Last out, and last to sing at the final; Norwegian broadcaster NRK was quick to announce the country�s joy at qualification on its website, immediately after the final. After a nail-biting nine envelopes, hopes turned to sheer joy for the Norwegian camp, who also managed to bag the final singing position at Saturday�s final in the subsequent draw.
The last envelope is a particular special affair, given that at this point, millions of fans will be on the edge of their seats, calculating how many of the big favourites are still to be read out. Last year it was Moldova’s turn to bear the overjoyed relief of being the last one saved; this time it was Maria’s glory.
On the way to the semi-final winners’ press conference, Maria told journalists that she felt “completely fantastic”, and was revelling in the “great feeling” of being catapulted to the final on the very last envelope. “I was unsure towards the end, when there was only one envelope left – and then it was us!” she explained, surrounded by beaming Norwegian smiles.
At the subsequent conference, Maria told how the supportive cheers from the arena crowd had given her "great power", and reiterated the team's delight at their success.
Norway’s debut commentator Hanne Hoftun was doubtlessly one of many Norwegians whose joy was particularly vocal after the final envelope was read out. As despair exploded into sheer relief and pure joy, Norway also gains the further privilege of ending the 2008 final – a position traditionally regarded as a strong advantage for a Eurovision Song Contest entry.
