ESC+Plus has talked to Jeanette Bonde, finalist of this year’s Danish national selection for Eurovision. Jeanette will perform «Hurricane» in the final of DMGP 2017, set to take place tomorrow.
ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Danish national selection for Eurovision 2017!
Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?
Jeanette Bonde: I’ve been writing songs and singing since I was very young, but it wasn’t until the age of 16, that I realized music had been a big, big part of my life. In 2008 I won the first prize in a singer contest called “Young Singers” (Unge Sangere) in Denmark.
I’ve always practiced a lot and in 2014 I achieved my Master Of Music degree from The Royal Danish Academy of Music. Since then I have worked as a songwriter, backing singer, lead singer, choir conductor and vocal coach and I love the fact, that I am able to do the things I love and make it a living!
ESC+Plus: What impelled you to take part in DMGP 2017?
Jeanette Bonde: I wrote the song “Hurricane” at a songwriter camp in Aarhus, DK in 2015 with some amazing people, that I like a lot. We didn’t know what to do with the song, but eventually (during the summer of 2016) we agreed that we should try and see, if it could make it and become a part of DMGP 2017.
ESC+Plus: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the final? Did you expect it?
Jeanette Bonde: When the song got accepted as one of the 10 finalists in DK, we got SO happy!! It means the world to us, that we can tell the message of Hurricane on the big screen and hopefully reach out to all those people who feels the same way <3
ESC+Plus: What would it mean to you to represent Denmark?
Jeanette Bonde: It would be the greatest honor! I love Denmark, and words cannot describe how proud that would make me feel!
ESC+Plus: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?
Jeanette Bonde: It’s a both electronic and organic pop song with a lot of room for the big emotions of life. The lyrics say that you should look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself, that you are amazing just the way you and also believe that in times of sorrow and trouble in your life. The storms of life – the hurricanes of life – should never force us to be anyone else than ourselves!
ESC+Plus: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Kiev? What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?
Jeanette Bonde: The message of the song is very important in the world we live in. Everything is going so fast, and we easily lose ourselves on the way.
I’m a dedicated singer and songwriter, and I believe that working hard for something you really want is the key to reach your dreams. I wrote the song from my heart and I sing it from my heart!
ESC+Plus: Have you thought about your stage performance?
Jeanette Bonde: Yes – a lot And everything is set for Saturday! I can’t wait to show you!
ESC+Plus: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What is your favorite song in the history of the competition?
Jeanette Bonde: It has been a tradition in my family that we all sat together and watched both the Danish qualification and the ESC. I love the smiles, the show and to be able to hear so much new music. Favorite song is Euphoria.
ESC+Plus: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?
Jeanette Bonde: I would love to sing with Loreen – she is an amazing vocalist and performer.
ESC+Plus: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
Jeanette Bonde: Please continue what you are already doing! – Sharing your love for the ESC so that it will keep on existing year after year It’s amazing that the release of new song is celebrated the way it is.
I also hope, you love my song “Hurricane” as much as I do and that I will see you in Kiev!