Entries for Melodi Grand Prix 2019 recently closed and now NRK has revealed how many submissions they have received. In an Instagram post, the Norwegian broadcaster shared that “more than 1000” entries have been submitted, all vying for the chance to represent Norway at Eurovision 2019.
The inexact figure of “more than 1000” suggests another year of strong interest in Norway’s national final. The number is possibly down from 2018, when around 1200 submissions were received but is more likely to be on the same level as 2017, when 1035 songs were submitted.
In an Instagram post, the broadcaster wrote, “More than 1,000 songs have been entered in MGP 2019. Now, the big job is to listen to all the contributions. 1000 songs will be 10 MGP finalists.”
Last week NRK also revealed that as well as wanting entries from well-known singers and songwriters, they were also looking for upcoming talents and they welcomed suggestions.
In recent years, both established artists and newcomers have done well at Melodi Grand Prix. Eurovision winner Alexander Rybak won MGP for the second time earlier this year, while in 2017, upcoming music producer JOWST took the top spot.
The broadcaster has also confirmed that Melodi Grand Prix 2019 will again be held at Oslo Spektrum.
Norway at the Eurovision Song Contest
In the past decade, Norway has had mixed fortunes at Eurovision. In 2009, Alexander Rybak gave Norway its third win, with his well-like “Fairytale”. The next three years, however, saw the Nordic nation struggle on the right-hand side of the scoreboard, including Stella Mwangi’s non-qualification in 2011 and Tooji’s last-place finish in 2012.
But things picked up from 2013 to 2015, with three top-ten finishes, all with songs that remain fan favourites. Norway failed to qualify in 2016, but were back in the game the following year when JOWST scored another top-ten finish with “Grab the Moment”.
Alexander Rybak returned to Eurovision earlier this year, with the cheerful and instructive tune “That’s How You Write a Song”. While he won his semi-final, that success was not repeated in the grand final. Rybak placed 15th, a disappointing result for those expecting him to do a Johnny Logan and win Eurovision twice.
NRK is expected to release the names of the ten Melodi Grand Prix finalists later this year.
What do you think? Who would you like to see represent Norway at Eurovision 2019? Tell us your suggestions below!
Bad luck for Rybak – he was getting over a cold and the early position in the running order did him no favours. Norway is one of those countries with enough talent to win again without much trouble, they just have to get the right entry.
I actually enjoyed Rybak. I might be the minority for saying that but it’s OK. It was very obvious from the moment the song was heard that he would win and with his stage presence it was no doubt about it. No once could beat him!
I hope Linnea Dale is in the list of entrants!
inb4 they pick the worst one again
I’m sorry but I feel like this year’s edition of Melodi Grand Prix was very weak. I’m probably one of the only People who actually liked Rybak’s song. Not saying that it was outstanding or impressive, I just enjoyed it. Other than that, Rebecca was like the only real competitor for the win, so why did anyone expect another outcome? Rybak is a legend and his name won the national final, not his song. Btw, I’d really like to see semi finals… Out of 1000 possible songs you could surely find enough great ones to run three shows, right?
Melodi Grand Prix used to be one of my favorite selections but not in the past few years, I miss their semifinals when even several eliminated songs were really good and this year’s edition was the worst from Norway in ages, although I still really liked a few songs(Stella & Alexandra and Rebecca were robbed!) but it’s clear Rybak only won with his 3rd rate sing-a-long cause of his name, the voting system needs a lot of changing and what’s the point of international juries if they only announce their favorite? a gold finalen of 2 was absurd too. There’s… Read more »
I hope Morland steals the a show with a good song.
After this year’s black-out, it’s time for Norway to be brilliant again.
Which blackout, honey? Steeeeep Oooonnneeeee: believe in it and sing it all day long!!! Step 2: Just roll with it – and that’s how you write a song! 😀
It’s certainly not how you write a good song.
It got to the final and won its semi. Somebody must’ve liked it.
Did I say nobody liked it? “We Are The Winners” reached 6th place for Lithuania. Does that make it good?
,,Good” and ,,bad” are two very subjective words! ^^
True that. It’s all subjective. Otherwise, Rebecca would have won. 😛
Yeah, I thought Rebecca’s song was MUCH better. Such a waste! She should have saved ,,Who we are” up for 2019 to have a chance. Can’t beat the Rybak.
Well, internationally, 14 (!) other acts did beat the Rybak. Of course, I know how you meant it, though. 😉
Yeah, and we would have two songs with the same title in one semi-final (possibly one after another), and that would be even more interesting than in 2015.
If only every country could attract so much interest, we might have a real contest on out hands.
Also, they should probably have more than just 10 songs in the televised show.
They used to have semi-finals
They should bring back the semi finals.