Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette Marit of Norway have participated in a televised award ceremony on the state TV-channel NRK. The royal appearance, on April 16th, came as a surprise to most people, as it was not announced in advance by The Royal Court that the couple would participate in the presentation of the Spellman awards.
At the entrance of the Skaugum Estate, the Norwegian Soloists’ Choir was invited to perform with the artist Natnael. The Crown Prince and Crown Princess surprised them at the same time with a prize. The Norwegian Soloists’ Choir received the prize in the contemporary category from the Crown Prince Couple. The presentation took place at the Skaugum Estate and was shown during Fridays broadcast.
Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess said during the ceremony: “We will award a prize in a category that is ground-breaking and innovative…. it is perhaps the genre that demands the most from the listener, but which in return can provide the greatest artistic experience”.
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon continued: “You have released the album “Lament” and received very good reviews. It also meant that you were nominated in the contemporary category in this award. This is very impressive in itself, but I can also reveal that you have won”.
The presentation of the two awards took place in advance of Friday’s broadcast. TV-host Tarjei Strøm travelled around Norway to meet and pay tribute to nominees, winners and other in the music industry. The journey started at the Skaugum Estate where the host had a conversation with the Crown Prince and Crown Princess about the special music year 2020. The Crown Princess said: “We think it is nice to have the this award and be allowed to join and celebrate artists, musicians, songwriters, composers and producers in an industry that after all has been very affected this year. It is also an industry that means a lot to very many – also to us.”
