Norwegian broadcaster NRK has revealed that Tarjei Strøm, who participated in MGP 2013 with the band Datarock, will take over from the departing Stig Karlsen, who announced his departure in August.
Karlsen’s previous roles to be shared
The departing Stig Karlsen will not have his role be directly replaced, instead having Tarjei Strøm concentrate only on the music, with the project manager being announced as as Mads Tørklep, who will also serve as Norway’s Head of Delegation at Eurovision.
Speaking about his new colleague Strøm, Mads Tørklep said:
He has a network of contacts in the music industry that is completely unique, which perhaps no one else has. I have faith that he will find absolutely crazy artists for Melodi Grand Prix
Strøm says his main goals are to get names currently not interested involved in the contest, as well as winning Norway another Eurovision title.
The artists for Melodi Grand Prix 2025 were selected by Stig Karlsen prior to his departure.
Who is Tarjei Strøm?
Tarjei Strøm is no stranger to Melodi Grand Prix – he competed in the contest in 2013 as the drummer in the band Datarock, who reached the final in the year Margaret Berger took the crown. He’s also got experience as the drummer for Ralph Myerz and The Jack Herren Band, as well as playing for the likes of Ylvis, Sigrid and Kjartan Lauritzen.
Since he competed in MGP, he has worked in various roles at NRK, including as a presenter of Adresse Wien in 2015, as well as hostingthe 2017 World Cycling Championships opening ceremony in Bergen.
What is Melodi Grand Prix?
Melodi Grand Prix is the Norwegian method of selection for Eurovision. This national final selection method is over 60 years old. The only year where Melodi Grand Prix has not taken place was 2002, when Norway were relegated from the Eurovision Song Contest.
Melodi Grand Prix had undertaken a few different formats. The changes in format have mainly taken place in the last few years, since 2020, and as of 2024 consisted of three televote only heats leading to a final with a 60/40 Televote to Jury vote system.
Norway’s Eurovision Journey
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 62 times, and made the Grand Final 59 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 Gåte with the song “Ulveham”. After qualifying for the final, Norway placed 25th and last place in the Grand Final, receiving 16 points, 12 of which from the jury and 4 from televoters.
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News Source: NRK
Photo Credit: NRK
Giwrgos Oiko