The Norwegian Emmy, and ex-music chief Stig Karlsen, officially confirm that her now Irish Europop winner Laika Party was rejected for Melodi Grand Prix.

Emmy explains that she wrote it at a songwriter camp where 100 or so songs are sent in, and Laika Party didn't make the cut. However, as the camp had writers from across the world, and she had an Irish writing partner, they sent it off to Ireland, as it felt natural. She's also spent a week in Ireland to familiarize herself with the country.

Ex-music chief Stig Karlsen also confirms it didn't make the cut, saying it was 1 of 106 songs written at Rena Music Fest in Rena last summer, and that although it wasn't locally selected for MGP, he says it's "pretty fun" that it's got a new life in Eurovision in Ireland, congratulation Emmy and crew, saying "Cool song, great people.".

MGP project leader Mads Tørklep additionally states that they're cheering on her as part of the MGP family (having competed in 2021 with Witch Woods, and in MGP jr in 2015 with Aiaiai, and also being a songwriter on the 2024 finalist Woman Show), and that she will be present during MGP next week, which he looks forward too.

On the contrary, the leader of fansite Eurovision Norway calls it a fluke that the NRK rejected the song only for it to win the whole shebang in Ireland. However, he has noted the mostly positive response, and is cheering on her.

Now, Norwegians representing other countries isn't new, with Marcus & Martinus winning Sweden last year being a particularly (in)famous example. In 2022, Norwegian Greek Amanda Georgiadias Tennfjord competed in Greece with Die Together, and this year, Norwegian Polish Teo Tomczuk is competing in Poland with Immortal.

Emmy, on the other hand, wants to shield herself from any potential backlash, as she calls herself very shy and careful, although the reception has mostly been positive, which she is very grateful for. She says she's shielding herself to continue pleasing those who are liking it, and upon question of this topic of Norwegians in international Eurovision, she finds it really cool and really fun, and calls it all a distant childhood dream come true for her and her brother, who was one of the songwriters.