On Wednesday, it became clear which artists will compete to represent Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest, which this year is being organized in Great Britain on behalf of Ukraine.
In advance, many have speculated as to who will compete in Norway.
On Tuesday, the Twitter account was leaked Crystal ball ESC a complete list of the Norwegian participants.
Some, including Elsa Søllesvik (26), known under the stage name Elsie Bay, came out and denied participation.
“Participated last year or something” ?
It’s always fun when people speculate, but I also hate to disappoint! Maybe one day I will come back to MGP, but right now it’s too soon to say when that would be! ❤️❤️❤️ But I truly appreciate so many hoping that I will return some day! https://t.co/6vAIa4qhb5— Elsie Bay (@iamElsieBay) January 3, 2023
“It’s always fun when people speculate, but hate to disappoint”, commented Bay, adding that she hoped to return one day.
She didn’t have to keep up the bluff for long, since it was announced on Wednesday that she is one of this year’s participants.
– You simply lied, didn’t you?
Elsa Søllesvik. Photo: Erik Edland / TV 2
– Yes, I have probably said that it is too early to say anything about it, and it has been, says Bay, and elaborates:
– I hoped that people would be surprised. The fans follow along and there is always someone who tells some secrets and such, she says, adding that she appreciates the fans’ devotion.
Musical explanation
Ulrikke Brandstorp’s (27) MGP comeback was also revealed in the fan leak.
Brandstorp’s manager, Christoffer Gunnestad, was also one of those who denied the leaked list, and explained away possible participation with the fact that the artist was busy playing in the “Mamma Mia” musical.
– I was made aware of the leak via fans in Romania who sent messages in a rush of happiness, but we have always wanted to keep the tension up until the artist release, therefore we have tried to deny it as best as possible, without completely lying.
He goes on to say that fans at home and abroad have contacted him since Brandstorp’s MGP victory in 2020, and that it has picked up in the last six months.
– Get worse
He hopes the dedicated fans will be satisfied with Wednesday’s news about Brandstorp’s MGP comeback, and at the same time asks for forgiveness:
Brandstorp is no stranger to keeping secrets tight. Among other things, she has participated in and won the singing competition Maskorama. Photo: Erik Edland / TV 2
– It is clear that it is boring to deny and explain away when you most want to share the joy and enthusiasm with the fans, they are such an important part of this circus. But I also know that they are very understanding that we can’t confirm anything until it’s official, so I hope they’ll forgive me, hehe.
Brandstorp herself believes that she has not lied to the fans, since the manager has come out and denied the leak.
– There is something about keeping the tension. We are not allowed to say anything. A bit of white lies like that, it can get worse.
Does not rule out hackers
Project manager for Melodi Grand Prix, Stig Karlsen, says it is difficult to say how the participant list could have been leaked before the launch. He points out that many people are involved in the project, in addition to the fact that the songs are in the Spotify system.
MGP project manager Stig Karlsen. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB
– We have previously had Russian hackers who have tried their hand and there are still some, says Karlsen and adds that he does not rule out that hackers may be behind this particular leak.
The MGP general is aware that the speculation surrounding the artists is perceived as a great compliment:
– We are also very happy that this leak did not reach many people, says Karlsen.
– Must some action be taken to prevent this from happening again?
– We want it to be a launch where we release all the gifts at once, so we are constantly working to try to secure the artist release. It is difficult today in the digital world, but we try everything we can. Occasionally, leaks occur.
