The winners of this year’s Melodi Grand Prix have decided, they will participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö in May. – Yes, we did say that we needed some time to land that we actually won. We needed to take it in and take a breather, says vocalist Gunnhild Sundli. – But now we are ready to say that we choose to participate, she continues. Ahead of the MGP final, Gåte expressed that they found it problematic that Israel should take part in Eurovision. Vocalist Gunnhild Sundli said that the band would need reflection time to find out what would be best for them to do next. WILL USE THE VOICE: Vocalist Gunnhild Sundli and guitarist Magnus Børmark say they will use their voices to share their views on the war between Israel and Gaza. Photo: Jøte Toftaker / news Has it been a difficult decision? – It is not difficult now that it has been taken, but we have spent a lot of time and thoroughly discussed how we can use our voices in this crisis that the world is witnessing, and with Eurovision as the arena now, answers Gåte guitarist Magnus Børmark . He goes on to say that they will primarily use their voices musically, but that they will also express their views on the war. – We want to say all the way that what is happening in Gaza with the killing of children and ordinary people, it can never be defended. It has to stop. Problematic participation On 6 February, Israel named its Eurovision candidate. The Israeli artist Eden Golan has shared on social media that she will participate in the competition. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has previously announced that it is out of the question to ban Israel from this year’s competition. ISRAELI PARTICIPATION: 20-year-old Eden Golan says she is looking forward to participating for Israel in Eurovision in May. Photo: X What do you think about Israel taking part in the international final? – We have spoken about it before and we still stand by the fact that we find it problematic that Israel should participate as the situation is now, and that we request the EBU to make arrangements for it to be a safe, sound and worthy event for everyone who will participate, says Sundli. Here at home, MGP’s semi-finals and final have been characterized by demonstrations. The petition “Exclude Israel from Eurovision”, created by the Norwegian singer and artist Marthe Valle, has several thousand signatures. Børmark says that they will speak out on behalf of human rights and fundamental human dignity. – We are not going to mark ourselves in any polarizing way because this polarization is war, and that kind of thing does not lead to peace. WINNERS: Da Gåte won MGP 2024 in Trondheim Spektrum on 3 February. They have experienced receiving many inquiries about their Eurovision participation. – People are naturally very engaged and upset about what is happening now and want to find a way to be able to influence. There have been lots and lots of inquiries, and we understand that very well, says Sundli – And along the way we also just have to be absolutely clear that what we are going to do is something we have to stand for, and it has to be rooted in us, concludes Børmark . news dialogue Tomorrow Gåte will meet with news to, among other things, talk about the way forward towards Eurovision. Music manager for MGP, Stig Karlsen, says that they are happy with Gåte’s decision and will now follow them closely towards the journey to Malmö. – Of course we want to talk about the special year that is now, both in relation to the war between Israel and Gaza and security during the competition. SUPPORTS GÅTE: Music manager for MGP, Stig Karlsen, says that Gåte can use his voice actively against what is happening in Gaza. Photo: Kjetil Solhøi / news He says that news supports the band in their decision to raise their views in the competition. It is important that Gåte have their voice and that they get the opportunity to share what they want to say, no one should put a leash on them. Furthermore, he says that news will emphasize the focus on security during the event in Malmö. – news will follow up on security and ask a number of questions about this to both EBU and SVT, says Karlsen.
ttn-69
Gåte participates in the Eurovision Song Contest – news Culture and entertainment
