These are Norway’s participants in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 – NRK Culture and Entertainment
In a solemn ceremony, this year’s edition of the Eurovision Song Contest opened and the baton was officially presented to the new host city of Turin.
This year, a total of 41 countries will be competing for the coveted trophy and the opportunity to host the much-discussed music competition. Today it was decided which of the two semi-finals the different countries will compete in.
Can be tough competition
Norway will fight for one of ten final places, in the first semifinal, 10 May. The upcoming MGP winner will meet countries such as Denmark, Iceland, Russia and Greece, which will compete with Norwegian Amanda Tenfjord this year.
Last year’s semi-final was hailed by many Eurovision fans as a bloodbath. It is likely to be this year as well, one must believe the chairman of ESCNorge, Mandy Pettersen.
– We have included some heavyweights in the first semi-final, who almost always manage to make it to the final, because they deliver high quality after years. This semifinal looks like the strongest on paper. Fortunately, it depends on the songs, in the end.
So far, only three countries have their contribution ready. Such a draw can nevertheless have great significance for greater chances in the competition.
– If you do not send a good song, it can be a lot, but in recent years, Norway has received many points, from the people especially, because we have sent as the audience likes.
– Does not matter
MGP general Stig Karlsen agrees with Pettersen that the semi-final Norway is in seems to be the strongest, if you look at the statistics from previous years, but also believes that many over-analyzes.
– If you have a good artist and a good song, it does not matter.
Karlsen says this and adds:
– But it’s always fun to share a semi-final with one of our Nordic neighbors.
That it was Denmark and Iceland Norway will share the semifinals with joys Mandy Pettersen.
– Historically, the two countries are probably a little more generous with their votes than our neighbors in the east. Sweden is one of the «heavyweights» in the competition, so in that sense it might be better that we did not end up with them.
Norwegian hopes in both semifinals
In May, Norwegian music is strong. Greece and Amanda Tenfjord compete in the same semifinal in Norway. In the second semifinal, the band Domi participates, which consists of vocalist Dominika Hašková, guitarist Casper Bjelland Hatlestad from Stavanger and keyboardist Benjamin Rekstad from Nesodden.
– That we do not share the stage with Domi is a little sad, but it is very nice that Amanda came with us! It’s fun to be able to cheer each other on in Turin, says Pettersen
Stig Karlsen also thinks it’s fun with more Norwegian contributions this year.
– It will be interesting! Imagine if we the podium becomes Norwegian. It had been great!
I add to the two semi-finals, five countries have already qualified for the final, and therefore avoid the nerve-wracking trip through the semi-finals.
They must continue to cast their vote. France and Italy get votes in the first semi-final, while Germany, Great Britain and Spain get votes in the second.
Norway will reach the first semi-final when the Eurovision Song Contest kicks off on Tuesday 10 May. Followed by semi-finals two on Thursday 12 May, and the grand final on Saturday 14 May.