Duncan Laurence
Laurence with the 2019 Eurovision trophy
Background information
Birth nameDuncan de Moor
Born (1994-04-11) 11 April 1994
Spijkenisse, Netherlands
GenresPop
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Instrument(s)
  • Vocals
  • piano
Years active2014–present
Labels
Spouse(s)
Jordan Garfield
​
(m. 2023)​
Websiteduncanlaurence.nl

Duncan de Moor (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈdʏŋkən də ˈmoːr]; born 11 April 1994),[1] known professionally as Duncan Laurence, is a Dutch singer and songwriter. He represented the Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with his song "Arcade" and went on to win the competition, giving the Netherlands its first Eurovision win since 1975.[2][3] "Arcade" became one of the most successful Eurovision Song Contest winning entries on streaming platforms and international charts in recent history. Prior to Eurovision, Laurence was a semi-finalist in the fifth season of The Voice of Holland.

Career

Early life and career

Laurence during his time at the Rock Academy in Tilburg in 2014.

Born in Spijkenisse, Laurence grew up in Hellevoetsluis. He began writing his own songs as a teenager, as an escape from being bullied.[4] He started his musical career at the Rock Academy in Tilburg, playing in a number of school bands,[1] including his own, The Slick and Suited. Formed in 2013, the band went on to perform at Eurosonic Noorderslag.[5][6] In February 2020, he revealed that he had oxygen deprivation at birth, and thus has had a motor disorder affect his right hand.[7]

2014–2018: The Voice of Holland and independent work

Laurence participated in the fifth season of The Voice of Holland, choosing Ilse DeLange as his coach. He advanced to the semi-finals before being eliminated.[8] In March 2016, he left The Slick.[9] Laurence graduated from the Rock Academy in 2017.[10] He, with Jihad Rahmouni, wrote the music to K-pop duo TVXQ's song "Closer" for their 2018 album New Chapter #1: The Chance of Love.[11]

2019–2021: Eurovision Song Contest, Worlds on Fire and Small Town Boy

Laurence performing "Arcade" during the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2019.

In January 2019, Laurence was internally selected to represent the Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019, held in Tel Aviv, Israel. He was nominated by DeLange, with whom he remained in contact after The Voice. His song, "Arcade", was released in March 2019. Arriving as the main favourite to win, Laurence eventually went on to win the contest, having received a total of 498 points. He is the fifth Dutch entrant to win the competition, and the first since Teach-In won the Eurovision Song Contest 1975 with the song "Ding-a-dong".[12] As a result of the following year's contest being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Laurence is the longest reigning Eurovision winner, having held the title for two consecutive years.

After his Eurovision victory, Laurence embarked on a concert tour across the Netherlands and Europe.[13] On 10 June 2019, he performed at the 50th anniversary of Pinkpop Festival in Landgraaf, the first Dutch Eurovision winner to perform at the event. He replaced the Swedish duo First Aid Kit who dropped out due to health reasons.[14] On 23 October 2019, Laurence released his second single, "Love Don't Hate It". It was also announced that he signed a recording contract with Capitol Records.[15][16] In 2020, the artists' entrance at Rotterdam Ahoy was renamed "Door Duncan" in his honour.[17] On 13 May 2020, Laurence released his first extended play (EP), Worlds on Fire, which included the singles "Arcade", "Love Don't Hate It", and "Someone Else", along with two new tracks. His first studio album, Small Town Boy, followed on 13 November 2020. It was certified platinum in the Netherlands three days after its release.[18] The album's release was preceded by "Feel Something", a collaboration with fellow Dutch DJ Armin van Buuren.[19]

In the second half of 2020, "Arcade" went viral on video sharing service TikTok, resulting in the song's new chart success and rise in streams on various platforms.[20][21] In January 2021, "Arcade" became the most-streamed Eurovision song on Spotify, surpassing a record previously held by Eurovision 2019 runner-up Mahmood and his entry "Soldi".[22] On 12 February 2021, "Arcade" reached the UK Singles Chart's top 40,[23] and two weeks later it peaked at number 29.[24] In March, Laurence made his US television debut performing "Arcade" on Today,[25] and later also performed the song's duet version alongside Fletcher on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.[26] Following these promotional appearances, the song broke into the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming the first Eurovision song in 25 years and the first Eurovision winning song in 45 years to do so; it eventually peaked at number 30.[27][28][29]

At the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 held in Rotterdam, Laurence opened the first semi-final with "Feel Something". In the same event, he was awarded a Global Platinum record for one billion streams of "Arcade".[30] However, he later tested positive for COVID-19, which prevented him from performing live in the grand final.[31] Pre-recorded footage of his performance, consisting of "Arcade" and a new single from Small Town Boy's deluxe edition, "Stars", was broadcast instead during the final.[32]

On 11 June 2021, the soundtrack album for the second season of the Hulu series Love, Victor was released. Among the artists featured on the soundtrack was Laurence with "Heaven Is a Hand to Hold", which he co-wrote with Leland, Jordan Garfield and Peter Thomas.[33] Laurence also features on American singer Wrabel's single "Back to Back", which was released on 30 July off of the latter's debut album These Words Are All for You.[34] "Wishes Come True", a standalone Christmas single, followed on 26 November.[35]

2022–present: Skyboy

Laurence and guitarist Carlota Lopez van de Logt

In early 2022, Laurence served as a coach on the sixth season of The Voice Kids Belgium, where a member of his team, Karista, won.[36]

On 3 August 2022, Laurence released "Electric Life", which serves as the lead single of his forthcoming second studio album Skyboy.[37][38][39] A collaborative single with Rosa Linn, "WDIA (Would Do It Again)", followed on 21 October.[40] Further singles include "I Want It All" in November 2022, "Skyboy" in March 2023, and "Anything" and "Rest in Peace" in August 2023.[41] He co-wrote the Dutch entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, "Burning Daylight", performed by Mia Nicolai and Dion Cooper.[42] Also in the final of that year's Eurovision, he performed a cover of "You'll Never Walk Alone" as an interval act.[43]

Skyboy was released on 22 September 2023.[44] De Volkskrant gave the album a four-star rating, saying: "'Skyboy' by Duncan Laurence, recorded in Los Angeles, is bursting with variety. The power ballad clichés are now counterbalanced by gems of melody and (vocal) harmony."[45]

Musical influences

In a brief interview, Laurence cited Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Ryan Tedder, Sia, Sam Smith and Adele as influences.[46]

Personal life

Laurence came out as bisexual in 2016, which he addressed publicly in an Instagram post in October 2018.[47] During a press conference shortly before the Eurovision final, he affirmed his sexuality: "I am more than just an artist, I am a person, I am a living being, I'm bisexual, I'm a musician, I stand for things. And I'm proud that I get the chance to show what I am, who I am."[48] He announced his marriage to American songwriter Jordan Garfield on 21 August 2023.[49]

Discography

Studio albums

Title Details Peak chart positions Certifications
NL
[50]		 BEL
(FL)
[51]		 US Heat.
[52]
Small Town Boy
  • Released: 13 November 2020
  • Label: Spark
  • Format: CD, cassette, vinyl, digital download, streaming
 6948
Skyboy
  • Released: 22 September 2023
  • Label: Yellowfield
  • Format: CD, vinyl, digital download, streaming
 41——

Extended plays

Title Details Peak chart positions
NL
[50]		 US Heat.
[54]
Worlds on Fire
  • Released: 13 May 2020
  • Label: Spark
  • Format: Digital download, streaming, vinyl
 6012

Singles

As lead artist

Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
NL
[50]		 BEL
(FL)
[51]		 BEL
(WA)
[55]		 CAN
[56]		 GER
[57]		 IRE
[58]		 NOR
[59]		 SWE
[60]		 UK
[61]		 US
[62]
"Arcade" 2019 12314526231062930 Small Town Boy
"Love Don't Hate It" 4153————————
"Someone Else" 2020 728693———————
"Last Night" ——————————
"Stars" 2021 86————————[lower-alpha 1]— Small Town Boy (Deluxe)
"Wishes Come True" —————————— Non-album singles
"Take My Breath Away" 2022 ——————————
"Electric Life" 79————————— Skyboy
"WDIA (Would Do It Again)"
(with Rosa Linn)		 —————————— Non-album single
"I Want It All" —————————— Skyboy
"Skyboy" 2023 —[lower-alpha 2]—————————
"You'll Never Walk Alone" —————————— Non-album single
"Anything" —————————— Skyboy
"Rest in Peace" ——————————
"I Do" —[lower-alpha 3]————————— Non-album single
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
Title Year Peak chart positions Album or EP
NL
[50]		 BEL
(FL)
[51]
"Feel Something"
(Armin van Buuren featuring Duncan Laurence)		 2020 8578 Small Town Boy and Euthymia
"Back to Back"[34]
(Wrabel featuring Duncan Laurence)		 2021 —— These Words Are All for You

Non-single album appearances

Title Year Album
"Laat gaan"[75]
(Sjors van der Panne featuring Duncan de Moor)		 2017 Met Elkaar

Soundtrack appearances

Appearances by Duncan Laurence on soundtrack albums
Title Year Album
"Heaven Is a Hand to Hold"[33][76] 2021 Love, Victor: Season 2

Songwriting discography

Title Year Artist Peak chart positions Co-written with
NL BEL
(FL)
[51]		 BEL
(WA)
[55]
"Going On" 2019 Henri PFR featuring Soran — 29 26
"Courage in Tomorrow" Adil — — —
  • Adil Aarab
  • Abdelkariem Asselman
"Silhouette" 2022 Gjon's Tears — — —
  • Jordan Garfield
  • Ashley Hicklin
  • Gjon Muharremaj
  • Mikołaj Trybulec
  • François Welgryn
"Know" Dion Cooper — — —
"Blue Jeans" — — —
  • Dion Cuiper
  • Jordan Garfield
  • Loek van der Grinten
"Burning Daylight" 2023 Mia Nicolai and Dion Cooper 42 — —
  • Dion Cuiper
  • Jordan Garfield
  • Michaja Nicolaï
  • Loek van der Grinten

Awards and nominations

Award Year Nominated work Category Result Ref.
Eurovision Song Contest 2019 "Arcade" — First [77]
Marcel Bezençon Awards 2019 Press Award Won [78]
Edison Award 2020 Himself Best Newcomer Nominated [79]
"Arcade" Best Song Won
Best Video Clip Nominated
NRJ Music Award 2021 Himself International Revelation of the Year Nominated [80]

Notes

  1. ↑ "Stars" did not enter the UK Singles Chart, but peaked at number 89 on the UK Singles Downloads Chart.[72]
  2. ↑ "Skyboy" did not enter the Dutch Single Top 100, but peaked at number four on the Single Tip chart.[73]
  3. ↑ "I Do" did not enter the Dutch Single Top 100, but peaked at number four on the Single Tip chart.[74]

References

  1. 1 2 "Who is The Netherlands 2019 Eurovision entrant Duncan Laurence?". Metro. 16 May 2019. Archived from the original on 17 May 2019. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  2. ↑ Groot, Evert (21 January 2019). "Duncan Laurence will represent The Netherlands this year". eurovision.tv.
  3. ↑ McCaig, Ewan (6 March 2019). "The Netherlands: Duncan Laurence To Sing 'Arcade' In Tel Aviv". Eurovoix. Retrieved 9 June 2019.
  4. ↑ "Duncan Laurence". eurovision.tv. Archived from the original on 6 May 2019. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  5. ↑ "VestingPop | Duncan Laurence". VestingPop. Retrieved 21 January 2019.
  6. ↑ Duncan de Moor (15 June 2014). "The Slick and Suited". Archived from the original on 21 January 2019. Retrieved 21 January 2019.
  7. ↑ "Duncan Laurence on Instagram". 18 February 2020. Archived from the original on 23 December 2021. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  8. ↑ Popescu, David (21 January 2019). "Netherlands: Duncan Laurence on his way to Tel-Aviv!". escunited.com.
  9. ↑ "The Slick on Facebook". Facebook (in Dutch). 24 March 2016. Archived from the original on 25 February 2021.
  10. ↑ "Duncan Laurence Information - meet the Dutch star". Radio Times. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  11. ↑ Koeleman, Danja (21 January 2019). "Duncan Laurence naar Songfestival: Wie is de 24-jarige zanger?". nu.nl (in Dutch).
  12. ↑ "Eurovision 2019: Netherlands wins song contest". BBC News. 19 May 2019.
  13. ↑ Valérie, Charlotte (18 May 2019). "The Netherlands: Duncan Laurence announces first European tour". Wiwibloggs. Archived from the original on 22 May 2021. Retrieved 22 May 2021.
  14. ↑ "Eurovision Song Contest Winner Duncan Laurence At Pinkpop 2019". Pinkpop. 27 May 2019. Archived from the original on 28 May 2019.
  15. ↑ Clues, David (23 October 2019). "Duncan Laurence Releases Follow-Up Single 'Love Don't Hate It'". ESC Bubble. Archived from the original on 23 October 2019.
  16. ↑ @CapitolRecords (23 October 2019). "We're thrilled to welcome the supremely talented @dunclaurence to the #CapitolFamily" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 23 October 2019 – via Twitter.
  17. ↑ "🇳🇱 Rotterdam Ahoy renames a part of the arena in honour of Duncan Laurence". 28 January 2020.
  18. ↑ BEAU [@BeauRTL] (16 November 2020). "Een grote verrassing voor @dunclaurence! Zijn album is pas sinds vrijdag uit, maar is nú al platina. Wat een prestatie! #BEAU" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 17 November 2020 – via Twitter.
  19. ↑ "Duncan Laurence and Armin van Buuren release "Feel Something"". Wiwibloggs. 7 November 2020. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  20. ↑ "Duncan Laurence joins in, as "Arcade" goes viral in Harry Potter-themed TikTok videos". Wiwibloggs. 12 October 2020. Retrieved 11 February 2021.
  21. ↑ "More success for Duncan Laurence as "Arcade" re-enters UK singles chart and becomes most streamed Eurovision winner". Wiwibloggs. 13 January 2021. Retrieved 11 February 2021.
  22. ↑ ""Arcade" passes "Soldi" as the most-streamed Eurovision entry on Spotify". Escxtra. 29 January 2021. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  23. ↑ Griffiths, George (12 February 2021). "Olivia Rodrigo's Drivers License manoeuvres into fifth week at Number 1 on Official Singles Chart". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 16 February 2021. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  24. ↑ Ainsley, Helen (26 February 2021). "Olivia Rodrigo's Drivers License extends reign at top of Official Singles Chart to seventh week". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 1 April 2021. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  25. ↑ "Watch Duncan Laurence perform 'Arcade'". NBC. 24 March 2021. Archived from the original on 1 April 2021. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  26. ↑ Adams, Oliver (30 March 2021). "From The Netherlands to Hollywood: Duncan Laurence to perform "Arcade" on The Ellen DeGeneres Show". Wiwibloggs. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
  27. ↑ "Duncan Laurence's 'Arcade' Is First Eurovision Song Contest Winner to Hit Hot 100 in 45 Years". Billboard. 13 April 2021. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
  28. ↑ "Duncan Laurence Has 'No Idea' How His Breakthrough Single 'Arcade' Keeps Going Viral". Billboard. Archived from the original on 11 June 2021. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
  29. ↑ "Eurovision winners Måneskin and Duncan Laurence crack Top 30 on Billboard charts". wiwibloggs. 31 August 2021. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
  30. ↑ "Duncan Laurence verrast met prijs voor 1 miljard streams Arcade". RTL Boulevard (in Dutch). 18 May 2021. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
  31. ↑ Kelly, Emma (20 May 2021). "Reigning Eurovision champion Duncan Laurence tests positive for Covid-19 and will no longer perform in final". Metro. Archived from the original on 22 May 2021. Retrieved 22 May 2021.
  32. ↑ "Duncan Laurence via eerder opgenomen repetitie te zien in finale Songfestival". NU (in Dutch). 21 May 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  33. 1 2 "Nieuwe muziek: Lorde na vier jaar terug | Duncan Laurence maakt soundtrack". NU (in Dutch). 11 June 2021. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
  34. 1 2 "Duncan Laurence en Wrabel slaan handen ineen voor Pride Anthem". NPO Radio 2 (in Dutch). Retrieved 30 July 2021.
  35. ↑ @songfestivalNL (19 November 2021). "Volgende week verschijnt een nieuwe single van Duncan Laurence: 'Wishes Come True', een kerstsingle die Duncan schreef met Judy Blank en Jordan Garfield @dunclaurence #kerst #songfestival @judyblankmusic" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  36. ↑ "Duncan Laurence wint als coach Vlaamse Voice Kids". Story (in Dutch). 28 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  37. ↑ "Duncan Laurence brengt nieuwe track 'Electric Life' uit". NPO 3FM (in Dutch). Retrieved 3 August 2022.
  38. ↑ "Duncan Laurence evolueert als artiest: 'Ik was water, nu ben ik vuur'". NU (in Dutch). 4 August 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  39. ↑ "Duncan Laurence stelt release album uit: 'Ik ben mentaal uitgeput en verdrietig'". NU (in Dutch). 26 May 2023. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
  40. ↑ bleistiftrocker.de, Sonja / (20 October 2022). "Duncan Laurence und Rosa Linn tun sich für den Song "WDIA" zusammen". bleistiftrocker.de (in German). Retrieved 21 October 2022.
  41. ↑ Major, Michael. "Duncan Laurence Shares New Single 'Skyboy'". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
  42. ↑ "Mia Nicolai and Dion Cooper's entry for Liverpool is Burning Daylight". ESCBubble. 28 February 2023. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
  43. ↑ Reporters, Telegraph (14 May 2023). "Eurovision 2023: Liverpool and Ukraine unite for emotional You'll Never Walk Alone performance". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
  44. ↑ "Duncan Laurence brengt uitgesteld album op 22 september uit". NU (in Dutch). 25 August 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  45. ↑ Cabenda, Pablo (21 September 2023). "'Skyboy' van Duncan Laurence, opgenomen in Los Angeles, blaakt van variatie". De Volkskrant (in Dutch). Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  46. ↑ "Building Duncan Laurence's "Arcade": From Adele and Amy to Kurt and Snow Patrol". 97.9 WRMF. 2 September 2021. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  47. ↑ Voss, Brandon (19 May 2019). "Bisexual Dutch Singer Duncan Laurence Wins Eurovision 2019". NewNowNext. Archived from the original on 21 December 2019. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
  48. ↑ Moore, Matt (18 May 2019). "Dutch Eurovision contestant Duncan Laurence comes out as bisexual". Gay Times. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
  49. ↑ "Duncan Laurence is getrouwd met zijn grote liefde Jordan". RTL Boulevard (in Dutch). 21 August 2023. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  50. 1 2 3 4 "Discografie Duncan Laurence". dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  51. 1 2 3 4 "Discografie Duncan Laurence". Ultratop. Retrieved 4 November 2022.
  52. ↑ "Duncan Laurence - Chart History (Heatseekers Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
  53. ↑ "Dutch album certifications – Duncan Laurence – Small Town Boy" (in Dutch). NVPI. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  54. ↑ "Duncan Laurence - Chart History (Heatseekers Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 23 February 2021.
  55. 1 2 "Discografie Duncan Laurence". Ultratop. Retrieved 4 November 2022.
  56. ↑ "Duncan Laurence". Billboard. Retrieved 3 March 2021.
  57. ↑ "Duncan Laurence – German Charts". GfK. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
  58. ↑ "Discography Duncan Laurence". irish-charts.com. Retrieved 24 May 2019.
  59. ↑ "Discography Duncan Laurence". norwegiancharts.com. Retrieved 25 May 2019.
  60. ↑ "Discography Duncan Laurence". swedishcharts.com. Retrieved 24 May 2019.
  61. ↑ "Duncan Laurence | full Official Chart history". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 May 2019.
  62. ↑ "Duncan Laurence Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  63. ↑ "Dutch single certifications – Duncan Laurence – Arcade" (in Dutch). NVPI. Retrieved 18 May 2019.
  64. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2021 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on 1 July 2021. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
  65. ↑ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – singles 2021". Ultratop. Hung Medien.
  66. ↑ "British certifications – Duncan Laurence – Arcade". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
  67. ↑ "Veckolista Singlar, vecka 6, 2021 | Sverigetopplistan" (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. Archived from the original on 3 March 2021. Retrieved 3 March 2021.
  68. ↑ "Norwegian certifications – Duncan Laurence". IFPI Norway. 17 April 2020. Archived from the original on 8 April 2020. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  69. ↑ "Canadian certifications – Duncan Laurence". Music Canada. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
  70. ↑ "American certifications – Duncan Laurence". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  71. ↑ "Dutch single certifications – Duncan Laurence – Arcade" (in Dutch). NVPI. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
  72. ↑ "Official Singles Downloads Chart: 28 May 2021 – 3 June 2021". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
  73. ↑ "Dutch Single Tip 08/04/2023". dutchcharts.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  74. ↑ "Dutch Single Tip 16/09/2023". dutchcharts.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  75. ↑ "Met Elkaar by Sjors Van Der Panne". iTunes. 27 February 2017. Retrieved 19 March 2019.
  76. ↑ "Love, Victor: Season 2 (Original Soundtrack) by Various Artists". Apple Music. 11 June 2021. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
  77. ↑ "After 44 years, the Netherlands brings the trophy home again". eurovision.tv. 19 May 2019. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  78. ↑ "Here are the winners of the 2019 Marcel Bezençon Awards". eurovision.tv. 18 May 2019. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  79. ↑ "2020 - Edison Pop" (in Dutch). edisons.nl. Archived from the original on 26 February 2021. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  80. ↑ Laura, Par. "NRJ Music Awards 2021 - Qui sont les nommés?". NRJ. Archived from the original on 11 October 2021. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Duncan Laurence.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.