Being Norwegian, I have celebrated three Eurovision victories for my country, without really wanting to. Not that I didn’t enjoy the fact that we won, cuz I did. It’s just that Norway wasn’t my favorite in any of their winning years. Actually, to be more precise, even though Norway figured in my top 10 from time to time, it was never my favorite. That changed in 2015, however, with “A Monster Like Me”.
A Monster Like Me
I had all but given up hope that I would live to see Norway on top of my own list. But then “A Monster Like Me” happened. I loved “A Monster Like Me” from the first time I heard it, and I still do. Pre-contest they hoped for a top 10 result, and they got it!
There is something in the haunting melody that just grabs hold of me and refuses to let go. The way they use the strings and the piano to emphasize the voices and the narrative is completely breathtaking. And Mørland’s voice, from the first “Honey” is just magical. Kjetil and the instruments are sooooo good together that you think it can’t get any better. But then Debrah Scarlett joins in, with her own “Honey”, and you realize that this is perfection.
Oh, and don’t get me started on the visual beauty of the performance!
Tears, smiles and tissues
As the song builds, so does my love for it. During the contest, there was one point in the performance where I would start crying…every time! At the same time wearing a smile that went almost all the way around! From their first technical rehearsal to their wonderful perfomance in the final. It turned into kind of a joke in Vienna. Every time it was Norway’s turn on stage someone would get up and say “Better get Wiv some tissues”, which was always a good idea.
The video
Aaahhh; the video! It’s gorgeous. And strange. It’s creepy. And hilarious. It tells a story. And it makes no sense whatsoever. The video for “A Monster Like Me” is confusin and clarifying at the same time. And even though I understand it, there is no way I can explain it. Make sense? No, I thought not.
What the others had to say…
Ryan
Hlynur
I agree with Wivian, the song is just magical and haunting at the same time. This duet is just wonderful and their voices match perfectly together. If I were to pick a favorite Norwegian Eurovision song of all time, I would most likely pick this one.
Tom
There are those Eurovision songs when you hear it and are hooked straight away. This was one of them. I remember seeing the video and knowing this had to win the Norwegian Melodi Grand Prix. It had drama, class and the mystery around the song left you guessing. To my delight they performed at the London Eurovision Party and I was able to see this live in person. One of my all time favourites from Norway and at Eurovision.
Next week
Next week it’s Miki’s turn. He will bring us a Macedonian masterpiece like no other! Don’t forget to come back to see which of Macedonia’s 17 entries he’s picked!
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