Denmark has a new Eurovision hero — and it’s not the one anyone expected
In a shock twist that sent fans reeling and bookmakers scrambling, musical theatre favourite Søren Torpegaard Lund stormed past runaway favourite Sissal to win Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2026 on Saturday night.
For months, the narrative seemed set in stone. Bookies, superfans and Eurovision bloggers were all but engraving Sissal’s name on the trophy, expecting a repeat of her 2025 triumph. But live television has a wicked sense of humour — and this year, it delivered a plot twist worthy of a West End finale.
A Dramatic Finish No One Saw Coming
As the final votes rolled in, the atmosphere inside the arena flipped from predictable to electric. Sissal, who had dominated pre‑show polls, faltered at the final hurdle, leaving the stage wide open for Lund’s late‑surging performance. And surge he did.
With his sleek electronic pop entry «Før vi går hjem», the musical star clinched the title in the dying minutes of the broadcast, sending shockwaves through the fandom and securing his ticket to Eurovision in May.
Denmark’s New Eurovision Hope
Now, all eyes turn to Lund as he prepares to carry the Danish flag to the world’s biggest music stage. His track — a polished, modern slice of electro‑pop — is already stirring buzz among Eurovision watchers who love a dark horse story.
Whether he can sing Denmark back into the Eurovision final remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: he’s already mastered the art of a dramatic comeback.
Controversy Swirls Around DR TV Expert’s Comments
The night wasn’t without drama offstage either. DR TV’s Eurovision expert sparked backlash after defending the EBU’s stance on Israel’s participation — a position many viewers found tone‑deaf given the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine.
Critics online blasted the remarks as «unmusical» and out of touch, accusing the broadcaster of ignoring the suffering of civilians. The debate is already overshadowing parts of the post‑show conversation, adding yet another layer of intensity to an already fiery national final.
