Eurovision Veteran Ovi on His Comeback in 2025 (Interview)

With a career that spans decades, Ovi Jacobsen has left a significant mark on the Eurovision world, not only as a performer but also as a prolific songwriter. Best known for representing Romania alongside Paula Seling with iconic entries like Playing with Fire, Ovi has cemented his place in Eurovision history. Now, he's back in the spotlight as a songwriter for this year's Norwegian Melodi Grand Prix.

In this exclusive interview, Ovi shares insights into his creative process, reflects on his Eurovision journey, and teases what’s to come in 2025. Whether you’re a long-time Eurovision fan or just discovering his work, Ovi’s passion for music and his love for the contest shine through. Let's dive into his thoughts on Melodi Grand Prix, his inspirations, and what Eurovision has meant to his life and career.

It has been confirmed that you have written a song competing in this year’s Melodi Grand Prix. How do you feel?

“It feels great! It's a first-time collaboration with the very talented artist Nora Jabri and the two others involved in the song (Emma Gale on lyrics and Ola Frøyen on production). I’m looking forward to a comeback in the Norwegian MGP final, being in the green room and feeling the excitement again on that evening, hoping that our song “Sulale” can go all the way to Switzerland in May!"

You’ve had a long and diverse career in music. What inspired you to pursue a career as a singer and songwriter?

“My long career in music began with a pop music school at a young age. My all time idols were Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Bruce Hornsby, and Elton John, who inspired me. These artists gave me a foundation for understanding and loving pop music. Throughout my playing, I’ve collaborated with incredibly talented people in Romania and Norway. I met the right people at the right time through festivals, contests, and songwriting camps. Becoming a professional keyboard and piano player at early age, was very important in my journey as a pop musician and artist.”

Your songs often convey strong emotions. Where do you draw your inspiration from when writing music?

“I’m not exactly emotional, but I’ve learned to evoke different emotions in others through pop music songwriting. I’ve learned this craft from my inspirations. Also traveling a lot has influenced many of the experiences and emotions you mentioned. The vibe or mood of the music depends on the writer’s state of mind. Sometimes, it’s a divine gift to write music. Inspiration comes from above, and the melodies translate into an emotional mood that resonates with listeners.”

Eurovision has been a big part of your journey. How did it feel to represent Romania in 2010 and 2014 alongside Paula Seling?

“It felt fantastic both in 2010 and 2014, especially when we reached the top 3 with ‘Playing with Fire.’ Collaborating with Paula has been great. As stage partners we had the chance to share lots of great moments in Eurovision.

I started my Eurovision journey in 2006 with ‘Better Side of Me.’ I advanced to the finals in 2009 with Rebecc, singing ‘Seven Seconds.’ By 2010, I already had some Eurovision experience. Overall, it’s been a fantastic journey.

I’m a Eurovision veteran now! Being part of Eurovision has benefited my career, and I’m grateful.

"Playing with Fire" is one of the most iconic Eurovision songs. What was the creative process behind it, and did you anticipate its success?

“I’m happy you mentioned that it’s become an iconic song. Let’s hope it remains so for years to come, and maybe I can create another iconic song for Eurovision.

The process was challenging. I had only three days to write a new song with producer Semen Eriksrud, one of Norway’s biggest producers, and part of the Seeb Project nowadays. I also worked at the time with his wife, Simone Larsen, a well-known artist and songwriter. We had different ideas. The first two days yielded nothing promising. On the third day inspiration struck and me and Simen developed some ideas to what it became the final song. I also wanted to incorporate the two pianos into the stage concept. I had hoped for a great song, but I never predicted coming third in the finals.

You’ve also written songs for other Eurovision selections. What’s the difference between performing at Eurovision and contributing as a songwriter?

“After the success in 2010, I’ve been asked to write for other artists. The process differs from writing for myself. You don’t worry about staging or presenting the concept on stage. You focus on making a great song for the Eurovision audience and collaborate with great producers. I always co-produce to finish the song. When writing for others, you’re less emotionally attached to the song, especially when it’s competing in the finals. You don’t have to perform it on stage, but it’s still your creation—like your child. You want it to grow up quickly and become beautiful, hoping everyone will love it. It’s a more relaxed experience, but with every song, especially when you’re competing, you hope it will go very far. It’s a mix of feelings and craftsmanship, drawing from your experience in this Eurovision journey.”

If you had the chance to participate in Eurovision again, either as a performer or a songwriter, would you do it?

“I’d love to be part of the songwriting process. I could be a backing vocalist or surprise appearance on the piano. I’d love to return to the big stage.

This year, I’m part of a song you’ll find in the Norwegian Eurovision (MGP), but not as the main artist.

Can you share any upcoming projects or new music your fans can look forward to?

“Eurovision fans should look forward to my entry in the Norwegian finals, which I believe will be strong. I’ll also release new music as an artist, exploring different pop styles.

2025 will be an exciting year musically, with various releases featuring my work and songs written for others.”

If you weren’t a musician, what career path do you think you would have pursued?

“I like planes and flying. I always thought I’d like to be a pilot, but it’s too late now.”

Do you have a favorite Eurovision song (besides your own)?

 I can’t just choose one or two. There are quite a few great songs in the Eurovision history. Many have been memorable and have helped me improve my songwriting mindset. From Abba to Loreen and various winners, there are countless great songs. They all differ greatly in many ways.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians hoping to make a mark in the Eurovision world?

 Never copy last year’s entrie! Surprise the public with something new. Look back at successful concepts and try to replicate them. Be diverse within pop music. A good song is always a good song. Eurovision is about more than just the song and production; it’s also about the staging and how it complements the artist. Choose a talented artist who loves the song and can carry it to the audience. This will be the key to success in Eurovision, I think.

How does it feel to be part of the official Eurovision Song Contest concert tour?

Eurovision on tour was fantastic. Unfortunately, we missed the last two shows in Athens and Amsterdam. But returning to the Eurovision stage, especially in Australia where the crowd was excited to see us, was incredible. It’s a magical experience that will always stay with me. It influenced my entire musical career. The crew and artists had a great time traveling together, feeling almost like a kid’s trip. The warm and friendly vibe between everyone made it a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and reunite with Eurovision fans.

Can you share any memorable moments from the tour so far?

The Australian trip was memorable. Seeing Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney was great. Being with everyone was fun. I got along well with my Moldavian neighbours - Sunstroke, but not only. We had funny moments together. The meet and greet before the shows was tiring, but seeing the Eurovision fans’ enthusiasm was inspiring. Brisbane was a great place to visit. There were many great places and it will be a lifetime memory for everyone.

What’s your favorite city or venue you’ve performed in during the tour?

Probably the famous theater in Brisbane, I’d say. It was an unique oldtheatre that was special to perform on. The other venues were nice too, but this one stood out.

You’ve had the opportunity to perform duets with other Eurovision artists in the tour. How did it feel to collaborate with them?

It felt great. Like I said, it was very nice to reunite with all these artists that had success in Eurovision. Some of them I met before, some of them I haven't. It's a special feeling and a special vibe to be on that stage together singing that opening and closing song also. And together with the fan reaction that gives you that excitement of being part of this concept. So, fantastic. What can I say?

With TVR confirming Romania’s non-participation in Eurovision 2025, how does this news make you feel as an artist who has represented Romania on the Eurovision stage?

Indeed, it's a bit sad that Romania and TVR didn't get the means and the budget to make it happen. I don't know exactly what's the reason behind it. It's a pity for the upcoming artist that really wants to participate in this competition and represent Romania. Like I said, in my case, I'll have my dose of Eurovision this year again, in my adoptive country - Norway.  And that will, again, give me that Eurovision rush. So let's hope Romania will participate at least next year, in 2026.