With only a few days left until the final of Melodi Grand Prix in Oslo Spektrum, we had a little chat with Jenny Langlo. She will perform her song “Next to You” in Saturday’s final.

You are a new name to the Eurovision audience; can you tell us a bit about who you are, and your musical career so far?

I am a singer and songwriter from the west coast of Norway, now living in Oslo and doing music. I have always enjoyed doing music, and performed a lot with my guitar and own songs in my younger years. I participated in the Idol competition in Norway in 2011 and came out 1st place – something that changed my life completely. After the competition I have gradually started doing more electronic music and released some music with Universal Music.

Jenny in the final of Idol, performing the winning song.

What/who are your musical inspirations?

I listen to mostly indie pop/rock, and the last year I’ve been enjoying a lot of R&B and house music. I am a big fan of songwriters and singers like Jeff Buckley, Thom Yorke and Radiohead, and also newer artists like Lana Del Rey. More surprisingly I am also a huge fan of Marilyn Manson and his music!

Why did you decide to take part in Melodi Grand Prix?

I was a bit of a coincidence that I got in contact with Melodi Grand Prix, and first I was a bit skeptical since I have also participated in the Idol competition. But I pretty soon got really excited about participating, especially since it’s the 60th anniversary this year also. I really can’t wait to perform my song in Oslo Spektrum.

Was your song written especially for MGP?

I went to Gothenburg to work in the studio with the producers of Machopsycho, and we were originally working on another song. We had a couple of hours left and wrote “Next to You” just for fun. Later on the jury of this years MGP got to hear the song, and apparently they really liked it.

You not only sing the song, you also co-wrote it. Can you tell us a little about how it „was born“ and what it is about?

We wrote the song in just a couple of hours, and recorded it in a hurry before I had to catch my train, so it was really just something we did for fun in a good flow. The lyrics are some of my perspectives on how you sometimes totally loose control of your emotions, and how many of us often do our best to keep our true feelings hidden. It’s about having romantic feelings towards another person that you know are not mutual, and how you do your best to cope with that.

Do you watch Eurovision every year, and do you have any traditions with friends or family?

I do not have any Eurovision traditions, but I often watch it. I think it is a lot of fun!

What is your favorite Eurovision entry?

I am actually a HUGE fan of last years winner Conchita Wurst and the song “Rise Like a Phoenix”. Amazing song and performance!

What is the most Norwegian thing you can think of?

Haha, the most Norwegian thing I can think of is probably all the Easter traditions we usually have, when everybody goes cross country skiing in the mountains and brings “Kvikk Lunsj” chocolate and oranges.

All of us here at ESCBubble wish Jenny the best of luck on Saturday!