Rein Alexander competed in the final of Melodi Grand Prix 2020 with the song “One Last Time”, he has been performing concerts in various countries including Norway, USA, Iceland, Italy, UK and Sweden while he also played roles in several musicals and opera. He played Jean Valjean in “Les Misérables”, Anatoly in “Chess”, Terje Vigen, Caston in “Beauty and the Beast”, Shere Kahn in “The Jungle Book”, Anton Fugger in “Which Witch” and more. He has received awards at schools such as Royal Academy of Music and The Reykjavík Academy of Singing and Vocal Arts. In 2003, the Norwegian people voted him to victory in the NRK program Kjempesjansen. The team behind “Eyes Wide Open” includes Rein Alexander Korshamn, Christian Ingebrigtsen who took part at MGP 2010 as a member of the band A1 with the song “Don’t Wanna Lose you Again” and Kjetil Mørland who represented Norway at Eurovision 2015 and was a finalist of Melodi Grand Prix 2019 with “En livredd mann”.

Hello Rein, you are known to Eurovision fans as last year’s finalist of MGP with “One Last Time” for which you created a music video totally by yourself from directing, filming, editing and acting it was all your effort if I’m not mistaken can we expect something similar for “Eyes Wide Open” too?

Hello all you wonderful people! Yes that is correct. Well I’m not sure, but I’m making a lyrics video as we speak! It will be out soon! (You can watch the lyrics video of “Eyes Wide Open HERE)

What made you decide to be back again at Melodi Grand Prix this year?

After the voting break down last year, I felt that I really didn’t get a fair chance of winning or loosing. I promised to come back, and here I am. More determined than ever!

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

I am 49 years old, and have twin daughters 2,7 years old. I want to get more people to open their eyes to the immense power we all have, when we stand and work together, to make the world a better place. To feel that you belong, is a strong force and it gives you self esteem and love in your heart. We have to put politics and our small differences aside, and work together for our children. To do something good for others, simply makes us feel great!!! Musically it contains many styles, epic, sacred, pop, rock, opera soul, and is meant to catch broad attention, for both young and old.

How was it to cooperate with Mørland and the rest of the team to create the song?

These guys ar the best! Such humble and inspiring people. I’ve always admired Mørland, and Christian and I have been friends for 25 years. We both used to study in London. Me at the Royal Academy of Music, and he, at LIPA.

Are you going to change something in your performance which we could see last Saturday in the fifth semifinal?

Small things to make it tighter and better. I also want pyro, as you know I like flames and fire.. hahaha! We also have to lose one person, as the international rules says it can only be maximum 6 people on stage in the ESC

Scene seems to be very natural ambient to you. I suppose that is because of your experience as opera & musical singer. You have performed in Les Miserables; Beauty and the Beast, Jungle book, Terje Vigen and many others, what is the favourite role you played and why?

Thank you! My favourite is Jean Valjean in Les Miserables. And I love the story and the music!

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?

You know, you have exactly 3 minutes to give absolutely everything you have of voice, technique, interpretation, power, energy, movement, finding the red lights on the cameras, and not get a back flip salto by a dancer in your face, while knowing there are millions of people, including your mother, watching you from their sofa at home.. So, no. Its OK that I «only» sing for the TV viewers haha:) But of course its a bit of a shame. I love people..

If you would need to choose the one which you like more between “One Last Time” and “Eyes Wide Open” what is your choice and why?

I love them both. They’re different, but right now I’m so proud and happy for Eyes wide only and I’m just focusing on that. There are also 15 musicians playing on it, and so its much more organic than last year. I like that.

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

Oh I don’t know… haha 🙂 There are four songs I think should win this, including my own song, but I won’t tell you which..

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?

It will mean the world to me, literally! Its the biggest most important stage I’ve been on so far, and it gives a lot of opportunity.

Last year Melodi Grand Prix marked 60 years from its first edition what is your favourite song which competed at the stage of MGP ? 

Hold me now -from Ireland, Fångad av en stormwind -Sweden, and a few more. They inspired me, and made me sing along.

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?

Of course! Its the greatest music competition in the world! I have so many memories, but when my good friend Alexander Rybak won – that was an all time high!

What are your plans after Melodi Grand Prix?

Sing sing, write music, sing sing..

Thank you so much for your time Rein. 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?

Lets all stand together, and join the party of happy hearts, and a happy planet! We are strong and we are the same, and we are all brothers and sisters. One big little family! Peace and love! Sincerely Rein Alexander.

Give a listen to his entry “Eyes Wide Open” on Tidal, Spotify and Youtube below as well as lyrics video HERE

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

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