DR has opened submissions for the DMGP, which will determine Denmark’s representative for Eurovision 2026. Here are the song submission rules – and why the process is more complex than it seems.
The Danish national broadcaster, DR, has issued an open call inviting the public to participate in the Danish national selection – Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2026 – scheduled for February 14th, 2026. Registration is now open, and musicians, songwriters, and artists are encouraged to submit songs that could represent Denmark at Eurovision 2026. According to the broadcaster’s regulations, submissions will be accepted until November 2nd, 2025.
The Gateway to Eurovision: What Makes a Winning Song?
For decades, Dansk Melodi Grand Prix has been the flagship event of the Danish pop industry. Only eight songs will be selected to compete in the televised final, and the winner will travel as Denmark’s official representative to Eurovision 2026. According to the national broadcaster, the winning entry must reflect high quality, cultural diversity, and an emotional connection that will honorably represent Denmark on the international stage.
The submission criteria are clear: at least one of the songwriters or performers must be a Danish citizen or have a strong connection to Denmark, and the songs must be original, up to three minutes in length, and not previously published or performed publicly.
New Trends and Influences from the Latest Eurovision
Following Denmark’s low score at Eurovision 2025, the national broadcaster is seeking a significant musical refresh. On social media, there has been a recurring sentiment that Denmark’s selections have remained too conservative. The current rule changes, including full openness to various genres and languages, signal a desire to align more closely with the vibrant European core of the competition.
The experiences of countries like Finland, Albania, and Sweden show that when an authentic and bold song is chosen – even if not in English – it can go viral on TikTok and capture the audience’s imagination. This may be the inspiration behind Denmark’s current direction.
The Selection Process: Behind the Scenes and Legal Risks
The Danish national broadcaster clarifies that every song passing the initial screening will be reviewed by a professional panel – without the possibility of appeal. Songs must be submitted in the highest demo quality, including a simple video of the performer. Even those not selected will receive personal notification.
Selected artists are required to work with the Danish national broadcaster on marketing, production, styling, distribution on streaming platforms, and participation in official EBU compilations. Any change to the lyrics or composition requires broadcaster approval. Violating the rules, even unintentionally, may result in disqualification and even financial penalties.
Not Just a Stage – Contracts, Restrictions, and Obligations
As in similar competitions, there is a series of strict conditions: all participants must be over 18 at the time of Eurovision, political messages are prohibited, personal commercial sponsorships are not allowed, and all marketing must be coordinated with the Danish national broadcaster.
One notable clause in the regulations: no song may use the names “Dansk Melodi Grand Prix” or “Eurovision Song Contest” for promotional purposes unless written permission is granted. Additionally, all rights to distribution, broadcasting, and representation are automatically transferred to the Danish national broadcaster and the EBU.
What Does This Mean for the Artists?
The central question is how these regulations serve the creators. On one hand, this is an enormous platform offering unprecedented exposure. On the other, some artists are concerned about creative restrictions or extensive financial commitments.
In this context, it seems the Danish selection will become a battleground between musical approaches – will Denmark opt for a safe, traditional choice this year, or dare to send something groundbreaking that could change its Eurovision standing? Much like in 2013, when Emmelie de Forest won with “Only Teardrops”, Denmark knows what it takes to win – but can it find the winning formula again?
Denmark at Eurovision 2025
“Hallucination” is the song performed by singer Sissal, who represented Denmark in the grand final of Eurovision 2025. Denmark qualified for the grand final after placing eighth in the second semi-final with 61 points, marking the country’s first qualification for the final after four consecutive years of remaining in the semi-finals. In the grand final, Denmark received 45 points from the jury and just 2 points from the public, finishing in 23rd place overall.
Eurovision 2025: This was Denmark’s 53rd participation in Eurovision. Denmark joined the competition in 1957 and has won it three times over the years. Denmark’s last victory was in Eurovision 2013 with the song “Only Teardrops” performed by singer Emmelie de Forest.
