Stina Talling is a 17 years old girl from Bergen which started with YouTube videos back in 2013 and now she has almost 17 million plays at her channel. In 2019 she got a record contract with Sony Music and since then she released several songs: “Fortid til fremtid”, “Jada Jada” with Cherie Mwangi, “En gang til” with Eirik Lyng, “Livet nå” and a film score “En rakett til måneland” for the Netflix film “Over The Moon” in 2020. Stina’s biggest hit “Mer enn god nok” which she co-wrote for BlimE, has streamed over 12 million times.

Hello Stina, you paved your way first as a Youtube vlogger making comedy sketches and videos before you signed the first contract with the label record Sony Music do you plan to continue to record Youtube videos and what did that whole experience taught you?

Yes, I plan to continue on my YouTube platform for as long as I find it fun, but of course not so actively as I used to. 

Can we expect a behind the scenes vlog which will showcase your journey on Melodi Grand Prix?

Yes, I am actually vlogging at the moment and will publish the first One later this week. I am afraid it is in Norwegian

You are one of the youngest participants of this year’s edition of Melodi Grand Prix how does that feel?

It feels great, and I hope that this can help me to charm the older ladies, haha😅

How did you decide to apply for Melodi Grand Prix?

I didn’t apply, I was asked, and gladly accepted

Can you tell us what was the idea behind “Elevate” and what does the song mean for you?

Elevate was sent to me as a demo, and I immediately liked the lyrics and melody, and developed it further. To me it is kind of magical and gives hope that, together, we will come out stronger from any difficult time, such as the pandemic we are in now.

All of the songs you released so far are sung in Norwegian what made you decide to totally switch to English for your MGP entry “Elevate”? Do you plan to continue releasing the songs in Norwegian too?

English was chosen to be able to reach out to the European audience with the lyrics. I hope to give out both Norwegian and English songs in the future.

Can you reveal us more about your performance which we will see this Saturday?

It is a secret, but I can reveal that it is a bit toned down, to match the message in the song. 

A year ago you released a song “Jada Jada” in a duet with Cherie Mwangi, sister of Stella Mwangi how was that cooperation? Could we expect to see a song release together with Stella too?

It was fun to cooperate with Cherie, currently no plans for Coop with Stella, but who knows! 

This year’s Melodi Grand Prix will be held without the audience how will that affect your performance?

I would prefer audience, but at the same time I am comfortabel in front of cameras, from my experience as a youtuber.

Do you watch Eurovision regularly, if so would you like to share a memory which you have of it or a favourite song from the contest?

Arcade and the Norwegian song «In my dreams» (Wig wam) stands out for me!

Which musicians are the ones you enjoy listening to and whose songs inspire you the most?

At the moment I like the latest album from Miley Cyrus. Generally, I like bands like Dry the River, Nada Surf. 

What are your plans after Melodi Grand Prix?

To take each day and each opportunity as it comes!

Thank you so much for your time Stina. We wish you the best of luck at Melodi Grand Prix. Do you want to share something else or you maybe have a message for followers of escbubble?

Thank you so much for the positive feedback, it makes me so happy that you enjoy my song!

Give a listen to her entry “Elevate”  on Spotify  or at Youtube below

If Stina is your favorite in the first semifinal which will take place this Saturday 16th of January, make sure you cast your vote for her in our poll right here:

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