On May 10, the first semi-final of Europe’s biggest music event Eurovision will take place in Turin.
Norway’s hope Subwoolfer with the song “Give That Wolf A Banana” is the semi-final’s 16th contribution on stage.
In the semifinals, they have to compete against Denmark, the Netherlands, Portugal and Norwegian Amanda Tenfjord, who represents Greece.
– Very cool
The Norwegian delegation arrived in Italy on Saturday, and on Sunday Subwoolfer had its first reviews at the Olympia Stadium in Turin.
“Keith” and “Jim” as the two characters are called, performed the song three times.
– Now we have our wolves on stage, and it was very cool. We are not “over the moon” yet as we say in wolf language, but we will probably get there, says Norway’s MGP boss Stig Karlsen to TV 2.
– A LITTLE TO WORK WITH: MGP manager Stig Karlsen says they are happy after the first tests, but emphasizes that Norway’s contribution has a bit to work with. Photo: Nathan Reinds / EBU
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The organizer EBU has shared several photos of what looks like a terrific stage show from the anonymous Norwegians.
– Out on a presidential campaign
Norway’s contribution is currently in eighth place on the betting companies’ lists of who will walk away with the victory. However, the odds have set Subwoolfer’s chances of winning at just two percent.
Ahead of the semi-finals on May 10, Karlsen says that they will work hard to convince Europe that Subwoolfer is this year’s winner.
– It is about creating as much buzz as possible, and making sure that the song and the artist are visible in Europe. I would almost say that we are out on a presidential campaign to flag the product, says Karlsen.
– It will be strong
He believes the interest in Norway’s contribution is “very great”.
– With masks and hidden identity, there are many who find this exciting and who become curious. It is a catchy song, and there is good humor in this, says Karlsen and adds:
– I think it is probably the most iconic number in this year’s Eurovision.
Ukraine’s contribution is clearly alone at the top of the betting companies’ lists, with a winning chance of as much as 42 percent.
– FAVORITES: Ukrainian Kalush Orchestra are clear favorites during this year’s Eurovision. Photo: GIL COHEN-MAGEN / AFP
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Karlsen says he will not be surprised if Ukraine remains the winners of this year’s Eurovision.
– Music is not just sound waves, it is also emotions. It will be strong to see the Ukrainian artists on stage. They will probably get a lot of votes because people feel strongly about them, and they have an ok song, says the MGP boss.
The hip-hop group Kalush Orchestra represents Ukraine with the song «Stefania». Their performance from the national final has received over six million views on Youtube.
In comparison, Norway’s contribution is just over 3.7 million.
Believe in victory
Karlsen, on the other hand, has great faith that Norway can run away with the victory, despite the fact that the chances of winning are set at only two percent.
– IN PLACE: Norway’s contribution arrived in Italy on Saturday. In the next few days, they will work intensively to convince Europe that they are this year’s Eurovision winners. Photo: Vetle Nielsen / NRK
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– We can only do things better and surprise, while those at the top have a pressure of expectations that can be difficult to meet. We stand out very much, and it is easy to remember the song and the visuals, says the MGP manager.
And one factor in particular means that Norway’s chances of winning can be further increased, Karlsen believes.
– There are many ballads this year, while we release a party song to the people. We have a fair chance of ending up very high, and maybe even winning.
This year’s Eurovision final kicks off on Saturday 14 May.
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