Ahead of this Saturday’s third heat of Melodi Grand Prix 2024, Georgia had the chance to speak to Thomas Jenssen. He is vying to represent Norway at Eurovision 2024 with the song “Take Me to Heaven”.
Hi Thomas, I would like to start things off by asking you to introduce yourself?
Hello, my name is Thomas and I’m participating in MGP this saturday!
Before we continue, let’s start with a quick icebreaker by just asking if there is one thing about yourself that not many people know about.
That I have red hair.
For newer Eurovision fans, this will be the first time they will get to know you, could you please tell us a bit more about yourself?
I’m a singer and songwriter from Norway. Currently writing my master’s thesis in songwriting.
Let’s move on to Eurovision. Can I start by asking, what made you want to participate in the Norwegian selection?
I love Eurovision, and have always wanted to participate in the competition. The songs, the acts, the drama, the gay panic! I love everything about it.
You will be participating with the song “Take Me To Heaven”, what is the song about and what would you like the audience to feel when listening to it?
The song is about daring to be vulnerable and daring to love someone. I believe that those two are closely related phenomena, and one statement cannot live without the other.
What would going to Eurovision and representing Norway mean to you?
Everything.
Asking more about Eurovision, what is your earliest memory of the competition and what is your favourite Eurovision song (from Norway or another country)?
Earliest memory AND favourite Eurovision song is “Dancing Lasha Tumbai” performed by Verka Serduchka.
When I am sending this, we are only a few days away from the third heat of Melodi Grand Prix. How are the preparations going for that?
Great! The production team is very professional, and I am very humbled to be a part of this show. I think the stage rehearsals are moving forward in the right direction. I am quite happy about the way the act has turned out.
What would it mean for you to make it through to the Melodi Grand Prix final?
It would be such a huge recognition and motivation for me personally as a singer and performer.
A number of songs in your discography relate to the LGBTQIA+ community with themes like being yourself – Do you feel like that was something important to include in your entry for Melodi Grand Prix?
The gay community is very important to me, and I love exploring the sassy bits of my personality in my songs. This is no exception. Gay power!
Last question – what is one thing that you have learnt from taking part in the national final, that you will take with you going forward?
The experience has been very nice so far. If I don’t make it any further, I am very happy just to have been a part of the show this year. So please! Vote for me! I believe in our song, and I believe in my ability to deliver. So watch out!
Thank you for this opportunity, and good luck in Melodi Grand Prix 2024. Is there anything you would like to say to the International viewers over at That Eurovision Site?
Thank you very much! I hope all of you like the song! I’m going to give 100%! TJ out.
Thomas Jenssen is an artist, songwriter and dancer from Levanger, Norway. Alongside his career, he has studied music at the University of Agder, currently studying for a master’s in songwriting. Before competing at Melodi Grand Prix this year, he released a self-composed Christmas album “Vinterland” which features a mix of traditional ‘Trønderrock’ (popular rock music from his home region) alongside modern musical music.
The Scandinavian nation made its debut in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1960, with Nora Brockstedt and the song “Voi Voi”, which placed 4th. Since their debut, they have participated 61 times and made the Grand Final 58 of these. In addition, Norway has won the competition three times – in 1985, 1995, and 2009.
Norway’s latest Eurovision participation saw them being represented by Alessandra with the song “Queen of Kings”. After qualifying for the final, Norway placed 5th in the Grand Final, receiving 268 points, 52 from the jury and 216 from televoters.
What do you think about our interview with Thomas Jenssen? Would you like him to advance to the Melodi Grand Prix final? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky as we start getting ready for Eurovision 2024!
News Source: That Eurovision Site
Photo Credit: Tobias Holst
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