🇩🇰 Denmark will not return to Junior Eurovision in 2021

Danish broadcaster DR have confirmed to Eurofestivales that they will not be returning to Junior Eurovision this year. The 2021 contest is set to be held in Paris this December.

Denmark last took part in Junior Eurovision at the 2005 contest, held in Hasselt, Belgium. The broadcaster withdrew from the contest due to, among other reasons, too much pressure being placed upon the junior singers.

Out for the 16th time in a row!

Despite Denmark’s successful results during their three appearances at the junior contest, DR remains out of the contest for the 16th consecutive time. The Danish capital city hosted the first ever contest back in 2003, where Denmark placed 5th. They went on to score another 5th place finish in 2004 and did one better in 2005, finishing 4th.

In 2018, the EBU reportedly called upon DR to return to the contest. However, Jan Lagermand Lundme – the entertainment manager for DR1 – refused the EBU’s invitation, stating that:

The values that we put in Denmark in a children’s programme do not coincide with the values of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. It seems that children are on stage and playing adults instead of acting like children… Children must be children, they should not try to strive to be something they are not.

Jan Lagermand Lundme, DR1 Entertainment Manager

Junior Eurovision 2021 so far

Only days after Valentina’s win, the EBU were quick to confirm that we will be travelling to France for the 18th edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. The contest will take place on December 19th at La Seine Musicale. The slogan of the contest will be Imagine.

At this point, nine countries have confirmed to participate in the JESC edition of 2021. 

• Ireland
• France
• Georgia
• Germany
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Russia
• Spain

It’s still early, so we expect more countries to participate. Stay tuned for more updates!

Are you disappointed that Denmark won’t be returning to the Junior contest? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify and YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to the 2022 national final season!