MARIENLYST (Nettavisen): It became clear on Wednesday which 21 artists are struggling to represent Norway during this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool.
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But before sending an artist to the popular singing competition in England in May, there are three semi-finals to be held in this country. The three broadcasts are led by P3 profile 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 dreamed of for a long time, and there is no doubt that he has a great fondness for singing competition.
He’s no stranger to hosting as well, but while he enjoys being in front of the camera, there’s one thing in particular he repeats when he walks off stage.
Any criticism that comes in about things he’s done or said usually comes from the 40-year-old himself.
Escape from reality
When the presenters presented the artist selection at Marienlyst earlier this week, the humor was free and the 40-year-old cracked several jokes, to the delight of the audience.
He makes no secret of loving the role of presenter, but when he ends up on stage his head is full of thoughts. They are not always so positive.
– I am very self-critical. I strongly believe so, Thorbjørnsen tells Nettavisen and adds:
– I’m the self-critical type.
Despite the fact that he often criticizes himself, he could not refuse MGP work. Because when the spotlight and the cameras are on him, it’s as if he forgets everything else.
– It’s a wonderful feeling, laughs Thorbjørnsen.
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In addition to shining in front of the cameras, the 40-year-old uses the role of presenter as a way of escapism.
– Sometimes I feel like a better person when I have a camera in my face. I feel much worse about myself when I don’t have a camera with me.
– It’s a bit of an escape from reality, in a way.
This MGP moment made him cry
This winter, “Staysman” and Engebø will entertain Norwegian audiences through 21 MGP songs, and the 40-year-old couldn’t be more proud of his new work.
He has been a die-hard 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, he considers winning Secret Garden as 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 incredibly big moment.
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While he was previously reluctant to admit how big a fan of Melodi Grand Prix he is, he now has no problem talking about it loudly.
– It’s so nice to be able to say that I love Melodi Grand Prix, without anything mean! Because I really love him, and anyone who knows me a little knows I do. It’s a good feeling, “Staysman” laughs.
He will get a new MGP tattoo
It is not the first time that “Staysman” has been part of the MGP circus. He himself has already participated in the singing competition twice, the first time in 2015 with the song “A well-cooked pizza”.
He made a comeback in 2021 and performed with the band Landeveiens Helter with the song “Alt det der”. Landeveiens Helter consisted of well-known artists such as Rune Rudberg (61), Lars Erik Blokhus (45) and Dag Ingebrigtsen (64).
And when the musical duo Staysman and Lazz competed in the Melodi Grand Prix in 2015, the 40-year-old was left with a lifelong memory. He has the MGP logo tattooed on his belly:
Thorbjørnen has quite a collection of tattoos and is known to constantly surprise with his choice of ink on his body. The most famous tattoos of him are probably the VG-lista logo and his song “20 kilos extra”:
As mentioned, the 40-year-old is a staunch supporter of music competition, and to Nettavisen he reveals what his next tattoo could be.
Namely the Eurovision logo:
– I have never participated in Eurovision before, so if I get to the international final, I will tattoo the Eurovision logo.
