April 13, 2024

🇳🇴 Road To Malmö: Norway

We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Norway. Gåte Gåte is a celebrated Norwegian folk rock band that began its journey in spring 1999 when siblings Gunnhild Sundli and Sveinung Sundli performed in Trondheim. This early gig set the stage for their collaboration with Magnus Børmark, Halvor Hoem, Martin Langlie, and later Gjermund Landrø. They released their first EP shortly after, featuring tracks like the lullaby “Byssan Lull” and the hymn “Eg veit i himmelrik ei borg.” The band enjoyed substantial success from 2002 to 2005, highlighted by their debut album “Jygri,” which sold 40,000 copies and earned them a Spellemann Award as “newcomer of the year.” Their performance at by:Larm in Kristiansand and various award nominations marked their prominence in Norway’s music scene. However, they disbanded in 2005. Gåte reunited occasionally from 2005 to 2017, performing live and releasing a live album and DVD. In 2017, they officially reformed, adding new members and collaborating with folk musician Knut Buen, producing new EPs and albums that embraced traditional Norwegian folk music. In 2023, they embarked on their largest tour across Norway and Denmark, and won Melodi Grand Prix 2024 with “Ulveham.” Gåte is set to represent Norway at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö. Norsk Melodi Grand Prix Already from the first moment on, the Norwegian entry has been chosen through Melodi Grand Prix. Only in 1991 the contest was cancelled and the group Just 4 Fun was chosen to represent the country. This year, 3 semifinals with 6 songs each were held. Half of the songs from each semifinal went to the final. The final contained a total of 9 songs. Familiar names in the field of Eurovision were Margaret Berger, Keiino and Benedicte Adrian (former Dollie Deluxe, now Mistra). While Keiino won the jury vote, Gåte was the favourite of the televote and the overall winner. Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest The first time Norway participated in the Eurovision Song Contest was in 1960. It was a long and thorny path (said 1986 host Åse Kleveland) to the first victory. It happened in 1985 when Bobbysocks won with “La det swinge”. Ten years later Secret Garden took the trophy home with “Nocturne”. The 3rd victory came in 2009, when Alexander Rybak won with “Fairytale”. But let’s not forget the forementioned Åse Kleveland, who was 3rd back in 1966. And what to think about Elisabeth Andreassen, member of Bobbysocks but also 2nd in 1996 as a solosinger? Alexander Rybak, EBU/Thomas Hanses The Bookmakers Currently, Norway is in 6th place in the odds to qualify from the 2nd semifinal. In the odds to win the contest, the country is 15th. So the chances that Norway will make it to the final are high! The song And this is the song:

🇮🇱 Road To Malmö: Israel

photo: IPBC/Kaan We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Israel. Eden Golan Eden Golan is an Israeli singer born on October 5, 2003, in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel. At the age of five and a half, she moved with her family to Moscow, Russia. This move was challenging as she faced social isolation due to her Israeli identity, with peers often calling her “Natasha” instead of her name. Eden’s musical journey began in earnest in 2015 when she competed in the Russian pre-selection for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Schastye,” finishing fifth. She further showcased her talent on “The Voice Kids Russia” in 2018, choosing Pelageya as her mentor and impressing with her rendition of Rihanna’s “Love on the Brain,” although she did not make the top three. Returning to Israel in 2022, Eden collaborated with Lithuanian producer Lucky Luke on the track “Ghost Town,” which garnered around 700,000 Spotify streams. She continued to release music, including the singles “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” with TYMMA, and “Taxi” and “DOPAMINE” in 2023. 2024 was a pivotal year for Eden as she competed in HaKokhav HaBa’s 10th season. Her powerful audition of “Rise Up” by Andra Day scored a perfect 100%, paving her way to victory. Eden is set to represent Israel at Eurovision 2024 with the song “Hurricane,” originally titled “October Rain,” after overcoming lyric controversies. HaKokhav HaBa HaKokhav HaBa (Rising star) is the national selection for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. It is a talent show with audition rounds. Among others former Eurovision participant Shiri Maimon was a member of the jury. In the final, four artists competed against eachother. Eden Golan was the clear winner. The song, “Hurricane”, was written for Eden in a later stage. One of the jury members, Keren Peles, is one of the co-writers of the song. Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest In 1973, Ilanit was the first Israeli representative in the Eurovision Song Contest. Israel was and is able to participate in the contest as the country is a member of the EBU. Not only European countries, but also neighbouring countries are members of the EBU.Israel won the contest four times: in 1978 Izhar Cohen & The Alpha Beta sang “A-ba-ni-bi” to a first place. A year later, Gali Atari & Milk and Honey kept the trophy in Israel with “Hallelujah”. It was Dana International who won the contest with “Diva” in 1998. In recent years, 2018 to be more precise, Netta won the contest with her song “Toy”.Last year, Noa Kirel reached a 3rd place with her song “Unicorn”. Netta, photo: EBU/Andres Putting The Bookmakers Currently, the bookmakers predict a 9th place for Israel in the odds to win the contest. In the odds for the 2nd semifinal, the country is 7th. So it is likely that Israel will make it to the final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. The Song And this is the song: