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Denmark's Rasmussen surrenders to Eurovision stage for first rehearsal

01 May 2018 at 15:30 CEST
First Rehearsal Denmark Thomas Hanses
While the vikings only made it to Portugal for an occasional raid, Denmark's Rasmussen shows this year's Eurovision hosts a more peaceful interpretation of the Norse seafarers during his first rehearsal on stage.

Rasmussen, or Jonas Flodager Rasmussen, is 33 years old and lives in Western Denmark. Besides working part-time as a voice and performance coach, he has also been acting in musicals such as West Side Story and Les Misérables. 

Higher Ground, Rasmussen’s entry for the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest, is inspired by the Viking Magnus Erlendsson and his refusal to fight in the Battle of Anglesey Sound in 1098. 

ALSO READ: Rasmussen's profile.

Rasmussen’s song Higher Ground was written, composed and produced by the two Swedes Niclas Arn and Karl Eurén.

Those who have followed Denmark's national selection for this year's Eurovision Song Contest will immediately notice that the stage act for Higher Ground hasn't changed much in the meantime. Rasmussen, surrounded by two white sails, is supported by his four backing singers, one of whom is waving a white flag, the symbol of peace and surrender.

The song's viking theme is strengthened by blue and white light, and the long black coats all five on stage are wearing. Rasmussen delivers a steady vocal performance throughout the song.

Eurovision.tv caught up with Rasmussen after his first rehearsal, he admitted being really happy about his performance: "It was a great first rehearsal and it felt so good to be on stage. We got in the right mode and we even brought snow to Lisbon!"

Denmark will take part in the second Semi-Final on Thursday, 10th of May.

What do you think of Rasmussen's first rehearsal? Will Denmark qualify for the Grand Final? Let us know in the comments!