1 year ago

Dates: Semi-final 1: 6 May 2014 - Semi-final 2: 8 May 2014
Final: 10 May 2014 - Host venue: B&W Hallerne, Copenhagen, Denmark
Presenters: Lise Rønne, Nikolaj Koppel, Pilou Asbæk
Directed by Per Zachariassen
Executive supervisor: Jon Ola Sand
Executive producer : Pernille Gaardbo
Host broadcaster: Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR)

The Eurovision Song Contest 2014 was the 59th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. It took place in Copenhagen, Denmark, following the country's victory at the 2013 contest with the song "Only Teardrops" by Emmelie de Forest. Organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and host broadcaster Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR), the contest was held at B&W Hallerne, and consisted of two semi-finals on 6 and 8 May, and a final on 10 May 2014. The three live shows were presented by Danish television presenter Lise Rønne, musician Nikolaj Koppel and actor Pilou Asbæk.

Thirty-seven countries participated in the contest; this included the return of Poland and Portugal after absences of two years and one year respectively. Overall, there were two fewer countries competing compared to the previous year, making thirty-seven participants, the smallest number since 2006. Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Serbia announced that they would not be taking part.

The winner was Austria with the song "Rise Like a Phoenix", performed by Conchita Wurst and written by Charley Mason, Joey Patulka, Ali Zuckowski, and Julian Maas. The entry won both the jury vote and televote. Austria's first victory was 48 years earlier in 1966, which at the time was the longest gap between wins. The Netherlands, Sweden, Armenia and Hungary rounded out the top five, with the Netherlands achieving their best result since its victory in 1975, Hungary achieving its best result since its fourth place in 1994, and Armenia equalling its best result from 2008. Of the "Big Five" countries, only Spain achieved a place in the top ten, while France finished in last place for the first time in its Eurovision history. Meanwhile, San Marino and Montenegro both qualified for the final for the first time.

A new record of 195 million viewers for the contest was reported. The host broadcaster DR and the EBU won the International TV Award at the Ondas Awards for their production of the contest. The show organisers from Copenhagen spent in total DKr 112 million on the contest, three times more than the expected costs, and were furthermore accused of nepotism. The contest was held in the immediate aftermath of the 2014 Ukrainian revolution and subsequent annexation of Crimea by Russia. Votes cast through Ukrainian telecom providers which service Crimea were counted towards Ukraine's votes.

Danish royal family members Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary attended the final as invited guests. In March 2014, host broadcaster DR invited Jessica Mauboy to perform during the interval act of the second semi-final on 8 May 2014, part of DR's recognition of Australia's dedication to the contest. Mauboy performed the song "Sea of Flags" during the interval act.

Semi-final 1:

Spain, France, and Denmark voted in this semi-final.

R/O Country Artist Song Points Place
1 Armenia Aram Mp3 "Not Alone" 121 4
2 Latvia Aarzemnieki "Cake to Bake" 33 13
3 Estonia Tanja "Amazing" 36 12
4 Sweden Sanna Nielsen "Undo" 131 2
5 Iceland Pollapönk "No Prejudice" 61 8
6 Albania Hersi "One Night's Anger" 22 15
7 Russia Tolmachevy Sisters "Shine" 63 6
8 Azerbaijan Dilara Kazimova "Start a Fire" 57 9
9 Ukraine Mariya Yaremchuk "Tick-Tock" 118 5
10 Belgium Axel Hirsoux "Mother" 28 14
11 Moldova Cristina Scarlat "Wild Soul" 13 16
12 San Marino Valentina Monetta "Maybe" 40 10
13 Portugal Suzy "Quero ser tua" 39 11
14 Netherlands The Common Linnets "Calm After the Storm" 150 1
15 Montenegro Sergej Ćetković "Moj svijet" 63 7
16 Hungary András Kállay-Saunders "Running" 127 3