Eurovision 2021 Reviews – Norway

It’s not uncommon to see Norway reach the Top 10 at Eurovision, and if not, they are usually not too far behind. The nation last won the contest in 2009, and since then, has qualified to the final all but two times. This year, TIX was selected to represent Norway with his song, Fallen Angel. Will we be seeing Norway reach the final once again? 

Anita (Eurovision Union) 

Song and Vocals 

Norway served up one of the strongest national finals this year, and of course, we saw the return of televote favourites, KEiiNO. After listening to their competing entry this year, it was clear they would be the ones to beat, but personally, TIX stood out from the very first performance – and so began the love affair. 

Fans who followed the national final would have been introduced to the Norwegian language version of Fallen Angel (Ut av mørket), and this is the version I wish we would be hearing at Eurovision. I understand that TIX wanted to get his message across in English, but I’m a sucker for a song in national language, especially a song which communicates the message through a performance. I’ve come to terms that we probably won’t be getting any Norwegian in the live performance, especially knowing the live on tape was in English, but yet this song still remains as a firm favourite of mine. 

Fallen Angel isn’t the most groundbreaking song by any means, but there is something about this song that immediately connected with me. The melody really stood out for me, and it didn’t take long for me to start singing along. TIX performs the song well, and while he didn’t reach the big note towards the end, he reworked the live version to ensure that each note could be confidently delivered. Adding to the power in the song is the vocal backing track which features really deep vocals to support TIX. Every little part of this song just leaves me wanting more, and this has easily been the most played Eurovision 2021 song for me thus far – both English and Norwegian versions. 

Performance and Act

I believe the factor keeping fans on the fence about Norway and TIX is the staging. Having read more about TIX (Andreas Haukeland) and knowing that TIX is essentially a character, it makes more sense to see him dressed in the angel wings, with countless chains around his neck, in a gold suit. But for a first time viewer, the staging might give the wrong impression of the song. Listening to the English lyrics should indicate that the song isn’t a joke entry, however I can see how viewers could get that impression. Saying that, I think the staging featuring TIX as the fallen angel, surrounded by the demon-like dancers does actually suit the song, and it does give an extra layer of memorability at the very least. 

Conclusions

I was in love with this song from first listen, and it still remains as my favourite entry of this year’s contest. While it’s not the original or groundbreaking song, it has the ability to connect, and I believe it will resonate with viewers. I see Norway in the final this year once again, but where it lands in the final is a bit of a mystery. 

Rating 

10/10

Dennis (ESCDaily)

Song and Vocals

Norway has a strong composition and song this year and that’s no surprise. The song has been made by TIX himself, and he has been responsible for the big hit by Ava Max: ‘Sweet but psycho’. He can also perform a song well himself, as he proved in the shows in Norway. First in Norwegian (also strong!) and for the final in English. Norway is ready to take over Europe again in May.

Performance and Act

With the theme of ‘Fallen Angel’ the act is very supporting. TIX is dressed as an angel, surrounded by demons who caught him with their chains. It might be a bit over the top, which could definitely hurt his chances with the jury vote. If it is marked as circus/camp they might vote it down a bit. Still, there is a high quality behind the song and performance, which could still give him a good result.

Conclusions

The main question for Norway is whether the jury will mark it with a red flag due to the way the song is being presented. If you look beyond all the visual spectacle, there is a very strong contemporary pop song, and a talented composer and performer. This should do very well in May.

Rating

8.5/10

Additional Scores from Eurovision Union and ESCDaily editors: 

Steef:: 7/10

Joshua: 4/10

Selim: 7/10

Heath: 10/10

Kaitlin: 9.5/10

Average Score:  8/10

What do you think of Fallen Angel? Follow our Eurovision 2021 reviews here.. You can support your favourite acts in our Eurovision 2021 poll, which you can find here.