Author: Jakub Wójcik

Duncan Laurence, a Dutch singer and songwriter, may be known for his Eurovision success. And not just any Eurovision win, as it was the Netherlands’ first Eurovision win since 1975. He performed the ballad “Arcade” and showed his musical talent to a wider audience. Laurence owes his 2019 victory not only to his musical talent, but also to the dedication and commitment he put into his performance.

Beginnings

Duncan de Moor, as this artist’s real name is, was born in 1994 in Spijkenisse, Netherlands. He developed his musical talent while studying at the Rock Academy in Tilburg. He had previously performed in 2014 on The Voice of Holland, but this did not yet provide him with the full fame he gained over time.

Eurovision Victory

Personal longing, loss, deep sadness with a reflective message – this is probably what most captivated the judges in Laurence’s emotional ballad “Arcade”. However, the sparse and intimate staging, dramatic visual effects and dim lighting certainly added to the captivating atmosphere. Both the melodic piano playing and the moving lyrics stirred emotions in the audience, including the experts. Duncan Laurence came 2nd in the jury vote and won the public vote. May 18, 2019 is certainly one of the most important dates for Laurence himself and the entire history of Eurovision, as the artist ultimately scored 498 points, which is a great result.

Popularity

As you might expect, “Arcade” gained considerable popularity and became a worldwide hit. In the United States, it entered the Billboard Hot 100, something that Eurovision songs rarely managed to do. In Europe, the song has repeatedly been on the charts in many countries. Interestingly, the song’s popularity has been revived in 2020-2021 through viral trends on TikTok.

Further Development

Laurence’s success in Eurovision not only increased Dutch interest in the contest, but also showed how important it is for the music to be well-composed and convey numerous emotions. Otherwise, “Arcade” would certainly not have won the hearts of so many people around the world. In connection with this great achievement, Duncan Laurence has continued to develop his career and collaborate with various artists on the international stage. In 2020, he also released his debut album Small Town Boy.

The Importance of Eurovision

Laurence’s story shows that Eurovision can also be a good chance for emerging talents and can make talented and passionate musicians even world stars. It also shows that in music, authenticity and sincerely expressed emotions are what counts most, and they can win the hearts of listeners all over the world.

Source: uDiscoverMusic

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