Norway Draws the Line: Eurovision Voting Rules Face Nordic Storm

Photo: Corinne Cumming (EBU)

Well, well, well — someone had to say it. And, of course, it had to be the Norwegians.

In the wake of what some are calling the most eyebrow-raising Eurovision final in recent memory, Norway’s national broadcaster NRK has come out swinging, demanding a serious overhaul of the voting system. From coordinated campaigns in Times Square to allegations of strategic televoting by people who didn’t even watch the show, the Eurovision bubble is beginning to feel a little… punctured.

Mads Tørklep, NRK’s Eurovision head honcho, made it clear at a meeting of the Broadcasting Council this week: “We at NRK believe it is important to maintain a rulebook that keeps the competition apolitical.” That’s Scandinavian for we’re not mad, just very disappointed.

Currently, each individual can vote 20 times by credit card and 20 times by phone — which sounds more like a Black Friday shopping spree than a democratic vote. Tørklep cited a staggering 80 votes for Israel coming from people who hadn’t even tuned in. Impressive commitment to the cause or a system ripe for exploitation? You decide.

NRK has formally requested access to the Norwegian vote data, but the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) shut that idea down faster than a key change in a Swedish entry. Why? Apparently, releasing the data could “reveal vulnerabilities in the system”. Translation: we’re not entirely sure ourselves.

The EBU’s governing board — where, awkwardly, Norway has no seat — will meet this summer to discuss these concerns. Meanwhile, the full Eurovision crew will gather for a big pow-wow in Croatia this autumn. One can only hope they pack common sense along with their flip-flops.

Of course, much of this discontent was stirred by the high-profile state-sponsored campaign for Israel’s entry, plastered across YouTube, social media, and even Times Square. While technically not against the rules, it’s left many scratching their heads. Eurovision is supposed to be about glitter, drama and questionable fashion choices — not geopolitical propaganda.

As the 2026 edition looms, and the EBU gears up to celebrate 70 years of musical diplomacy and glittery geopolitics, the question remains: will they listen to the polite but firm cries from the north? Or will the show go on with a few more raised eyebrows and 80 phantom votes?

Either way, grab the popcorn. Europe’s favourite drama is far from over.

source: VG

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