Vi maler byen rød og himlen hvid af stjerneskær
Det grå og triste får en ekstra farveklat
The last Meet & Greet in Stockholm’s Euro Fan Café on Thursday was about none other than the longtime fan favourite Birthe Kjær, who represented Denmark in Eurovision Song Contest 1989 with her sunny song ‘Vi maler byen rød’. With the song Birthe earned Denmark a third place that year in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The previous night, Birthe had performed at Euroclub. She thought it was fantastic and was proud of how people from so many different nationalities remembered her song and knew the lyrics by heart. As an evidence, the audience started singing it again! The interviewer pointed out, though, how difficult the song was to learn when he was a 14-year-old boy in London.
Birthe’s biggest memories from the 1989 contest were, in addition to her song, the big stage and knowing the show had so many viewers. Her friends and many of the press didn’t really believe in the song that time, predicting it would end up 18th out of the 23 countries competing. However, during the voting the song was leading at times and Birthe was almost afraid of what she would do if she won. According to Birthe it was a huge experience to represent her country, as there is a whole nation to support and defend you in the contest. It has been one of the top experiences in her career and life.
Birthe also still watches the Eurovision Song Contest, although it has changed a lot during the years. When asked if she would take part in the contest again, she kindly refused as she feels too old for that (the audience did not agree though!) and that she has had her time. Perhaps we might see her as a presenter for DMPG again, if she gets the opportunity. Birthe often performs many of her favourite Eurovision classics, such as ‘Hallelujah’ and ‘Waterloo’, but she can’t name one top favourite Eurovision entry of all the songs. She also likes the Danish song by Lighthouse X this year. “I’ve had it in my head all morning, and that’s a good sight!”. Her advice for the group competing in the second semifinal was mostly to enjoy it, because life is to collect good experiences and good memories you can think back to when you’re older.
Watch the interview (Meet & Greet) with Birthe Kjær:
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Updated: 10.06.2016