Sandra Lyng will perform in the second final of Melodi Grand Prix (MGP), which will be broadcast on Saturday 21 January. She performs with the song “Drøm d bort”. If her four-year-old son had his way, the song would have had a completely different name.
He got a big reaction when he heard the song, and thus dubbed it the “strength song”. Lyng admits that she is moved by her son’s involvement.
– My son says that the song is a bit reminiscent of lava, stone and other strong things. Let me be honest: The song is dramatic. If I’m going to be in the MGP first, I’m going to run with all the clichés. “Go big, or go home”. I’ve done “simple” pop songs before, now I’m going to do something new!
Strong theme
She will perform the song in Northern Norwegian, and hopes it will be a close and powerful experience – which can hopefully help someone out there.
– The song is about a girl who has grown up in a home where not everything is fine. Nevertheless, she makes it a good thing, that she rather uses her strengths to conquer the darkness.
When asked if the song is based on her own experiences, she replies:
– It is based on many people’s experiences. After I myself opened up about the fact that life is not just a bed of roses, I received many messages in my inbox. This meant that I simply started working as an experience consultant and mental trainer. I have seen that there are many more adults than we think, who live with the child in them. The child who has not gained the self-confidence the child needs, due to a difficult upbringing.
DEBUT: Sandra Lyng has never participated in MGP before. Photo: Erik Edland/TV2
Thought she made a mistake
After the Idol success in 2004, several tough years came for Sandra Lyng. When she somewhat involuntarily chose to be open about her mental challenges, something unexpected happened.
– In 2007 it dawned on me that I had struggled with eating disorders. I was so panicked after that interview. Then I thought that my career was over and that it was stamped “sick” on my forehead.
Her career was by no means over, and instead she received a lot of praise for her openness. She did a complete turnaround: instead of keeping the difficult thoughts inside, she was open about what was bothering her.
IDOL: Sandra Lyng has been successful as a musician after Idol. Photo: Håkon Mosvold Larsen/NTB
Answer to indictment
After this, Lyng has spoken openly about mental health, and spent a lot of time helping others who struggle with the same thing as her.
Although there is mostly praise for Lyng, she also receives criticism from some.
Some believe that too many influencers give out advice on mental health, without having enough professional weight to do so. To the critics, she has a quick answer:
– I am in the process of obtaining a certification as a mental coach. I have taken many courses and read many books about this. So I know a lot of the research behind this. Nevertheless; all i do is talk about my experiences. I am talking about what works for me, I am not saying that it is the solution for everyone.
