20 London

Welcome to London
"Gothic Grandeur by the River"

Welcome to London, a city where centuries of history blend seamlessly with the pulse of modern life. From the iconic landmarks to the hidden gems, this metropolis is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be uncovered. The heart of the British Empire, London is a living museum, where every cobblestone and corner has a story to tell. Towering over the River Thames, the majestic Tower of London is a sentinel of the past, safeguarding the Crown Jewels. The Gothic spires of Westminster Abbey resonate with the echoes of royal coronations and historic events. Discover the world-famous Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch. Witness the Changing of the Guard, a ceremonial spectacle that has captivated visitors for generations. Stroll through the lush greenery of Hyde Park, a tranquil oasis amidst the urban hustle and bustle. The River Thames weaves through London like a liquid ribbon, and a leisurely cruise along its waters offers breathtaking views of the city's skyline. As you pass under the Tower Bridge, you'll feel the city's energy course through you. London is a global culinary capital, boasting a diverse array of restaurants, street food markets, and quaint pubs. Savor a traditional English breakfast, indulge in a proper afternoon tea, or explore international cuisines in neighborhoods like Chinatown and Brick Lane. The West End beckons with world-class theater productions, where the magic of the stage comes alive in venues like the Royal Opera House and the Globe Theatre. Immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene at the Tate Modern, the British Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. London's shopping is legendary, from luxury boutiques in Knightsbridge to quirky finds in Camden Market. Oxford Street, with its department stores, is a shopaholic's paradise, and Carnaby Street is a fashion mecca. For Harry Potter fans, a visit to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is an enchanting journey into the wizarding world. Step into the Great Hall and explore the magic behind the beloved films. London's neighborhoods each have a unique character, from the trendy streets of Shoreditch to the historic charm of Notting Hill. Experience the electric nightlife in Soho, where clubs, bars, and live music venues keep the city alive after dark. London's parks and green spaces provide a tranquil escape from the urban jungle. From the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew to the serene beauty of Hampstead Heath, nature lovers will find solace in the city's natural oases. London is a city that never sleeps, a city that embraces tradition and innovation, and a city that welcomes visitors with open arms. So, embark on an adventure in the heart of the British capital, where history and contemporary culture merge, and every street is an invitation to explore. Your journey begins in London, a timeless city of dreams!

Host City / London, United Kingdom
Venue / Royal Albert Hall
Hosts / Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley

Participating countries / 27
Debuting countries / None
Returning countries / Israel
Withdrawing countries / Cyprus, France, Macedonia, Monaco, Romania, South Korea and Sweden

Debuting players / Rami for Israel

Returning Artists

C Real / for Greece / placing 7th
Enya / for Ireland / placing 5th
Selma Bajrami / for Bosnia-Herzegovina / placing 4th
Within Temptation / for Netherlands / Bronze Medallists

The Result

Countries receiving most 12 points / Denmark, Poland and United Kingdom, 3
Countries giving 12 points to the winner / Canada, Andorra and United Kingdom
Countries receiving points from most juries / Denmark, 19
Highest placing country not scoring a top mark / Andorra in 8th place with 8 points from Netherlands and Hungary as highest marks
Lowest placing country scoring a top mark / United States in 26th place getting 12 points from Greece

Netherlands and Denmark fought for the lead in the beginning, but about a third into the voting, Denmark pulled away and never looked back, taking home their second trophy! The silver went to Canada and Iceland took home the bronze, while Netherlands and host country United Kingdom rounded out the top 5.

Denmark is a founding member of Global Music and even hosted the very first edition. In their first 17 participations, Denmark finished in the top 10 an impressive 11 times including 7 consecutive times from GM04 through GM10. However, the medals had eluded them until Annika Askman brought them their first gold medal only 2 editions ago. That was followed with a bronze medal on home ground and now Denmark strikes gold again! Well done Denmark, Bryan Rice and Mikkel!