Just a day after releasing “Arcade”, Duncan Laurence has performed his Eurovision Song Contest entry live for the first time. He was a guest on De Wereld Draait Door, where he sang the song in an orchestral version, accompanied by string instruments.
Live arrangement
The arrangement Duncan used tonight on the talkshow is not the version he will be singing in Tel Aviv. For his first live performance of the song, he and his team decided to use this orchestral version. The version was accompanied by string instruments, as well as a piano and backing vocals.
De Wereld Draait Door is a known podium for the Dutch Eurovision act. Last year, Waylon performed his “Outlaw In ‘Em” there live for the first time. He did the same with “Calm After The Storm” when he accompanied Ilse DeLange as part of The Common Linnets during for the contest in 2014. After Duncan’s performance, the show had a short discussion about the Eurovision Song Contest this year. They also discussed the overwhelming support for Duncan’s song.
Initial reactions
The Dutch entry seems to have been received well. He showed his relief once the reveal had taken place. Broadcaster AVROTROS uploaded a clip to YouTube of Duncan shortly after the reveal, which you can see here.
At this stage in the preparations for Eurovision 2019, bookmakers start to come into the picture. The Netherlands are now ranked second most likely to win the Eurovision Song Contest, only behind Russia. They have passed other favourites such as Sweden, Cyprus and Italy.
What do you think about the first live performance of “Arcade”? Let us know!
