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Meet the experts: Mads Grimstad from Universal Music

18 November 2016 at 20:40 CET
This year, for the first time ever, each entry in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest will be judged by an expert panel in addition to the juries. Panel members will award 1-8 points, then 10 and 12 to their favourite acts. The first ever expert judges panel will comprise of Jedward, who participated in the Eurovision Song Contest twice, Mads Grimstad of Universal Music, and expert show producer, Christer Bjorkman. We caught up with Mads ahead of the live show on Sunday.

Mads comes from Denmark and is a classically trained opera singer. He studied at the Scandinavian Opera School in Denmark and is a baritone which is mid-range. Mads currently works for Universal, one of the largest record companies in the world. Whilst singing he was also involved in the record industry but opted for a change in career a few years ago. “I’m now a Senior Project manager taking charge of major international releases such as the global release of both the Eurovision Song Contest and the Junior Eurovision Song Contest". 

For Mads, it’s his first time at Junior Eurovision and he was honoured to be asked to be part of the expert panel. “I consider it to be an honour and for me it felt right as I worked with Malta’s winner from last year, Destiny. I’ve also worked with Poli Genova who presented Junior Eurovision last year and represented Bulgaria in the Eurovision Song Contest earlier this year”. 

When asked what he will be looking for on the big night he explained that the ability to perform live is crucial. “It’s a combination of the voice, the live performance and healthy technique. Of course it’s a kids show, it should be fun and I’ll be looking for those who are enjoying performing and who are able to share that happiness with the audiences. However, as a music industry professional, I’m also looking for someone who has a broad vocal talent with a big potential and who can be a star of the future”. 

Watch out for Mads on Sunday during the live show!