Skip to main content

Five questions: Why we have three hosts this year

04 February 2014 at 12:26 CET
Eurovision 2014 presenters: Lise Rønne, Nikolaj Koppel and Pilou Asbæk. Eurovision.tv

Why are there going to be three hosts?

It's happening because of the three hosts! They are completely different and compliment each other perfectly. As far as I know, we have not seen this constellation of men and one woman before in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest. The Swedes had just one single hosts, and Petra Mede was fantastic. But we want to do something completely different, and the three hosts will each have their own role, which makes a lot of sense.

When did it all fall into place - and what was the process of choosing them?

It fell into place during the past few weeks. We have had a lot of auditions and tried many different formations, and it is great to experience how much presenting talent there is in Denmark. But since I saw the audition with Pilou, Lise and Nikolaj, I was not in any doubt that they were right for the job.

Why exactly are there three hosts?

We have been looking out for three people, each with their own profile. Nikolaj Koppen is the classic host, and is great at keeping control of the rules and points, at the same time he is in very good company. Lise Rønne is extremely empathetic and good at talking to the artists, which is important as I'd very much like for us to spend more time in the Green Room in order to get closer to the participants. And Pilou Asbæk is the surprise, who brings something quite unexpected to the show.  

What can these three do, that no others can?

They can guide the people of Europe and Denmark safely through the three live shows in May - each with their own personalities. They are good company, they can bring the viewers closer to the participants and they have a spark in their eyes.  

Many have made fun of Søren Pilmark and Natasja Crone, who spoke in rhyming couplets in 2001. How will you avoid that type of criticism?

I personally think that the hosts did a really good job in 2001. But this year we want to do something completely different with the show, and have found three hosts that will put their own mark on it and deliver the goods. That, I am sure of.

The 2014 Eurovision Song Contest will take place on the 6th, 8th and 10th of May at the B&W-Hallerne on Refshaleøen in Copenhagen.