Why Did Norway Finish Last at Eurovision 2024?

Norway at Eurovision is always a fascinating story. Despite enjoying significant success, Norway holds the record for the most 0 points. Their 2009 winner's performance remains one of the most viewed Eurovision videos on KZbin, even 15 years later. With a history of either hitting big or missing entirely, Norway has finished last eleven times. This video will delve into why Gate's entry tumbled to the bottom in Malmo despite Alessandra’s top 5 finish in Liverpool last year.
The MGP Process
Gate was a standout in the selection process, fully embracing Norwegian cultural heritage. The band, known for blending traditional Norwegian folk with progressive rock, metal, and electronica, presented a unique entry. Gate translates to "riddle" or "mystery," fitting their ethereal nature. Other notable acts included KEiiNO with their energetic song Damdigida and Margaret Berger with her electronic dance track Oblivion. MGP, a strong national final, showcases the best of Norway's musical talent.
The Song Itself
"Ulveham" (Wolfskin) is rich in Nordic folklore, filled with metaphors and symbolism about transformation and nature. The song, sung in ancient Norwegian, was a risk that didn’t pay off. It seemed Norway's transcontinental vote wasn't connecting as hoped, with KEiiNO finishing first after international voting. Gate's track, requiring reverence and lacking a catchy dance beat, didn't resonate as well as other entries.
The Band Gate
Gate’s members were gracious and confident, emphasizing the historical significance of their song. Lead singer Gunnhild Sundli described performing "Ulveham" as akin to giving birth, highlighting its emotional and demanding nature. Despite their chemistry and emotionally charged performances, the song's structure-alternating low verses and energetic choruses-felt repetitive, especially for non-Norwegian speakers.
Chances at Eurovision
Despite being a dark horse, Gate didn’t perform well with juries or the public, receiving few points. This year’s competition was filled with culturally rich yet more accessible songs. Croatia’s Baby Lasagna and Greece’s entry successfully married cultural tradition with catchy elements. Norway’s unique performances often receive leniency, yet Gate’s song didn’t resonate enough to avoid last place.
The Positives for Norway
It’s not all negative for Norway. Gate's entry continued Norway's impressive qualification streak, not missing a final since 2016. Norway’s daring and culturally rich entries enrich Eurovision, showcasing diverse styles across Europe. MGP remains a strong selection process, positioning Norway as a potential winner in the near future.
What do you think? Why did Norway come last at the final? Share your thoughts in the comments below and see you in the next video!

[@TurrisBabylonius]

Gate was one of my top three acts, maybe even the winner this year. But it went over the heads of the average audience.

[@MrEurominx]

While I preferred KeiiNo in the heats, I genuinely believed Gate could possibly win Eurovision.

[@kasiakarewicz1210]

Eurovision is a commercial, basic pop-culture festival, and it attracts such an audience. For me, Gate's performance, the music, the voice of the singer, the energy of a band, is simply a masterpiece. If not the winner, then in the top 3 of this year.

[@annhenriques3520]

Gate was my #6 favorite this year, and I do continue to listen to their song. I love drama and intensity in rock music, which this song definitely has. However, there was zero chance of this song winning this year, for multiple reasons: 1. There were a lot of genuinely awesome songs this year, and in varying musical styles. The ballad lovers voted for France, the pop rock lovers voted for Croatia, and Ukraine and Italy always send strong songs that don’t sound like anyone else’s and gather large vote tallies. 2. The political campaigns by far right governments in multiple countries definitely influenced the popular vote totals for Israel, and that lowered scores for most countries, including Norway. I have no interest in discussing the politics of this conflict, which is far more complicated than some people want to acknowledge. But it’s clear that the very public campaign on KZbin and other sites asking people voters to use multiple credit cards and phones to vote for one specific country worked. 3. The jury vote was deliberately skewed for Switzerland. The Code was my #2, I’m not complaining it won, it deserved lots of jury votes. The song as crafted was always going to appeal to jury members with its mix of pop, opera, rap and wonderful, heartfelt lyrics. But giving The Code 12 points almost across the board, when there were other really good songs that should also have appealed to the juries (like France and Ukraine) just seems suspicious. 4. Staging. The staging was visually appealing, but one note. The music video for the song adds drama and interest, in comparison. 5. Sing ability. The vocalist was really good! But this is not a song the audience or I can sing along to, especially the chorus. We can appreciate it, but on a more intellectual level rather than having a more emotional connection. A lot of comments I see online state Norway was underrated and robbed. I agree, but when only the top ten songs out of 27 are awarded points from each country, these things happen. I expected this from the public, but thought Norway would have gotten a better jury score. A lot of words to say Norway sent a really good song, but not a song designed to appeal to most of the Eurovision audience.

[@ivaneurope]

On point 2 I'd like to add that when RAI leaked its semi-final results, which had shown a whopping 39% of the votes being towards Israel, the online ESC community began a mobilized voting campaign of their own towards entries that could challenge Israel in the televote. And those, who were originally going to support entries like Norway's for example, had to change tactics and give their vote(s) towards either Croatia, Switzerland, Ukraine, France, Ireland or Italy. Which further limited the amount of support countries like Norway, Austria, Slovenia or Georgia received in the televote as they were now only fighting for the occasional point or two, maybe even 3-4 points if they're lucky. The United Kingdom got 0 points in the televote, but at no point 'Dizzy' by Olly Alexander was cracking a top 10 position in the televote.

[@EquisUno]

It's pretty easy to answer: Norway didn't chose KEiiNO In this Eurovision there are lots of music highlighting water as background If the Norwegians would like a successful song which is sang in Norwegian, they would choose Ekko Inni Meg in Eurovision 2023, but of course, Queen of the Kings is a really Great ICON