Kaja Rode is a 22-year-old singer from Oslo known to the audience as a participant of The Voice Norway in 2017. Even though she is young, Kaja has performed on several stages and has experience of performing at various events. She studies Retail Management and develops her skills as a songwriter. The authors behind the lyrics and the music for her entry are: Magnus Martinsen, Mrijam Johanne Omdal, Andreas Gjone and Erika Dahlen.

Hello Kaja, the Norwegian audience got familiar with you after The Voice of Norway in 2017 how was the experience you had and has that help you further on with your musical career and in which way?

The Voice Norway was great to be a part of! It was my mum that got me on the show, and before I started singing in front of the mentors I actually wasn’t that nervous, but when the first one turned his chair my body started shaking. And when all four turned – that was a truly amazing feeling.  It absolutely made me want to keep singing! My favorite performances on the Voice was “Listen”, because of the rush when everyone turned their chairs, and “Dear No One”, because I love that song.

What made you decide to take part at Melodi Grand Prix?

That’s a cool story, cos I actually sent in another song to MGP that did not make the cut, but NRK liked my voice and wanted me to try out this other song called “Feel Again”. At the time it was a demo without an artist, but shortly after I got the song and here we are!

One of the coolest parts was after the meeting with NRK and the songwriting-team for the first time, I got a phone-call from NRK telling us that Feel Again was pre-qualified to the final. Super exciting!

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

Feel Again is about being able to show your feelings, both good and bad. You should not have to keep them inside. Feel Again is for me about letting go, wanting to be happy and live freely.

These days the springtime is inspiring me. It’s getting brighter outside and hopefully we can all sing and dance in the streets really soon! That also works well with the song.

You are competing in the final against IMERIKA who is the author of “Feel Again” how does that feel?

It was a big surprise to find out that Imerika and I could be competing against each other in the final, and now we are! She is such a good singer, and I wish her all the best.

How was it to cooperate with IMERIKA and the rest of the team behind the song?

I’ve been working really well with the songwriting-team. They’ve had great understanding of my abilities and together we have tailored the song to fit my voice. We might work again together at a later point!

Are you going to change something in your performance which we could see in the third semifinal? Many fans compared it to the one Loreen had at Eurovision 2021, how does that make you feel?

We are changing up the lighting a bit and some camera angles, and I have added some bling to my cape.Loreen had an amazing performance with a catchy song that I love, so I’m honored that some people compare us.I’ve worked with a choreographer from NRK on the dance moves and I also got a lot of help from my mother-in-law, Merete Lingjaerde, who is a renowned Norwegian choreographer and dancer. My team and I had several meetings talking about how we wanted the show to be and decided early that lasers and wind machines should play a big part. We wanted a grand show, mixing modern staging with old school Eurovision-style.

This year’s Melodi Grand Prix is held without the audience how have you felt performing in an empty arena has it affected you in any way?

Of course, it’s sad that we can’t have any audience, but I’m really happy that we are able to sing and perform at MGP anyhow, and it’s good to know that so many people at home are supporting and cheering us on.  

Which of the remaining finalist do you see as your biggest competitor for the Eurovision ticket?

I think it must be Tix and Keiino, but all the contestants are really good and been in this game for much longer than me. So, I’m honored to sing alongside them.

What would be your first reaction if you win MGP 2021 and what it means to you to represent Norway at Eurovision Song Contest 2021?

If I win, I will cry a lot, only happy tears because I’ve been working so hard for this to happen and it would mean the world to me! Also, it would be an honor to represent Norway!

Last year Melodi Grand Prix marked 60 years from its first edition what is your favourite song which competed at the stage of MGP and tell us why did you choose it?

Recently my favourite Eurovision song has become Arcade, the winner from 2019. But I also love Fairytale like the rest of the world.

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?

My favourite memory has to be when Alexander Rybak won Eurovision in 2009. I was only 11 years old but remember it well. He impressed with a spectacular show and voice, last but not least a tune that was stuck in my head for a long time. I remember thinking that I also wanted to do that one day, and now I’m here. Unbelievable!

What do you do when you are not creating music and singing, any hobbies?

I love to hang out with my friends eating lots of food having a good time. I also love skiing, hiking and being outside.

What are your plans after Melodi Grand Prix?

After MGP I will focus on songwriting, releasing new songs and hopefully be able to perform and do concerts really soon!

Thank you so much for your time Kaja. 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 your time Kaja. We wish you the best of luck at Melodi Grand Prix 

Thank you for having me! And I just want to say thank you followers of Escbubble for your support and great messages. You’re wonderful! I hope you will keep listening to Feel Again and that we will see each other soon. Stay safe, and if you want follow my MGP-journey on social media, check out @kajarode on Facebook and Instagram. Lots of love and happiness from me to you!

Give a listen to her entry “Feel Again”  on Spotify, iTunes  or at Youtube below

If Kaja Rode is your favorite to win Melodi Grand Prix 2021 which will take place this Saturday, make sure you cast your vote for her in our poll right here:

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