Overview
The 59th Eurovision Song Contest was staged in Copenhagen, Denmark, after Danish singer Emmelie de Forest secured victory the previous year at Eurovision 2013. The live shows took place over three nights in May 2014: the first semi-final on 6 May, the second on 8 May, and the grand final on 10 May. The event brought together entries from most of the participating European broadcasters and associated countries.
Format and participants
The 2014 contest followed the modern Eurovision format of two semi-finals and a final, with a mix of jury and televoting determining qualifiers. Around 37 countries took part, each submitting a song in accordance with the contest rules. The shows combined music performances, interval acts, and elaborate staging sequences, with delegations presenting entries that spanned pop, folk, ballad, and alternative styles.
Results and winner
The contest winner was Austria, represented by Conchita Wurst performing Rise Like a Phoenix. The victory was notable not only for the song and performance but also for the broad international attention it received. Final placings and point totals were announced during the grand final, and the win carried cultural and media resonance beyond the music itself.
Production and staging
The organizers selected an arena in Copenhagen and constructed a stage and lighting design suited to televised pop spectacle. Producers aimed for a balance between television-friendly camera work and a live-concert atmosphere. Presenters, interval acts and national postcards (short films introducing each entry) formed part of the televised programme, providing context and variety across the three broadcast nights.
Notable facts and legacy
- Host city: Copenhagen hosted international delegations, media and fans in a city-wide celebration.
- Broadcast reach: The event was transmitted to millions of viewers across Europe and beyond, as in previous years.
- Cultural impact: The winning performance provoked discussion about identity, tolerance and the role of popular music in public discourse.
Further reading
For background on the competition, its rules and national selection processes, see the official contest pages and broadcaster reports. The 2014 edition remains one of the better-documented recent contests because of its high-profile winner and the international attention the shows received. Additional information and archival footage can be found through the event organisers and participating broadcasters.
Eurovision overview • Copenhagen host information • Denmark as host nation • Emmelie de Forest • Eurovision 2013 background