Norwegian pop artist Astrid S is facing plagiarism accusations following her performance of “Ja, vi elsker dette landet” before Norway’s Euro 2024 opening match against Switzerland. While the emotional rendition received widespread praise, it has also sparked controversy within Norway’s music community.
According to music rights organisation TONO, two separate complaints have been filed, alleging that Astrid S’s arrangement closely resembles previously registered versions of the Norwegian national anthem.
Singer Helene Bøksle, who registered her version with TONO in 2021, claims Astrid’s performance was “suspiciously similar” to hers, highlighting similarities in the piano arrangement, song structure, and orchestration.
“It’s common courtesy in the industry to ask before using someone’s arrangement. That didn’t happen here,” Bøksle told VG.
The second complaint comes from Kurt Olsen Karsten, who says Astrid’s version closely mirrors a 2015 arrangement created by his wife, Elisabeth Karsten, along with composers Andreu Jacob and Hans Jørgen Langeland. That version is also officially registered as a unique work in TONO’s catalogue.
Astrid S’s manager, Anders Kjær, denied the allegations and said the arrangement was created specifically for UEFA:
“This is not plagiarism. The version of ‘Ja, vi elsker’ was arranged for the opening match between Norway and Switzerland at UEFA’s request,” Kjær said in a statement to Nettavisen.
Astrid S also addressed the situation on Instagram, writing:
“I’ve read all the comments and messages after I sang the national anthem last week. To everyone out there: thank you so, so much.”
Despite the controversy, Norway won the opening match 2–1. It remains to be seen whether the complaints will lead to any formal action from TONO.
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