Welcome to Ghent
"City of Hidden Treasures and Medieval Marvel"
Welcome to Ghent, a hidden treasure in the heart of Belgium, where medieval charm meets modern flair in a city that promises to captivate your senses. Nestled at the confluence of the Leie and Scheldt rivers, Ghent is a city of canals, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene that invites you to explore its every corner.
As you wander through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, you'll be awestruck by the majestic beauty of the medieval landmarks that define Ghent's skyline. The imposing Gravensteen Castle, a fortress that has stood for centuries, offers panoramic views over the city, while the magnificent St. Bavo's Cathedral houses the world-renowned Ghent Altarpiece, a masterpiece of Flemish art that will leave you speechless.
The city's medieval beauty comes alive along the Graslei and Korenlei quays, where picturesque buildings line the canals, and waterside cafes invite you to relax with a local brew or savor Belgian delicacies. Ghent is a food lover's paradise, with its thriving culinary scene offering everything from traditional Flemish stews to contemporary gourmet dishes crafted by innovative chefs.
Ghent’s cultural spirit shines brightly through its festivals and artistic pulse. Whether you’re attending the lively Gentse Feesten, one of Europe’s largest street festivals, or exploring the cutting-edge exhibits at the S.M.A.K. Museum of Contemporary Art, Ghent’s vibrant atmosphere is impossible to resist.
For those who crave a touch of romance, Ghent's illuminated nights will leave you mesmerized. As the sun sets, the city transforms into a glowing spectacle, with its historic buildings bathed in soft light, casting reflections across the tranquil canals.
Whether you're drawn by history, art, food, or simply the city’s warm, welcoming vibe, Ghent offers an unforgettable blend of past and present. So, pack your bags and come discover one of Belgium’s best-kept secrets. Welcome to Ghent – where every moment feels like stepping into a storybook.
As you wander through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, you'll be awestruck by the majestic beauty of the medieval landmarks that define Ghent's skyline. The imposing Gravensteen Castle, a fortress that has stood for centuries, offers panoramic views over the city, while the magnificent St. Bavo's Cathedral houses the world-renowned Ghent Altarpiece, a masterpiece of Flemish art that will leave you speechless.
The city's medieval beauty comes alive along the Graslei and Korenlei quays, where picturesque buildings line the canals, and waterside cafes invite you to relax with a local brew or savor Belgian delicacies. Ghent is a food lover's paradise, with its thriving culinary scene offering everything from traditional Flemish stews to contemporary gourmet dishes crafted by innovative chefs.
Ghent’s cultural spirit shines brightly through its festivals and artistic pulse. Whether you’re attending the lively Gentse Feesten, one of Europe’s largest street festivals, or exploring the cutting-edge exhibits at the S.M.A.K. Museum of Contemporary Art, Ghent’s vibrant atmosphere is impossible to resist.
For those who crave a touch of romance, Ghent's illuminated nights will leave you mesmerized. As the sun sets, the city transforms into a glowing spectacle, with its historic buildings bathed in soft light, casting reflections across the tranquil canals.
Whether you're drawn by history, art, food, or simply the city’s warm, welcoming vibe, Ghent offers an unforgettable blend of past and present. So, pack your bags and come discover one of Belgium’s best-kept secrets. Welcome to Ghent – where every moment feels like stepping into a storybook.
Host City / Ghent, Belgium
Venue / Ghelamco Arena
Hosts / Angèle and Hooverphonic
Participating countries / 44
Returning countries / Brazil and Ireland
Withdrawing countries / China, Monaco, Turkey and Vietnam
Debuting players / None
Venue / Ghelamco Arena
Hosts / Angèle and Hooverphonic
Participating countries / 44
Returning countries / Brazil and Ireland
Withdrawing countries / China, Monaco, Turkey and Vietnam
Debuting players / None
Returning Artists
15 |
Alan Walker / 8 times for Norway, twice for China and once for United Kingdom, Indonesia, South Korea and United States / Silver Medallist
|
10 |
Faouzia / 7 times for Morocco and once for Canada and United States / Double Global Music Champion
|
08 |
Il Volo / 4 times for Italy and 3 times for San Marino / Global Music Champion
|
07 |
Agnez Mo / for Indonesia / 7th place
Christopher Nissen / 4 times for Denmark and twice for South Korea / Bronze Medallist Zaz / 4 times for Monaco and twice for France / Bronze Medallist |
06 |
Elodie di Patrizi / 3 times for San Marino and twice for Italy / Silver Medallist
|
05 |
Gjon's Tears / twice for Switzerland and Albania / Bronze Medallist
Griff / for China / 4th place |
04 |
Ina Wroldsen / for Norway / Silver Medallist
|
03 |
Edita Aradinovic / for Serbia / 26th place
Martin Harich / for Slovakia / 4th place Tom Grennan / for United Kingdom / Global Music Champion |
02 |
Dilan Reka / for Albania / Semi Finalist
Elai Botner / for Israel / Semi Finalist Kasapski / for North Macedonia / 7th place Khadja Nin / for Burundi / 22nd place nublu / for Estonia / 20th place Orlin Pavlov / for Bulgaria / Semi Finalist Paulina Paukstaityte / for Lithuania / 24th place |
DEADLINESOctober 15th:
Vote in the semi finals Nominate an artist for Global Music Royalty October 27th: Vote in the final and for Global Music Royalty November 2nd: Submit a song for the next edition |
VotingGive 12, 10, 8...1 point for your top 10
In the final you also have to choose 3 substitutes Voting forms: Semi final Final |
Songs & Videos |
Live Voting |
Scoreboards |
The Result
Countries receiving most 12 points / Denmark, 5
Countries giving 12 points to the winner / Burundi, Malawi, Canada, United Kingdom and Ireland
Countries receiving points from most juries / Denmark, 23
Highest placing country not scoring a top mark / Sweden in 5th with 10 points from Brazil, Switzerland and Ukraine as highest marks
Lowest placing country scoring a top mark / Serbia in 23rd getting 12 points from Indonesia
The first top mark was awarded to United Kingdom, but onwards it became a battle between Denmark and Australia, who took turns leading the pack. Halfway through the jury voting, Denmark pulled ahead and never looked back cruising to a pretty comfortable victory. Needless to say, the won the jury vote well ahead of Brazil, Italy, United Kingdom and Canada. Italy was, however, the only country to feature in the top 5 with both the juries and the public. The televote placed Italy 4th, but it was Spain who scored a big victory with the public, having finished 8th with the juries. Romania (18th with the juries) took second ahead of Sweden (7th) with Ireland (23rd) rounding out the top 5. Denmark finished 6th in the televote and that was more than enough to secure victory. Brazil took home the silver, the bronze went to Spain and Italy and Sweden finished 4th and 5th respectively.
Denmark is a founding member of the contest and has not missed a single edition ever! After several top 10 finishes in the early editions, Denmark finised on top for the first time in GM18 with Annika Askman and again shortly after in GM20, when Bryan Rice won his first of three gold medals! He repeated on top in GM51 and together with Julie in GM68. Denmark's other gold medals came courtesy of Kendra Lou in GM28, Trine Jepsen in GM43, The Mountains in GM118, Simone in GM123, Infernal in GM136 and CARLSEN in GM146. Despite winning 9 other medals since that last victory, Denmark had to wait more than 50 editions for the 11th trophy, which came in GM203 at the hands of Rasmus Walter with Danish lyrics for the first time. In GM214 Bjørnskov also secured the 12th gold medal with a song performed in Danish, but for victory number 13 we are back to English, but for the first time featuring an artist, who is not Danish. Mikkel has been HoD for Denmark throughout all 223 participations, reaching the top 10 a total of 143 times and winning a massive 50 medals! Well done Denmark, Christopher, Griff and Mikkel!
Countries giving 12 points to the winner / Burundi, Malawi, Canada, United Kingdom and Ireland
Countries receiving points from most juries / Denmark, 23
Highest placing country not scoring a top mark / Sweden in 5th with 10 points from Brazil, Switzerland and Ukraine as highest marks
Lowest placing country scoring a top mark / Serbia in 23rd getting 12 points from Indonesia
The first top mark was awarded to United Kingdom, but onwards it became a battle between Denmark and Australia, who took turns leading the pack. Halfway through the jury voting, Denmark pulled ahead and never looked back cruising to a pretty comfortable victory. Needless to say, the won the jury vote well ahead of Brazil, Italy, United Kingdom and Canada. Italy was, however, the only country to feature in the top 5 with both the juries and the public. The televote placed Italy 4th, but it was Spain who scored a big victory with the public, having finished 8th with the juries. Romania (18th with the juries) took second ahead of Sweden (7th) with Ireland (23rd) rounding out the top 5. Denmark finished 6th in the televote and that was more than enough to secure victory. Brazil took home the silver, the bronze went to Spain and Italy and Sweden finished 4th and 5th respectively.
Denmark is a founding member of the contest and has not missed a single edition ever! After several top 10 finishes in the early editions, Denmark finised on top for the first time in GM18 with Annika Askman and again shortly after in GM20, when Bryan Rice won his first of three gold medals! He repeated on top in GM51 and together with Julie in GM68. Denmark's other gold medals came courtesy of Kendra Lou in GM28, Trine Jepsen in GM43, The Mountains in GM118, Simone in GM123, Infernal in GM136 and CARLSEN in GM146. Despite winning 9 other medals since that last victory, Denmark had to wait more than 50 editions for the 11th trophy, which came in GM203 at the hands of Rasmus Walter with Danish lyrics for the first time. In GM214 Bjørnskov also secured the 12th gold medal with a song performed in Danish, but for victory number 13 we are back to English, but for the first time featuring an artist, who is not Danish. Mikkel has been HoD for Denmark throughout all 223 participations, reaching the top 10 a total of 143 times and winning a massive 50 medals! Well done Denmark, Christopher, Griff and Mikkel!
The Winner
"It Could Have Been Us" by Christopher and Griff is a heartfelt duet that captures the bittersweet feeling of what-ifs and missed chances in love. The song’s lyrics are reflective, with each artist expressing the lingering emotions tied to a relationship that didn't quite work out. Their vocal chemistry brings depth to the story, as they harmonize over a melodic pop backdrop that blends warmth with a touch of melancholy.
Musically, the song is crafted with a smooth, modern pop production, allowing both Christopher’s and Griff’s vocals to shine while adding a sense of emotional weight. The sincerity in their performances resonates, drawing listeners into the vulnerability of their lyrics.
Though it didn't dominate the global charts, "It Could Have Been Us" found considerable success among fans of pop ballads and achieved solid streaming numbers, especially across Northern Europe. The song's relatable theme and poignant delivery made it a favorite for listeners, further establishing both artists in the pop music scene.
Musically, the song is crafted with a smooth, modern pop production, allowing both Christopher’s and Griff’s vocals to shine while adding a sense of emotional weight. The sincerity in their performances resonates, drawing listeners into the vulnerability of their lyrics.
Though it didn't dominate the global charts, "It Could Have Been Us" found considerable success among fans of pop ballads and achieved solid streaming numbers, especially across Northern Europe. The song's relatable theme and poignant delivery made it a favorite for listeners, further establishing both artists in the pop music scene.