Norway: Stig Karlsen to EBU “Stop Blaming Delegations and Artists”!

Stig Karlsen, the Head of Delegation for Norway at Eurovision, has called on its organisers the EBU to “stop blaming” others for its own faults.

Eurovision 2024 was shrouded in controversy, with multiple countries complaining about a tense and unsafe environment at the contest. Speaking to Wiwibloggs after the Grand Final, Karlsen says that the EBU need to “be more humble and take responsibility for the damage done”.

Norway was reported to be one of several broadcasters that was threatening to withdraw from the contest this year. In an interview with Aftenposten, the guitarist of Norway’s entry for 2024, Gåte, said that “retiring was on the block until the last second”.

Karlsen, who is the man in charge of Norway’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest each year, says that the Norwegian broadcaster NRK is “already holding discussions” about what happened. The plan is to then “carry these discussions over to the EBU” when they can.

“There is no doubt that the reputation of the Eurovision Song Contest has been significantly damaged this year, and it is now crucial that the EBU quickly takes action. The EBU needs to stop blaming the delegations and artists for the scandals that surrounded Eurovision 2024, and acknowledge the core problem.”

“The reputation of Eurovision goes hand in hand with MGP and all the other national finals. What the EBU does now is crucial for the future of Eurovision and the national selections as well. However, they need to act quickly. Time is running out for the broadcasters that conduct national selections. Right now, it’s a tough task to get artists, songwriters, partners, and team members to engage and commit to the project.”

This is not the first time that Karlsen has said strong words after the end of a Eurovision. Last year, after the controversial result of Eurovision 2023, Karlsen called for the voting system at the contest to change.

Gåte represented Norway in Eurovision 2024. They qualified for the Grand Final, but finished in last place, scoring 16 points overall.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the news about Eurovision 2024!

source: Wiwibloggs