During the MGP artist release on 4 January, it was announced that Kate Gulbrandsen (57) will return to the music competition.
She ran away with the victory in MGP 1987 with the song “Mitt Liv”, and at the same time became known worldwide for her long hair.
This year she will participate with the song “Tårer i paradis”.
– This is a circus, and I’m really looking forward to being on the MGP stage again! Now I have thought about this many times, because “My life” is somehow “sacred” to me. So I considered whether to come back, or leave it alone. But this is so nice! I have found a very nice melody, and a text that is a bit about my story, says Gulbrandsen to TV 2.
Hear Gulbrandsen talk about her very personal – and sad – story in the video at the top of the story.
FAMOUS WEDDING: Kate Gulbrandsen was known for her big hair last time she was on the show. She is giving up welding this year, she says to TV 2. Photo: Odd Steinar Gulbrandsen / NTB
A sad story
Gulbrandsen shone like the sun at the press conference, and politely greeted all the journalists present who wanted to talk to the MGP legend.
She says that she would not have been part of MGP again if she did not have something she wanted to convey.
– The song is about a story that I have experienced. One of the closest people to me has passed away. He committed suicide. I think that this is something that I can stand for and talk about, because it’s actually a bit taboo to talk about it. Although it is an MGP song, I feel that there is a lot of hope in the song. It is about living while you can.
She reveals that it was her former husband, the father of her daughter, who chose to take his own life. It was important for her to take into account the others in the family before singing about the very personal topic, but the family supports her in her choice.
ARTIST: Gulbrandsen is looking forward to being on the MGP stage again. Photo: Erik Edland/TV 2
– It was a number of years ago, so we have processed it. It is important that we can talk about it. It is important to show that it is not really dangerous to talk about it. Maybe others can recognize themselves in the song, and find comfort?
The 57-year-old believes it is important to be able to talk about life, even when life is difficult. The same applies to having music that respects all human emotions, such as grief and hope.
Need someone to talk to?
- Mental Health helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours a day)
- The church’s SOS: 22 40 00 40 (open 24 hours a day)
- Leve National Association for survivors of suicide: Accepts inquiries by e-mail: [email protected] or telephone 22 36 17 00 (weekdays 9am-3pm)
Source: Helsenorge.no
– Life doesn’t just run smoothly. For me there are ups and downs.
Gulbrandsen says that she has sung about death before, but never in this way.
– It will be a chapter that ends.
MORE COMEBACKS: It is not just Gulbrandsen who is making a comeback. Stig van Eijk also returns to MGP. He won the singing competition in 1999, with the song “Living My Life Without You”. Photo: Erik Edland/TV 2
Gets help from another MGP winner
She has Kjetil Mørland (42) with her on the songwriting team. He is a highly meritorious songwriter, and in the MGP context he has several achievements.
In 2015, he won the Melodi Grand Prix with his self-composed “A Monster Like Me”, which he performed in a duet with Debrah Scarlett. In 2020, he won the Melodi Grand Prix for the second time, this time as one of the songwriters behind the song “Attention”, performed by Ulrikke Brandstorp.
– He is a wonderful man to work with, and he has made such beautiful songs. I feel a little starstruck. So I feel very safe.
VIENNA: Debrah Scarlett and Kjetil Mørland came in eighth place in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015. Now the latter will help Kate Gulbrandsen. Photo: Tore Meek / NTB scanpix
