Norway: Tooji [Interview]

As we all know, Tooji will represent Norway in Baku this year. He came second in his semi final of Melodi Grand Prix, and then managed to have a landslide win in the final. We chatted with him about his song and his views on Eurovision. Read what he told us in the following interview:

escXtra: Hello Tooji! Thank you very much for your time for doing this interview. For the start, tell us how are you feeling at the moment, and how are the preparations for Eurovision going?

Tooji: Right now, I’m feeling extremely excited about the competition. I’m so thrilled to be able to be a part of it all! The preparations are well underway, and I feel confident that things are going well. It’s a crazy busy time right before the competition, but so much fun

X: You are in the Norwegian media for many years now. How did you decide to enter Melodi Grand Prix this year exactly?

T: It was actually my manager who suggested I enter MGP this year. She said to me if I was going to debut musically, why not do it big and go all in? So I did! And here I am

X: How did your co-operation with Peter and Figge Bostrom start?

T: I’ve been working with different producers from Norway, USA and Sweden for many years now – and when I decided to participate in Melodi Grand Prix the way to Peter and Figge Bostrom was short. They are two of the best producers and songwriters in Sweden, who are well known for their contribution in the Swedish “Melodifestivalen”. And after a few meetings we got the perfect result – my song “Stay”.

X: Did you expect to win the national final?

T: I had no expectations at all to MGP. I was just excited to be able to be a part of it, to perform on stage with so many other talented people. I couldn’t have dreamt in my wildest dreams that the Norwegian people would love me that much.

X: Can you tell us something about your performance on the Eurovision stage in Baku?

T: My performance in Baku will remain a surprise, however I can give you two words to describe what you can expect: “Explosive Joy!”

X: What are your expectations in Baku?

T: The only thing I expect from Baku is that it’s going to definitely be an experience of a lifetime – for everyone involved! I try not to expect too much in regards to the actual competition. Of course, I’m in it to win it! But my main goal is to reach out to people and give it my ALL on stage.

X: Who do you think is going to be your biggest competition in Eurovision this year?

T: Right now, I think my biggest competition is Loreen, and I think that’s merely because I love her song and her voice!

X: Have you got an all time favorite Eurovision song?

T: I can’t really say. I have fond memories of the song “VOI VOI” and I remember clearly Gina G’s “Oh Ah Just a little bit”

X: Any plans after Eurovision?

T: Right now, my only plans are to get through Eurovision. Anything after that will have to wait. One day at the time!

X: And finally, do you have a message for all your fans, and readers of escXtra.com?

T: I’d like to thank all of my fans for all the love and support! It’s absolutely overwhelming, and I cannot express how much I appreciate it. Let’s have fun, spread good vibes and kick it in Eurovision!!! Thank you for being so awesome. I’ll reply to all your tweets and messages as soon as I can. Love you all! See you soon in Baku

X: Thank you very much Tooji, and we wish you the best of luck in Baku! See you there.

You can listen to Tooji’s performance of “Stay” after he won Melodi Grand Prix, right here: