Marinelist (Netavizen): It became clear on Wednesday Which is battling 21 artists to represent Norway During this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool.
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But before we send one artist to the Folk Singing Competition in England in May, there are three semi-finals taking place in this country. The three streams are run by P3 Arianhrod Engebø (29) and artist Stian “Staysman” Thorbjørnsen (40).
The role of presenter does not take the latter for granted. Leading the Melodi Grand Prix is something Thorbjørnsen has always dreamed of, and there is no doubt that he is very fond of competition singing.
He’s also no stranger to the role of presenter, but despite the fact that he enjoys being in front of the camera, there’s one thing in particular that repeats itself when he walks off stage.
Any criticism about things he did or said usually comes from the 40-year-old.
Escape from reality
When the presenters introduced a selection of artists at the Marienlyst earlier this week, the humor was loose and the 40-year-old delivered several jokes, to the delight of the audience.
He doesn’t hide the fact that he loves the role of presenter, but when he’s done on stage his head is full of ideas. They are not always positive.
– I am very self-critical. I firmly believe, Thorbjørnsen tells Nettavisen:
I am the self-critical type.
Despite the fact that he often criticizes himself, he could not refuse the MGP job. Because when the lights and cameras are directed at him, it’s almost as if he forgets about everything else.
– It feels great, Thorbjørnsen laughs.
In addition to shining in front of the cameras, the 40-year-old also uses the role of presenter as a way to escape from reality.
Sometimes I feel like a better person when I have a camera in my face. I feel bad about myself when I don’t have a camera with me.
It’s kind of escapism, in a way.
This moment made him cry
This winter, Staysman and Engebø will entertain Norwegian audiences with their 21st MGP, and the 40-year-old couldn’t be prouder of his new job.
He has been a huge fan of the song contest ever since Secret Garden won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1995 with the song “Nocturne”.
In addition to his participation in 2015, winning Secret Garden is one of the best memories he has of the Melodi Grand Prix.
– I cried when Secret Garden won in 1995. I remember it was an insanely big moment.
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While he was previously reluctant to admit how big a fan he is of Melody Grand Prix, he now has no problem talking about him out loud.
– It’s nice to be able to say I love Melody Grand Prix, without it being anything trivial! Because I really love him, and anyone who knows me a little bit knows I love him. It feels good, Statesman laughs.
You will get a new MGP tattoo
This isn’t the first time “Staysman” has been part of the MGP circus. He has participated in the singing competition twice before, the first time in 2015 with the song “Undercooked Pizza”.
He returned in 2021 and performed with the band Landeveiens Helter, with the song “Alt det der”. Landeveiens Helter consisted of famous artists such as Rune Rudberg (61), Lars Erik Blokhus (45) and Dag Ingebrigtsen (64).
And when music duo Staysman and Lazz competed at the Melodi Grand Prix in 2015, the 40-year-old left a memory for a lifetime. MGP logo tattooed on his stomach:
Thorbjørnen has a good collection of tattoos, and has been known to continually surprise with his choice of ink on his body. His most famous tattoo is probably the VG-lista logo and his song “20 extra kilos”:
As mentioned, the 40-year-old is a strong supporter of the music competition, and for Nettavisen he reveals his next tattoo.
And it’s Eurovision’s slogan:
– I’ve never participated in Eurovision before, so if I get to the international final, I’ll get a tattoo of the Eurovision logo.
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