Today’s Eurovision news come to us from Norway. Namely, after a decade-long run as the music director and project leader for Melodi Grand Prix, Stig Karlsen has announced his departure from this position.
The decision comes as a new and exciting opportunity emerged, involving a collaboration with Norway’s first female astronaut, Jannicke Mikkelsen. According to Karlsen, this role offers a chance to work in a different field, focusing on communication and media for Mikkelsen’s space mission.
Karlsen emphasized that his choice to leave wasn’t swayed by the controversies tied to this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. He expressed confidence in music and culture as unifying forces.
“I believe that music and culture are bridges, and I trust that the EBU will get the event back on track,” he said.
To begin his new role on October 1, Karlsen will first take a nine-month leave from NRK. He plans to complete his remaining tasks, including selecting the artists and songs for next year’s edition of MGP.
The search for his successor is currently underway. Entertainment editor Charlo Halvorsen expressed the importance of finding the right candidate for the role:
“We are in full swing to find Stig’s successor as music director for MGP. This is one of the most important jobs in Norway’s music industry, so we are taking our time to find the right person with the right skills and passion for the country’s biggest music competition,” Halvorsen stated.
Source: NRK
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