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Norway: The Grand Final of MGP 2025 is set for February 15!

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Norway has confirmed that the Melodi Grand Prix (MGP) will remain the country’s selection process for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025.

The Melodi Grand Prix is Norway’s biggest music show and this year returns to the iconic Oslo Spektrum after six years. On February 15, audiences will witness a spectacular live final filled with stunning performances and a dazzling production to crown the country’s next Eurovision representative.

The event will be hosted by Marte Stokstad, Tete Lidbom, and Markus Neby, promising an unforgettable evening. The return of the show to the Oslo Spektrum is a special moment for fans, as the venue has hosted some of the MGP’s most iconic moments in the past.

Ten artists will compete for the coveted title and the ticket to Eurovision. They will be officially revealed during a grand press event on Thursday, January 16. Media invitations will be sent out early in the new year, adding to the anticipation of who will take the stage at the Oslo Spektrum.

For those eager to experience the magic live, ticket sales begin on Friday, November 22, at 12:00. This is a unique opportunity to witness the excitement and glamour of Norway’s largest music competition up close.

The countdown has begun, and MGP 2025 promises to be more thrilling than ever!

Last year’s MGP winners, Gåte, represented Norway in Malmö with their song “Ulveham”, finishing in last place.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the latest updates!

Source: kommunikasjon.ntb.no

Norway: Tom Hugo from KEiiNO, wouldn’t rule out a Eurovision-related role in NRK!

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Tom Hugo, one-third of the band KEiiNO, was a guest in “The Eurotrip Podcast”, and he was asked about the Eurovision Song Contest, as well as the participation of Norway, his country in it.

The Norwegian Delegation, is going through a phase of internal changes, since Stig Karlsen, stepped down from his role as Head of Delegation, after a long and successful time.

So naturally, Tom Hugo, was asked whether he would accept the role of Head of Delegation in Norway:

“Not at the moment, no. I still have a lot of things to do with KEiiNO, and I really like producing music and writing music. However, at one point if a new head of delegation isn’t performing or suddenly withdraws, you never know.” 

However, he continued by saying that he is not sure if he is the most suitable for this role:

“Stig Karlsen has had so many tasks. It’s not just about finding music, it’s a long to-do list. There’s a lot of tasks and obligations for a Head of Delegation in Norway that I would not be the right person for. I could definitely have something to say when it comes to music and direction, but there’s a lot of things that aren’t my field.” 

The case of Hugo taking the position of head of delegation would be a similar case to that of Christer Björkman, who represented Sweden in 1992 and then worked at Melodifestivalen, but also as head of Sweden’s delegation.

Tom Hugo is part of the band KEiiNO, who represented Norway in 2019 with the song “Spirit in the Sky” and ended up in sixth place, winning the televote. They have attempted to return to Eurovision in 2021 and 2024, finishing second in the Melodi Grand Prix both times.

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Norwegian participation at the Eurovision Song Contest!

Source: eurotrippodcast.com

Norway: MGP 2025 line-up is in the making!

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A month ago, it was announced that Stig Karlsen will resign from his roles as project manager for MGP and HoD for Noway after ten years, as he will handle Jannicke Mikkelsen’s communications and media during her SpaceX mission. Despite his resignation, he will remain in his position until September 30th and he is working for the upcoming edition of MGP, the Norwegian national selection for Eurovision.

He disclosed via his personal Instagram account that he has listened to every song submitted for this year’s competition. Now, the live castings will start and we then the lineup will be decided.

Gåte were crowned as the winners of MGP 2024 and therefore the representatives of Norway in Malmö. With their song “Ulveham“, the band placed last in the Grand Final with just sixteen points.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Norway: The submission window for Melodi Grand Prix 2025 opened!

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The songs sumbission process in Norway for Melodi Grand Prix 2025 has opened!

Yesterday, the national broadcaster of Norway, NRK, announced the beginning of the songs submission process for Melodi Grand Prix 2025, the national final of the country, in order to choose the next entry of the Scandinavian kingdom at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Switzerland!

The songs submission window opened on 6th of August and is about to remain opened until 1st of September.

This year Norway was represented in Malmö by the group Gåte and the song “Ulveham” and finished once again in the last place of the grand final receiving 16 points.

https://youtu.be/YBbL8ORqNVU

Source: eurovision.tv

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest 2025!

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Eurovision 2024: Käärijä and Gunilla Persson among others will perform at Eurovision village!

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On Saturday, May 4, what is known as Eurovision Village will open for the first time in Folkets Park in Malmö. After the defections in recent weeks, under pressure due to Israel‘s participation in the competition, the show has started to look sparse on the Eurovision Village stages.

But now the city of Malmö is squeezing in with a long list of new artists with clear Eurovision connections.

The Herreys

The Swedish Eurovision winners from 1984, the Herreys, are ready for a gig on the opening night on May 4 at Folkets Park‘s main stage Euphoria Stage.

Photo: ESC/TT News Agency

Kalush Orchestra and Käärijä

Ukrainian Eurovision winners Kalush Orchestra from 2022 will perform a concert in Folkets Park on the final night on May 11. Also coming will be the Finnish artist Käärijä who was close to winning Eurovision last year with “Cha cha cha“, but was beaten at the finish line by Loreen. Now, he’s coming to the Euphoria Stage on May 10.

Photo: Luca Bruno

Gunilla Persson will also perform

The Swedish Eurodance artists Pandora and Da Buzz will perform a joint concert on the Euphoria Stage on May 5 and the same evening Swedish Hollywood wife Gunilla Persson and Therese “Drömhus” Grankvist will perform a joint concert on the same stage.

Photo: SVT

Arvingarna

Swedish band Arvingarna has competed several times in Melodifestivalen and won in 1993 with “Eloise“. They will come to Folkets Park on the night of the final, May 11.

More confirmed artists

Also confirmed for Eurovision Village are French Eurovision Song Contest Junior winner Zoé, who charmed viewers last year with “Coeur“, and Norwegian artist Raylee, who has competed in Norwegian Melodi Grand Prix several times. They will perform on May 11 and 4, respectively.

Source: Sydsvenskan
Photo:Heiko Junge

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Sweden: No Auto-Tune in Melodifestivalen, says producer Karin Gunnarsson!

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The organizers of the Norwegian equivalent to Melodifestivalen, Melodi Grand Prix, have decided to allow Auto-Tune to enhance the singing voices in this year’s competition.

Now SVT is responding to the neighboring country’s decision. Karin Gunnarsson, competition producer of Melodifestivalen spoke to Sveriges Radio Kulturnytt and said that SVT follows the guidelines of Eurovision Song Contest and hence it would be challenging to use Auto-Tune in the Swedish national selection process:

“This means that there would be a version of a song that must be revamped to suit Eurovision. And that’s just a good thing.”

Auto-Tune can be explained as an effect used to correct and manipulate the pitch of a voice. Among, other things, to avoid false notes. It is widely used in both live productions and recordings. And sometimes it is used, says Karin Gunnarsson, as a personal artistic choice:

“Some use it as an artistic and unique selling proposition to make their music or song stand out. But it will be hard to get that expression into Melodifestivalen as it is now. Those artists are not relevant, so to speak. Furthermore, there is no need or pressure from the industry artists that they want Auto-Tune.”

And Mårten Tomassen, who is chairman of the Norwegian Eurovision fan club, spoke to Sveriges Radio and expressed his belief that allowing Auto-Tune would be a step in the wrong direction.

“I don’t like it, one of the dubious aspects of Melodifestivalen is that the artist sings with the voice they are known with. Sometimes it’s an amazing vocal experience, other times not so good.” 

Do you think that Auto-Tune should be introduced at Melodifestivalen or any other Eurovision national selection processes? Let us know in the comments section below!

Source: Sveriges Radio / Kulturnytt / Helena Stinkvist Sörlin & Gustav Ingerhage

Stay tuned at EurovisionFun for all the latest news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest!

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Norway: The speculations just before the reveal of the MGP 2024 candidates!

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The artists’ along with their songs for MGP 2024 reveal is set to take place on this Friday, January 5.

Every year, shortly before the artists are revealed, rumors are circulating both the national and the international media about who the MGP 2024 contenders will be, based on data and information released by the artists themselves.

A notable difference from previous years is that the songs that will compete in this year’s Melodi Grand Prix may have been released at any time after September 1, which means that songs released on the day of the entry reveal may be possible entries.

Who are expected to release new singles on Friday, January 5?

Up to this date, three familiar with the national selection names have announced the release of their new singles on January 5, the same day MGP 2024 entries will be revealed:

  • Alessandra – “Narcissist” (Norway 2023)
  • KEiiNO – “Damdiggida” (Norway 2019, MGP 2021)
  • Raylee – “Charade” (MGP 2020, 2021)

Other artists expected to participate at MGP 2024

In addition, some potential candidates, which have been circulating all this time, for MGP 2024 are the following:

  • Adele (MGP 2013)
  • Vidar Villa (MGP 2018)
  • Emmy (MGP 2021)
  • Farida (MGP 2022)
  • Jørgen Dahl Moe (Winner MGPJR 2009)
  • Leonardo Amor
  • Lembo
  • Sval (Winner MGPJR 2011)
  • Mathilde SPZ
  • Nattsvermer
  • Mistra 
  • Ballinciaga
  • Daniel Kvammen
  • Emelie Hollow
  • Erika Norwich
  • Frederick Amadeus
  • Hagle
  • Julie Bergan

Moreover, it was also announced that MGP 2024 performers this year will once again get the chance to have flawless vocals using the so-called Auto-Tune, a digital tool that adjusts “sour” tones to ensure proper pitch.

Norway: Auto-Tune will be allowed in MGP 2024 once more!

Melodi Grand Prix 2024

On January 5, the songs that will be nominated to represent the country are set to be released. Melodi Grand Prix 2024 will feature 18 contestants over the course of four weekly shows:

  • January 13 – First Semi Final
  • January 20 – Second Semi Final
  • January 27 – Third Semi Final
  • February 3– Grand Final

Last year’s MGP winner and therefore Norway’s representative in Liverpool was Alessandra with the song “Queen of Kings”. With a total of 268 points, Alessandra came in fifth place overall and third in the public voting.

https://youtu.be/PUHSM_vTqTI

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Norway: Melodi Grand Prix 2024 Songwriting Camp begins in Oslo!

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The songwriting camp for the Melodi Grand Prix 2024 has started in the capital of Norway.

The head of the Norwegian delegation, Stig Karlsen, shared in his Instagram story that the songwriting camp for next year’s Melodi Grand Prix has started. The camp is taking place in Oslo’s Røverstaden and through it some of next year’s entries may be created.

No description available.

An interesting view was expressed by Stig Karlsen, who revealed that this year Norway has the best chance of winning the competition since 2009. Norway is currently the fourth favourite to win the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. It is the best position that has been found by bookmakers since Eurovision 2018 in Lisbon.

Alessandra Mele and “Queen of Kings” are enjoying great success. The song has become a viral hit in many countries having accumulated almost 29 million streams on Spotify and 133 million video views on TikTok since its release in early January.

As a reminder, Norway at Eurovision 2023 will appear in the first semi-final on 9 May with a performance order of 01. Therefore, Norway will be the country to open the competition part of this year’s contest.

Below you can watch the EurovisionFun team’s reaction video to Norway’s entry.

Source: eurovoix.com

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun to get all the latest news about your favourite competition!

Norway: With Alessandra Mele and the “Queen of Kings” in Liverpool!

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After the three semi-final rounds, the 2023 edition of the Melodi Grand Prix came to its end with the Grand Final which once again determined the representative of the Scandinavian kingdom at the upcoming 2023 Eurovision Song Contest which is going to take place in Liverpool, the United Kingdom in May.  The final show took place in Trondheim Spektrum.

9 artists competed for the gold ticket that leads to Liverpool. This year’s Final was quite different in comparison to the previous editions. For the very first time the auto-tune technology was introduced while the final result was determined after four years again by the combination of the votes from the televoting and from the international jury.

The hosts of the show were Arian Engebø and Stian Thorbjørnsen

The participants

The 9 finalists of the show were as follows:

  1. JONE — “Ekko inni meg” (Echo in me)
  2. Eline Thorp — “Not Meant to Be”
  3. Skrellex — “Love Again”
  4. Ulrikke Brandstorp – “Honestly“
  5. Umami Tsunami – “Geronimo“
  6. Atle Pettersen — “Masterpiece” 
  7. Swing’it — “Prohibition”
  8. Elsie Bay — “Love you in a dream”
  9. Alessandra Mele – “Queen of Kings“

After the performances of the aforementioned artists, we enjoyed last year’s winners Subwoolfers who also removed the masks and revealed their real faces. The people behind the masks are Gaute Ormåsen and Ben Adams as we have mentioned almost a year ago in our article here.

Results

The votes of the international jury were announced and afterwards the televoting points were added up.

The 10 countries that formed the international jury were the United Kingdom, Finland, Azerbaijan, Spain, Ukraine, Czechia, France, Iceland, the Netherlands and Sweden.

After the votes of the jury the first part of the voting process was as per below

With the aggregation of the votes from the jury and the televoting, the representative of Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 is Alessandra Mele.

Alessandra Mele and Norway are going to participate in the first half of the first semi-final which is scheduled on 9th of May. Do you think that Norway is going to achieve a better placement than last year’s 10th place? Let us know in the comments below!

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun.com for all the developments regarding the Norwegian entry at the upcoming 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. 

 

Norway: Ulrikke would like to return to Melodi Grand Prix in 2023!

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Ulrikke Brandstorp, winner of MGP 2020 and almost representative of Norway in Eurovision had it not been canceled, revealed recently in a livestream on the norwegian website escNorge that she would like to return to Melodi Grand Prix! She herself stated:

2023 could be an important year to return! I have already started writing potential songs for Eurovision 2023!

Ulrikke also mentioned that the song she wants to participate with has to mean something to her and it can’t just be any song. She added that those participating in MGP should not do so just to launch new music or become famous, but to participate with a sincere desire to win and represent Norway in the best possible way in Eurovision.

Finally, Ulrikke gave her predictions for this year’s Melodi Grand Prix 2022. Her favorite songs for this year are:

  1. Oda Gondrosen: «Hammer of Thor»
  2. Northkid: «Someone»
  3. Maria Mohn: «Fly» / Subwoolfer: «Give that wolf a banana»

Ulrikke was supposed to represent the country in Eurovision 2020 with the song “Attention”, had the contest not been canceled due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

You can watch and remember her performance in the final of MGP 2020 below:

Would you like to see Ulrikke wave the Norwegian flag in Eurovision 2023 and have the chance to perform on the Eurovision stage, a chance she sadly lost in 2020?

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all news regarding our favorite contest!

Source: escnorge