One of the big favorites to win the Melodi Grand Prix, Gåte, was informed that they needed to change the lyrics of their entry “Ulveham”. The news spread fast and the band has less than a week to change the song’s lyrics.
CONTROVERSY
Allegedly, Ulveham’s lyrics are identical to a 1,000-year-old medieval ballad. As Eurovision requires original music, the broadcaster NRK was concerned about the possible issues relating to Eurovision regulations.
The Head of Delegation for Norway, Stig Karlsen, said that the original material is relatively unknown and that it is copyright-free.
NRK, the Norwegian broadcaster, has discussed the “Ulveham” case with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Eurovision’s organizers. The EBU has confirmed to NRK that, if Gåte were to win Melodi Grand Prix 2024, the band could compete with “Ulveham” in Malmö.
MGP organizers claim that Ulveham is not plagiarized, but instead, it took inspiration from traditional Norwegian folk music. However, the band was given only a few days to rewrite the lyrics of their entry.
THE SECOND VERSION OF ULVEHAM
The concern that arises from this situation is that the second version of Gåte’s entry might feel or seem different than the song that qualified for the Grand Final. Karlsen claims that the changes won’t have a major effect on the song.
“The song, the story and the identity and expression of the performance will be virtually identical to the performance to be delivered in the final. We therefore do not see that the change to the text is of decisive importance.“
Gåte competed in the second semi-final of the Melodi Grand Prix 2024, with “Ulveham” qualifying for the Grand Final. The rewritten “Ulveham” will compete with eight other songs to represent Norway at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. The final is scheduled for February 3, 2024.
What do #YOU think about the broadcaster’s decision to change the song’s lyrics? Let’s hear from #YOU on our forum site right HERE, or visit us on Facebook, X(Twitter), Instagram, Youtube, TikTok and Discord.
