That is why Marcus and Martinus dropped Norway

Many were probably surprised when it became known that Marcus and Martinus Gunnarsen (20) were to participate in Melodifestivalen – the Swedish edition of Melodi Grand Prix.

In front of Dagbladet, the star duo can now tell why it was Sweden, and not Norway.

– We have known each other here for a while, but a lot was really about timing. We didn’t feel like doing it until now – until we had the right song, says Marcus and adds:

– Then we were asked last year, and it felt right.

More offers

To Dagbladet, the twins can now reveal that “sweet brother” is not alone in wanting them on the participant list.

– We received a request to participate in Norwegian MGP several months after we had said yes to Sweden, and by then we had already made the song for Melodifestivalen. So Norway was simply too late.

– We were actually asked to participate in Germany as well. But we are under Universal Music Sweden, have a manager, PR agent, and our entire team here in Sweden, so it was a great fit.

Music manager for MGP, Stig Karlsen, does not want to comment on processes taking place behind the scenes of MGP, but writes the following in an SMS to Dagbladet:

– Their participation in Melodifestivalen did not come as a surprise. Marcus and Martinus have worked targeted at the Swedish market for a long time. The Melodifestivalen is a natural step for them. Some fly out to Switzerland, others fly out to Sweden.

– I look forward to following Marcus and Martinus in Melodifestival, and take the opportunity to wish them the best of luck.

– Can feel a little strange

Whether Marcus and Martinus emerge victorious from the Melodifestivalen remains to be seen, but they make no secret of their nerves before the final.

– What will it be like to possibly represent Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest?

– It will probably feel a bit strange both for us and for all of you back home, to represent Sweden, says Marcus and adds:

– Having said that, it would have been a great honor to have the opportunity! We would do our very best.

– It would have been fun with 12 points from Norway then, adds a laughing Martinus.

When asked if it is likely to see them compete in Norway in the future, they had the following to say:

– Never say never, laughs Martinus.

– We didn’t intend to participate here in Sweden either, so we’ll see, says Marcus before his brother adds:

– But it would have been fun to be there once.

Marcus and Martinus end the ball during Saturday’s semi-final of Melodifestivalen, which is broadcast on SVT1.