The Norwegian broadcaster NRK has stated that it will support Jonas Lovv to openly and honestly answer any questions during his time as the nation’s representative for the Eurovision Song Contest.
Mads Tørklep, the Norwegian Head of Delegation, has confirmed that Jonas Lovv will be allowed to answer any questions put to him without consequence from the Norwegian broadcaster. In a statement, Mr Tørklep explained:
“NRK is concerned about freedom of expression. The artists must be allowed to answer the questions they are asked”
When asked whether Jonas Lovv will be allowed to answer questions on Israel’s participation or other political topics, he added:
“It’s that simple. Jonas Lovv can answer exactly what he wants, to whomever he wants. In any case, we will not limit him.”
NRK has confirmed that it will not remove its representative or fine the singer, even if Jonas Lovv is found to violate the European Broadcasting Union’s rules. The Head of Delegation added, “We understand that the EBU wants to make the competition as unpolitical as possible, but freedom of expression is still most important to us.”
The EBU has introduced rules for the Eurovision Song Contest, which state that artists are not allowed to take a political stance. The rules regarding political statements are as follows:
“Participants can express themselves freely in a personal capacity but must
avoid linking political views to their ESC participation. They must not
instrumentalise the ESC or use the ESC as leverage by making political
statements or causing controversies, thereby shifting focus away from the
Event’s purpose, which is celebrating music and promoting unity”
“The ESC respects freedom of expression as a fundamental right. While
participants retain their right to free speech outside the Contest, they are
bound by the ESC’s rules within the context of their performance and
official activities related to the Event”
Jonas Lovv received the maximum amount of points from both the jury and the televote, and will thus represent Norway at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 with the entry “Ya ya ya”. Jonas Lovv has been drawn to perform in the second half of the second semi-final, on May 14.
Source: NRK
Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest+
Norway debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1960 and have won the contest three times – in 1985, 1995 and 2009. The country has the dubious record of finishing last the most times, twelve in total, and have received nul points four times. Norway last won the contest in 2009 when Alexander Rybak broke all records with his song “Fairytale”. He scored 387 points in the final, receiving 16 sets of 12 points and scoring points from every country.