Jan Fredrik Karlsen — the new boss of NRK’s national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest Melodi Grand Prix — has called the new role his “dream job”.
Karlsen, most famous as a TV personality with judging credits on Norwegian Idol, X-Factor and Norway’s Got Talent, will take over the roll from Vivi Stenberg, who left the role in March.
Stenberg is a tough act to follow: Norway has had three top ten finishes since 2013 with Margaret Berger, Carl Espen and Mørland & Debrah Scarlett.
“When you get it right, you capture the attention of the whole nation,” Karlsen said, something he knows from his previous talent show experiences. “Grand Prix is one of the few perpetual concepts that people love to look at and makes them think.”
Despite NRK’s optimistic tone, some are disappointed by Karlsen’s selection, including the Norwegian celebrities who signed a petition calling for the reinstatement of Per Sundnes as boss. That petition argues that Melodi Grand Prix needs someone who “knows the grassroots of Norwegian music.”
Signatories included Tooji, Didrik Solli-Tangen, Alexander Rybak and Maria Haukaas Mittet. #awkward.
The search for who will follow Mørland & Debrah Scarlett to Sweden next year started yesterday and you can enter your song here to appear during Melodi Grand Prix 2016. Entries must be submitted by September 11, 2015 to be considered.
FOR ALL OUR NORWAY AND MELODI GRAND PRIX NEWS CLICK HERE
Source: NRK, VG
Photo: Klikk.no
Is he a hidden twin of Sebatian Vettel? Lol
Jan Fredrik Karlsen
I read: Jon Henrik Fjällgren in my head. lol
MGP Norsk will be fiiiiiiiine. Can’t wait to see 2016!
Just a clarification: Those celebrities signed that petition long before this announcement. At that time there weren’t many known candidates for this job. I’m pretty sure they are very happy about the outcome. Actually, I haven’t heard any negative comments in Norway so far, from anyone. Jan Fredrik Karlsen is a very likeable person, he is extremely enthusiastic in everything he does, and he “knows the grassroots of Norwegian music” for sure. So it’s not #awkward at all. No drama here. 🙂
I wouldn’t be surprised if Norway won Eurovision 2016. Since 2008, they have a very good record in Eurovision (Apart from 2010-12), 2 top 5 places, 2 top 10 places and 1 win.
Jan Fredrik Karlsen reminds me Jon Henrik Fjällgren.
No worries! Melodi Grand Prix and the future of Norway’s history of ESC is in good hands 🙂