ESC+Plus has talked to Laila Samuels, finalist of this year’s Norwegian national selection for Eurovision. The singer will perform “Afterglow” in the final of MGP 2016 set on February 27.
ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Norwegian national selection for Eurovision 2016.
Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?
My professional career catapulted when I was signed with my band the Tuesdays to Arista Records New Your 1998. We toured the US and Europe a couple of years after the release and after playing the Roskilde festival in Denmark 2001 I decided to swap careers and became a songwriter for other artists instead. In a way it was the natural next step. I had always written songs and I loved it more than travelling and performing at the time. And that’s what I have been doing ever since.
E+: What impelled you to take part in “MGP 2016”?
Even though I love writing for the stars and I also really love performing. I just felt it was about time I did it again.
E+: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the final? Did you expect it?
I was hoping, but you never know. They always asked me to write for them before-the Norwegian committee but this time it was a new group and I actually sent it in and waited. I like the proper way scary but when they told me they wanted my song, I was thrilled. I’d love to represent Norway once in the Eurovision finals.
E+: What it would mean for you to represent Norway?
Nothing would be cooler for me at this point. I feel really ready for it.
E+: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?
The song is about loss. About an intense wish to get something back that went missing. It could be a feeling: hope. love, trust, positivity. Sometimes people just get knocked down but this song is about fighting back when it happens. To me it has a warriors spirit.
E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Stockholm? What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?
I think in the end people vote for a song they love. I can only cross my fingers that I do a great performance. And do my song justice. I have a good feeling about my song. It feels very right to do it.
E+: Have you started to prepare your stage performance for “MGP 2016”?
A little bit. I will let the song do the talking I think.
E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What are your favourite songs in the history of the competition?
Fairytale , Nocturne and Johnny Logan, the king of the Eurovision 😉
E+: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?
Celine Dion maybe. Amazing voice and amazing personality.
E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?
I’m finishing up my album.
E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?
I wanna give a shout out to all the Eurovision fans. I hope to see u in Stockholm 😉 And I hope that the show will be great that you all feel entertained. I will do my best to make it fun to watch 🙂 #AFTERGLOW !!! lot’s of good wishes to you all in the new year.
E+: Thanks for your time and good luck!