Singer-songwriter Tom Hugo wouldn’t rule out working with Norwegian broadcaster NRK in a Eurovision adjacent role in the future. 

Hugo is one third of dance-pop band Keiino which came fifth for Norway at Eurovision in 2019. 

Click to read this story at a glance…

• Tom Hugo, member of the dance-pop band Keiino, hinted at the possibility of working with Norway’s NRK in an Eurovision-related role
• While Hugo expressed interest in future opportunities, he emphasised his commitment to Keiino and his passion for producing and writing music
• Hugo also voiced enthusiasm for collaborating with the BBC on its Eurovision efforts, highlighting the importance of cross-cultural collaboration

He was speaking exclusively to The Euro Trip as part of The Contest & Me miniseries. 

Asked if he would want to be Norway’s next Head of Delegation, Hugo said: “Not at the moment, no. 

“I still have a lot of things to do with Keiino, and I really like producing music and writing music. 

“However, at one point if a new head coach isn’t performing or suddenly withdraws, you never know.” 

Norway’s Eurovision team is currently going through a transitional period with long-time Head of Delegation Stig Karlsen about to leave NRK. 

On October 1, Karlsen started a new role working in media and communications for Norway’s first female astronaut, Jannicke Mikkelsen. 

Karlsen has been working on NRK’s Eurovision output for nearly a decade, starting in 2016 as Head of Delegation, and Melodi Grand Prix Project Manager, before stepping up as Music Manager in 2018 when Jan Fredrik Karlsen left the fold. 

His successor in those roles is yet to be selected. 

“Stig Karlsen has had so many tasks,” Hugo added. 

“It’s not just about finding music, it’s a long to-do list – it’s almost as big as my to-do list. 

“There’s a lot of tasks and obligations for a Head of Delegation in Norway that I would not be the right person for. 

“I could definitely have something to say when it comes to music and direction, but there’s a lot of things that aren’t my field.” 

Hugo working with a broadcaster on its Eurovision participation wouldn’t be too uncommon. 

The most famous example is Christer Björkman who represented Sweden at Eurovision in 1992 before starting to work on Sweden’s Melodifestivalen at the turn of the century. 

As part of The Contest & Me, guests are asked what the United Kingdom needs to do to return to the left-hand side of the Eurovision leaderboard. 

Hugo was asked if he would ever consider working alongside the BBC on its Eurovision efforts. 

“Absolutely. I do believe that one of the biggest things with Eurovision is that you can do cross-culture collaboration. 

“Being part of another country’s success would definitely give me a lot of joy.”