leonora?

"Of course! They [Faroe Islands] should be in the competition, just like Iceland and the rest of the North."

Leonora, firstly how did it feel to be representing Denmark at this year's Eurovision Song Contest?

     "First of all, it’s been overwhelming winning the National Final, and that part was my first goal. It’s amazing how much wonderful support I’ve been receiving, both from friends, family and the entire team I have behind me – as well as from fans all over Europe. So it’s been an amazing, and I think Eurovision was the biggest moment of my life. Thank you so much!"


Denmark last won with 'Only Teardrops' back in 2013, what would it have meant for Denmark and yourself to add a fourth win?

     "Well, I hoped so. But I’m very proud of my self and my whole team behind me. And I’d never thought I would make it to the final. It was an amazing experience. And come on – 12! It’s kind a cool, when you don’t expect anything. ;)"


Eurovision always throws in some way out-there artists, this year arguably it's Iceland - what are your thoughts on Hatari? Have you got any Eurovision 2019 songs you like?

     "Well, I have talked to the guys from Hatari, and they are the sweetest. I think it’s nice to be who you are, and take a chance for once in a while. And just rock this great show! They are truly good guys. My favourite song this year is Czech Republic – (and they are sort of my friends too, hope it’s not cheating?) and Mikis ’La Venda’ always makes me dance!"


Your song 'Love Is Forever' is unique in itself being multilingual, are you fluent in German and French alongside your native Danish?

     "No, unfortunately not – we have German and French in Danish schools, but not fluent. But I really like that the song i multilingual. It shows everyone that we’re all equal and Love is forever and for everyone! I believe we all have to appreciate the differences in the world, and we should treat others with the same degree of respect, as we would like to be treated ourselves. We should embrace our differences, not be afraid of them."


You're also an award-winning skater, what was it that made you take a step back? Ice skating has it's own choreography, with Eurovision did you look back at your ice-skating for inspiration? Or where did your ideas come from?

     "That’s true. I had a hard time finding the motivation, because I started spending a lot of time on music. Also, it’s very common in Denmark to stop competing when you’re 18. Well, both disciplines feel like natural extensions of who I am, and I feel comfortable with both. Skates quite literally serve as extensions of my legs! They are a tool that allows you to do a lot of technical moves and tricks, but, more importantly, they allow you to dance on the ice and do choreography, which is the side of the sport I love the most. My ideas comes from all over, my family, people I walk by, something I see in TV – anything. "

Hellerup Sejlklub, Denmark

Would you agree that Eurovision offers escapism for everyone worldwide, free from politics, heartbreak and bad news we face everyday?

"Without a doubt. Eurovision is a singing competition, not a politic statement."


The Faroe Islands have long tried to participate, would you welcome the Faroe Islands into the contest?

"Of course! They should be in the competition, just like Iceland and the rest of the North."


Now Eurovision has finished, what are your plans? Will you be looking to record an album?

     "Afterwards, my plan is to record a new album with my own songs, and treat myself to a very long vacation! I’m already craving some relaxing downtime at home."


Do you have any greetings to send out to friends, family, fans etc?

     "Thank you so much for all your support through this journey of mine! Remember: Love is forever and for everyone Lastly, I’d encourage everyone to always be kind to one another – love is forever!"


For fun what are some fun Danish phrases people should know and use in their daily life as well as at (any) Eurovision?

• Hello. How are you? - Hej. Hvordan går det?
  

• Leonora is the best - Leonora er den bedste
  

• Don’t steal my red hat! - Du må ikke stjæle min røde hat!
  

• Remember: Love is forever - Husk: Kærlighed er for altid
  

• Please visit Denmark for more phrases - Besøg endelig Danmark for flere sætninger
  

• I will teach you - Jeg skal nok lære dig det.
  

• Thank you! - TAK!
  

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