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Only Teardrops
Only Teardrops
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"Only Teardrops"
Single by Emmelie de Forest
from the album Only Teardrops
Released22 January 2013
Recorded2012
Genre
Length3:03
LabelSony Music
Songwriters
ProducerFrederik Thaae [da]
Emmelie de Forest singles chronology
"Only Teardrops"
(2013)
"Hunter & Prey"
(2013)
Audio sample
Music video
"Only Teardrops" on YouTube
Eurovision Song Contest 2013 entry
Country
Artist
Language
English
Composers
Lyricists
Finals performance
Semi-final result
1st
Semi-final points
167
Final result
1st
Final points
281
Entry chronology
◄ "Should've Known Better" (2012)
"Cliché Love Song" (2014) ►
Official performance video
"Only Teardrops" (Semi-Final) on YouTube
"Only Teardrops" (Final) on YouTube

"Only Teardrops" is a song recorded by Danish singer Emmelie de Forest, written by Lise Cabble, Julia Fabrin Jakobsen, and Thomas Stengaard, and produced by Frederik Thaae. It represented Denmark in the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 held in Malmö, resulting in the country's third win in the contest.

It was originally written to represent Germany in the contest, but was rejected.[1]

Background

[edit]

Conception

[edit]

"Only Teardrops" was written in 2012 by Lise Cabble, Julia Fabrin Jakobsen, and Thomas Stengaard, and produced by Frederik Thaae.[2][1]

Eurovision

[edit]
"Only Teardrops" at Eurovision

On 26 January 2013, "Only Teardrops" performed by Emmelie de Forest competed in the 43rd edition of the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, winning the competition. During the performance, several musicians on stage were accidentally dressed in SS uniforms, due to a mix-up in DR's costume department where the costumes were also meant to be used in a historical drama.[3] As the festival was used by the Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR) to select its song and performer for the 58th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, the song became the Danish entrant, and de Forest the performer, for Eurovision.[4][5]

On 14 May 2013, the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest was held in the Malmö Arena in Malmö hosted by Sveriges Television (SVT) and broadcast live throughout the continent. Emmelie de Forest performed "Only Teardrops" fifth on the evening. After the grand final it was revealed that it had received in its semi-final 167 points, placing first and qualifying for the grand final.[6] On 18 May 2013, she performed the song again in the grand final eighteenth on the evening.[7] At the close of voting, it had received 281 points finished in first place and winning the contest.[8] It was Denmark's third win in the contest.

Aftermath

[edit]

As the winning broadcaster, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) gave DR the responsibility to host the following edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. De Forest opened the first semi-final on 6 May 2014 performing "Only Teardrops".[9] On 31 March 2015, she performed the song in the Eurovision sixtieth anniversary show Eurovision Song Contest's Greatest Hits held in London.[10][11]

Track listing

[edit]
  • Digital download
  1. "Only Teardrops" – 3:03
  • CD single
  1. "Only Teardrops" – 3:03
  2. "Only Teardrops" (instrumental version) – 3:03
  • Digital download – Kongsted remix
  1. "Only Teardrops" (Kongsted remix) – 5:34
  2. "Only Teardrops" (Kongsted remix radio edit) – 3:40

Credits and personnel

[edit]
  • Lise Cabble – songwriter
  • Julia Fabrin Jakobsen – first songwriter
  • Thomas Stengaard – songwriter
  • Frederik Thaae – producer, keyboards, guitar, drums, programming
  • Emmelie de Forest – vocals
  • Gunhild Overegseth – backing vocals
  • Hans Find Møller – Tin whistle
  • Tore Nissen – vocal production

Credits adapted from DR.[2]

Music video

[edit]

De Forest posted several photographs onto her Facebook account from the shooting of the video. The video is directed by Michael Sauer Christensen. It has been filmed in the forest and on the beach.[12] It was released on 13 June 2013, in DR's official website.[13][14]

Commercial performance

[edit]

The song was an instant hit in de Forest's home country of Denmark, where it debuted and peaked at number two on the Danish Singles Chart upon its release.[15] Following its victory in Eurovision, the song re-entered the singles chart at number one. It has since been certified gold by IFPI Denmark for sales of 15,000 digital copies. It was the fourteenth best-selling digital single in Denmark in 2013.[16]

In the United Kingdom, "Only Teardrops" debuted at number 99, despite Eurovision airing only four hours before the cut-off point for the chart.[17] A week later, the single rose to a high of No. 15 in the UK. In its third week, it dropped to No. 84 and dropped out of the chart the following week after 3 weeks on British chart. According to The Official Charts Company, "Only Teardrops" is the seventh most downloaded Eurovision song to date in the United Kingdom.[18]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[55] Platinum 30,000^
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[56] Platinum 1,800,000
Germany (BVMI)[57] Gold 150,000

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format Label
Denmark[58] 22 January 2013 Digital download Sony Music
Worldwide[59] 2 May 2013
Austria[60] 14 June 2013 CD single
Germany[61]
Switzerland[62]
Worldwide[63] 24 June 2013 Digital download – Kongsted remix

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
"Only Teardrops" is a pop ballad performed by Danish singer Emmelie de Forest that represented Denmark in the Eurovision Song Contest 2013, held in Malmö, Sweden, where it won with 281 points, marking the nation's third victory in the event. The track, selected via the Danish national final Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, features distinctive flute elements and addresses themes of conflict and reconciliation through its lyrics. Following the contest triumph, "Only Teardrops" topped the Danish singles chart and achieved notable positions across various European countries, including peaks in Sweden, Finland, and Greece.

Development

Songwriting and conception

"Only Teardrops" was composed by Danish songwriters Lise Cabble, Julia Fabrin Jakobsen, and Thomas Stengaard specifically for submission to Dansk Melodi Grand Prix (DMGP), Denmark's national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2013. The collaboration leveraged Cabble's established experience in Eurovision songwriting, having previously co-authored Denmark's 1995 entry "Fra Mols til Skagen" (5th place) and 2011 entry "New Tomorrow" (5th place), alongside Fabrin's emerging talent as a frequent co-writer with Cabble, noted for their strong creative chemistry. Stengaard, who had released albums as a performer before shifting to songwriting and production, marked his DMGP debut with this track, contributing to its folk-influenced structure featuring elements and building orchestration. The song's conception centered on themes of emotional , , and resilience, portraying teardrops as the sole remnants of strife in personal relationships while evoking broader metaphors of on a global scale. Performer , upon selecting the demo, described its melancholic essence as universally relatable, stating it addressed ", both in a relationship and in the world as a whole," which she connected with during intensive development prior to the DMGP performance on , 2013. The track's lyrics emphasize introspection and catharsis, with lines like "We're fighting wars inside / But only teardrops now" underscoring a shift from confrontation to emotional release, aligning with de Forest's folk-pop style and the contest's preference for authentic, narrative-driven entries. This thematic focus, combined with the writers' intent to craft a competitive Eurovision piece, positioned "Only Teardrops" as a deliberate blend of personal storytelling and subtle universality, avoiding overt spectacle in favor of vocal and instrumental intimacy.

Recording and production

"Only Teardrops" was primarily produced by Frederik Thaae, who also contributed keyboards, drums, guitar, and programming to the track. Vocal production and mixing were overseen by Tore Nissen. The recording incorporated additional elements such as backing vocals performed by Gunhild Overegseth and penny whistle by Hans Find Møller. A symphonic version of the song, featured on the accompanying album, included strings recorded at Polskie Radio in , . The production aligned with preparations for 's national selection, Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, where de Forest performed the track on March 16, 2013, securing victory for Eurovision representation. Specific studio locations and exact recording dates for the original version remain undocumented in available credits, though the work occurred in early 2013 under Universal Music .

Eurovision Song Contest

National selection process

The national selection for Denmark's entry was handled by broadcaster DR through Dansk Melodi Grand Prix (DMGP), the country's long-standing annual competition for selecting Eurovision representatives. The final event occurred on 26 January 2013 at arena in , hosted by Louise Wolff, Lise Rønne, and Sofie Lassen-Kahlke. Ten songs participated, drawn from public submissions and direct invitations by DR to ensure a mix of established and emerging talent. The competition format featured an initial round with all ten entries, followed by advancement of the top three to a "superfinal" determined by a combined vote: 50% from a five-member of experts and 50% from public televoting. In the superfinal, the three qualifying songs—performed again by their respective artists—competed for the outright win via 100% public televoting, reflecting DR's emphasis on audience preference in the decisive stage. "Only Teardrops", performed by 19-year-old singer , secured victory with the highest televote share, earning 's representative and song for the contest in . The song, originally submitted (and rejected) for Germany's internal selection process, had been co-written by Danish producers Lise Cabble, Julia Fabrin Jakobsen, and Thomas Stengaard.

Performance and staging

Emmelie de Forest delivered "Only Teardrops" at the in , , performing barefoot to convey a sense of grounded relaxation and connection to the earth. She wore a , flowing dress, evoking an ethereal, elfin presence, while accompanied by a flautist and two drummers whose folk-inspired instrumentation complemented the song's flute-driven balladry. The staging, directed by , emphasized minimal choreography to highlight de Forest's natural, vibrant energy rather than elaborate movements. The performance opened with de Forest seated on the stage floor, rising to her feet as the musicians entered, creating an intimate build-up that transitioned into a fuller ensemble dynamic without additional dancers or complex props. This setup represented a refined of the original from Denmark's national selection, Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, streamlined for the larger to enhance visual and acoustic clarity while preserving core folk elements. The restrained approach focused on emotional authenticity, aligning with de Forest's folk roots and contributing to the act's reception as a straightforward yet captivating showcase.

Results and voting analysis

In the first semi-final held on 14 May 2013 in , , "Only Teardrops" performed seventh and received 167 points from the combined televote and jury votes of participating countries, securing first place among the ten qualifiers and advancing to the final. This score surpassed Russia's entry by 11 points, demonstrating early momentum driven by broad regional support, including maximum 12 points from and . Denmark's entry competed in the final on 18 May 2013, performing 18th out of 26 songs, and amassed 281 points to claim victory, marking the country's third Eurovision win and the first since 2000. placed second with 234 points, followed by with 214. Under the contest's voting rules, each of the 39 participating countries awarded points from 1 to 12 to their top ten songs, with scores aggregated from a 50% national jury vote—comprising music industry professionals ranking all entries—and 50% public televote. Denmark topped both the jury and televote aggregates, achieving an average jury rank of 6.23 (first overall) and televote rank of 4.97 (first overall), a rare alignment that underscored the song's consistent appeal across professional and public assessments. The entry received 12 points from twelve countries—Austria, , , , , , , , , , , and —accounting for 144 points and highlighting strong backing from Nordic and Baltic neighbors as well as broader Western and Central European nations. Additional high scores, such as 10 points from nine countries including and the , contributed to the total, reflecting geographic diversity in support rather than bloc voting patterns typical in some contests. The win's factors included the song's blend of pop melody and folk instrumentation, which resonated with juries for its production quality and with televoters for its emotional authenticity, amplified by de Forest's unamplified, performance evoking traditional . This dual endorsement minimized discrepancies between voting components, unlike entries where jury and public preferences diverged sharply, and positioned "Only Teardrops" as a consensus favorite in a field featuring more polarizing acts. No significant voting irregularities were reported, affirming the result's integrity under the European Broadcasting Union's oversight.

Promotion and media

Music video production

The music video for "Only Teardrops" was directed by Michael Sauer Christensen. Filming took place on June 3, 2013, primarily on and around the beach at Tisvildeleje in , Denmark, about 60 kilometers north of . The production blended artistic sequences with documentary elements, interspersing new shots of de Forest in natural settings—such as forests and coastal areas—with archival footage from her Eurovision participation in , including appearances to evoke the contest's triumphant context. The video premiered on June 24, 2013, following Denmark's victory at the on May 18, 2013, capitalizing on the song's post-win momentum.

Live performances and tours

Following her Eurovision win on May 18, 2013, de Forest undertook promotional live appearances for "Only Teardrops," including a performance on the German television program ZDF-Fernsehgarten on June 16, 2013. In July 2013, de Forest announced a Danish promotional tour set for November, featuring four dates: November 1 at Trommen in , November 2 at Portalen in Greve, November 7 at Train in Århus, and November 8 at Torvehallerne in . The tour, which had expanded to include German cities such as and across 14 total stops starting in October, was canceled in September 2013 due to health-related issues.

Commercial performance

Chart trajectories

"Only Teardrops" debuted at number 2 on Denmark's Tracklisten singles chart following its win in the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix on January 26, 2013. After Emmelie de Forest's victory at the on May 18, 2013, the song ascended to number 1 on the same chart, where it was later certified gold. Internationally, the track peaked within the top 5 in , spending 18 weeks on the Official German Charts, as well as in and . It reached the top 10 in . In the , "Only Teardrops" entered the UK Singles Chart at number 15 in the week following the Eurovision final, remaining on the chart for three weeks. The song also charted in the top 15 in and top 20 in . Its performance reflected typical post-Eurovision momentum for winning entries, driven primarily by digital downloads and airplay in , though it saw limited traction outside the continent.

Certifications and sales data

"Only Teardrops" was certified gold by , denoting digital sales exceeding the certification threshold for the award. This certification was awarded prior to Denmark's victory at the , following strong pre-release performance in the domestic market. No further certifications were issued in other countries, reflecting limited international commercial traction beyond chart appearances. Specific global sales figures remain undisclosed by the label , though the track's post-Eurovision release capitalized on the contest's exposure without achieving platinum status anywhere.

Reception and analysis

Critical reviews

"Only Teardrops" received generally favorable assessments from music critics, who praised its melodic craftsmanship and blend of folk and pop elements, though reviews often contextualized it within the Eurovision framework rather than as standalone . In a 2023 ranking of all 69 Eurovision winners by The Guardian, the song placed 23rd, with Alexis Petridis noting its "melodically tight" quality akin to hits from "blue-chip songwriters," but critiquing the "unfortunate preponderance of a penny whistle" as naff and indicative of contest-specific tropes. The Independent's 2025 ranking from worst to best positioned it 13th, describing it as "a great pop song with consistently strong melodies throughout," highlighting the flute motif as "probably the best use of traditional folk elements" amid broader trends, while acknowledging similarities to Ellie Goulding's style.
  • NME* included it among 12 standout Eurovision entries "that aren't rubbish," signaling approval without detailed analysis. Coverage in outlets like The Wall Street Journal framed it as a "folksy ballad," aligning with the folk-pop descriptors in more analytical pieces. Standalone reviews beyond contest retrospectives remain scarce, reflecting the track's primary association with the 2013 Eurovision victory.

Public and fan responses

"Only Teardrops" garnered significant public approval during the final on May 18, where it secured Denmark's victory with 281 points, reflecting strong televoter endorsement alongside jury votes. The noted that the song won the hearts of both televoters and jurists, highlighting its broad appeal in uniting audiences across participating nations. Among Eurovision enthusiasts, fan ratings on specialized platforms were overwhelmingly positive, with users on Eurovisionworld assigning an average score of 4.9 out of 5 based on 3,029 reviews, underscoring its enduring popularity within the community. The Wiwi Jury, a panel of Eurovision fans, described it as a strong, worthy winner likely to resonate across markets due to its polished elements and Emmelie de Forest's engaging performance. Similarly, it ranked second in WatchMojo's list of top Eurovision songs, praised for its catchy melody and emotional delivery. Criticism from some fans centered on its perceived lack of originality, with descriptions of it as a "Eurovision-by-numbers" entry that felt generic and unlikely to sustain success beyond the contest. Discussions on forums like have labeled it an "average winner" in a relatively weak year, contributing to views of de Forest as a "forgotten" recent victor despite the triumph, often overshadowed by more polarizing or innovative entries. These sentiments attribute its post-contest fade to limited artistic evolution rather than outright rejection.

Controversies

Uniform attire backlash

In the Danish national final, Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, held on 23 February 2013, backup drummers accompanying Emmelie de Forest's performance of "Only Teardrops" wore black uniforms with arm patches resembling the sig runes used by the Nazi (SS). The attire originated from the Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR)'s costume department, where it had been employed in a World War II-themed television series, but wardrobe staff overlooked the historical parallels to regalia. Public and media scrutiny arose promptly after the broadcast, highlighting sensitivities in —occupied by from 1940 to 1945—toward symbols evoking that era. DR head of Janne Sørensen apologized, describing as an "oversight" with no intentional political messaging, and committed to modifying the outfits by blurring or removing the arm stripes to prevent escalation at the in Malmö. Sociologist René Karpantschof attributed the incident to rather than ideology, noting Danish cultural aversion to Nazi imagery but a tendency toward absent malice. For the Eurovision semi-final and final on 14 and 18 May 2013, respectively, the drummers appeared in revised, neutral attire without the contested elements, averting further during the competition. Observers suggested that generational shifts contributed to muted outrage, with younger viewing such symbols as remote historical artifacts rather than active provocations. The episode underscored logistical challenges in sourcing performance costumes for international events amid heightened awareness of totalitarian .

Post-release issues

Accusations of emerged shortly after "Only Teardrops" won the on May 18, 2013, with comparisons drawn to "I Surrender," a 2002 track by the Dutch boy band K-otic. Critics pointed to similarities in the melody and rhythmic structure between the two songs, prompting Dutch broadcaster NOS to the Danish entry as plagiarized. Eurovision fans and media outlets amplified the debate through online comparisons and videos, questioning the originality of the winning composition penned by Lise Cabble, Julia Fabrin Jakobsen, and Thomas Stengaard. The controversy gained traction in the , where "I Surrender" had charted moderately, leading some journalists to argue the resemblance extended beyond coincidence to potential direct influence. However, defenders noted that both tracks employed common pop elements like motifs and four-chord progressions, which are prevalent in the genre and do not inherently indicate . No lawsuits or formal investigations were pursued by K-otic's representatives or holders, and the Danish delegation dismissed the claims as unsubstantiated. The allegations faded without resolution or impact on the song's commercial trajectory, though they contributed to broader discussions on in Eurovision entries. Subsequent analyses, including fan polls and music blogs, have viewed the similarities as inspirational overlaps rather than , aligning with the contest's history of occasional post-win scrutiny.

Legacy

Cultural influence

"Only Teardrops" blended pop with folk elements, notably through Celtic-inspired melodies derived from co-writer Julia Jakobsen's Scottish heritage, which media reports credited with adding distinctive ethnic texture to Denmark's Eurovision entry. This fusion highlighted Danish cultural self-confidence on an international stage, as noted in contemporary analyses of the performance's appeal. The song garnered covers from Eurovision-affiliated artists, including an acoustic version by Norwegian group in 2019 and a rendition by Armenia's 2013 entrant in 2014, reflecting its traction within the contest's performer network. Global fan engagement persisted, exemplified by coordinated sing-alongs of the track during the 2019 Eurovision semi-final promotions. Empirical studies on Eurovision outcomes, including Denmark's win, found weak associations between higher contest rankings and marginal improvements in national (adjusted of 1.04 per 10-place gain) and suicide rates (beta = -0.30 per 100,000 per 10-place gain), though no significant direct effect from the victory itself.

Long-term impact on artist and genre

Following her Eurovision victory on May 18, 2013, Emmelie de Forest's debut album Only Teardrops, released on May 6, 2013, via Universal Music , achieved commercial success in her home market, topping the Danish Albums Chart and earning platinum certification for sales exceeding 20,000 units. The win provided an initial international platform, with the single charting in over 20 European countries, peaking at number 22 on the UK Singles Chart and number 4 in , but sustained global breakthrough proved elusive as follow-up singles like "Rainmaker" (October 2014) failed to replicate the momentum. De Forest transitioned to an independent label, Cosmos Records, by 2014, releasing her second album History on February 9, 2018, which explored more introspective pop-soul themes but received limited chart impact, reflecting a shift toward artistic control over commercial pressures common among Eurovision alumni. Her output slowed, with sporadic singles such as "Hopscotch" in August 2015—filmed in Rome to showcase stylistic evolution from folk-pop—and no full album until Into the Moon on April 25, 2025, indicating a career marked by creative persistence amid industry challenges rather than enduring stardom. This trajectory aligns with patterns observed in many Eurovision winners, where initial hype often yields to niche sustainability without broader pop dominance. On the genre front, "Only Teardrops"—a flute-driven folk-pop ballad incorporating Celtic-inspired instrumentation—highlighted a blend of ethnic folk elements with accessible pop melodies, earning praise for its cross-cultural appeal that bridged Eastern and Western tastes during the 2013 contest. However, it exerted minimal transformative influence on broader pop or folk genres, as evidenced by the absence of widespread emulation in subsequent mainstream releases; instead, its legacy resides within Eurovision circles, where it exemplifies a brief vogue for acoustic, narrative-driven entries amid dominant electronic pop trends, without spawning notable subgenre shifts or imitators in commercial music.

Credits

Songwriters and composers

"Only Teardrops" was written and composed by the Danish songwriters Lise Cabble, Julia Fabrin Jakobsen, and Thomas Stengaard, who are credited collectively for both lyrics and music. The trio developed the track specifically for Denmark's 2013 Eurovision national selection, (DMGP), where it premiered on 16 February 2013 and was selected to represent the country. Lise Cabble, a prominent Danish and , contributed to the song's emotional core, drawing from her experience crafting pop anthems with themes of vulnerability and resilience; she has since written additional material for and other Scandinavian artists. Julia Fabrin Jakobsen (also credited under variations of her name in contexts) focused on melodic elements, leveraging her background in contemporary Danish pop songcraft. Thomas Stengaard, known for his prior work on Denmark's 2010 Eurovision entry "," handled structural composition, emphasizing anthemic builds suitable for live performance. Their collaboration resulted in a folk-influenced pop that blended acoustic guitar-driven verses with soaring choruses, achieving a runtime of 3:01 in its final recording.

Production and performance personnel

The studio recording of "Only Teardrops" featured production by Frederik Thaae, who also performed keyboards, drums, guitar, and programming. Tore Nissen handled vocal production and mixing. Hans Find Møller contributed (penny whistle). Backing vocals were recorded by Gunhild Overegseth. In the live performance at the grand final held on May 18 in Malmö, , delivered lead vocals and played onstage, accompanied by pre-recorded elements without additional visible performers.

Release details

Track listings

"Only Teardrops" was released as a digital single on January 22, 2013, featuring the original version of the song. A followed on June 14, 2013, in regions including , , and .

Digital download

  1. "Only Teardrops" – 3:03

CD single

  1. "Only Teardrops" (Original) – 3:03
  2. "Only Teardrops" (Instrumental) – 3:03
Remix versions, including the Kongsted remix, were released digitally as promotional singles but not as standard commercial track listings.

Release history by region

"Only Teardrops" was initially released as a digital single in on 22 January 2013 by Universal Music, coinciding with Emmelie de Forest's selection as Denmark's Eurovision entry via . A worldwide digital release followed on 2 May 2013 through .
RegionDateFormatLabelCatalogue
22 January 2013Digital downloadUniversal Music-
Worldwide2 May 2013Digital download-
, , 14 June 2013CD888837467025
Promotional CDRs were distributed in and the Netherlands during 2013 to support radio and media play. A digital single, featuring the Kongsted , was issued worldwide on 24 May 2013.

References

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