Agnete
Agnete is a 21 year old singer and songwriter from Nesseby, Norway. She will perform the song Icebreaker in the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest.Despite being just 21, Agnete Johnsen has already accumulated almost a decade of experience in the music business. As lead singer of the band the BlackSheeps, she won the 2008 Melodi Grand Prix Junior, a competition for young singers, with the monster hit Oro jaska, beana (Be quiet, dog). She competed with the same band at the 2011 Melodi Grand Prix, Norway's national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest), and took part in TV programs such as Stjernekamp. Agnete was the youngest ever winner of the Norwegian edition of Strictly Come Dancing in 2014.
Agnete's entry for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest is called Icebreaker, and was written by Agnete herself together with Gabriel Alares and Ian Curnow.
What you should know about Agnete
What are the three most interesting aspects about your entry?
- The transition between the verse and chorus has a tempo change that many listeners are responding to. It seems like either you love it, or you simply strongly dislike it
- The song is about being there for someone who is struggling. To me, Icebreaker is one of the most honest and most personal thing I've ever written, dedicated to my friend and our long lasting friendship
- Although I sing in english, the atmosphere in the song is definitely inspired by the cold blue and vivid colours that you can experience during the Norwegian winter months
What are the three most impressive facts about you?
- I was born and raised at the top of Norway, close to the Barents Sea and Arctic Ocean, in a village called Nesseby, which has a population of around 900.
- My mother language is Sámi.
- The first song I ever wrote - co-wrote to be correct - won Melodi Grand Prix Junior and a Norwegian Grammy for Song of the Year.
Do you have a (lucky) routine before you go on stage?
Whenever I´m about to walk up to the stage I need to take a moment to clear my head, breathe in and breathe out, until I feel I have some control over the nervousness.
Why is the Eurovision Song Contest important for you?
I've been watching the Eurovision Song Contest for as long as I can remember. When I was a little girl I used to imagine being on the stage, singing in front of everyone. Now, my dream has come true, finally I will represent Norway. It is a true honour that I will cherish every moment of. I'm going do my best, sing from my heart and hopefully make the people that voted for me proud.
