Norway is one of five countries to hold their national final next Saturday. Now broadcaster NRK has confirmed the running order of Melodi Grand Prix. The producer-decided line-up sees American Idol singer Chris Medina opens the show, while the Norwegian-Sami collaboration KEiiNO will deliver the final performance.

MGP project manager Stig Karlsen explained what the production team considered when planning the running order.

He said, “The order has been prepared with the aim of spreading the songs so that each artist and song stands out in the best possible way in the big picture. And in line with the choices, it will also ensure a varied and good TV broadcast.”

The songs aren’t the only thing that is considered. Karlsen added that the technical and logistical requirements of staging each song also need to be taken into consideration when planning the running order.

Since Norway switched to a single grand final in 2015, the closing act has twice gone on to win the show. Agnete performed last in 2016, as did Alexander Rybak last year. This could bode well for KEiiNO, who are set to close the show with “Spirit in the Sky”.

However, performing last doesn’t guarantee a win. In 2017, JOWST won after performing fourth. That year’s closing act Ella didn’t even qualify for the superfinal.

However, winning the first vote doesn’t guarantee winning the show. MGP typically includes a superfinal, while last year Norway held a two-stage superfinal. The top four acts became two, then one.

The opening slot could also prove favourable for Chris Medina. Since 2015, the opening act has qualified for the superfinal three times.

Melodi Grand Prix 2019 – running order

  1. Chris Medina – “We Try”
  2. D’Sound – “Mr. Unicorn”
  3. Mørland – “En livredd mann”
  4. Anna-Lisa Kumoji – “Holla”
  5. Erlend Bratland – “Sing for You”
  6. Ingrid Berg Mehus – “Feel”
  7. Hank von Hell – “Fake it”
  8. Carina Dahl – “Hold Me Down”
  9. Adrian Jørgensen – “The Bubble”
  10. Keiino – “Spirit in the Sky”

The grand final of Melodi Grand Prix 2019 will take place on Saturday 2 March, at Oslo Spektrum Arena.

What do you think? Who benefits the most from the running order? Or can a good song win from anywhere? Share your thoughts below!

Read more Norway Eurovision news here

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Loin dici
5 years ago

Since song number 9 won the most in this year’s NFs, I would say Adrian Jorgensen.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago

Well the way this NF season is going, this can’t possibly go wrong. (Clue: Expect something to go wrong.)
My (lack of) money is on Ingrid Berg Mehus for the win.

Stian F
Stian F
5 years ago

It really kinda furiates me that we have 2 such great songs as SITS and ELM this year in the contest… Both of them are better than anything that took part in MGP 2018 or 2017. Would love for both of them to represent Norway. Maybe we can split Norway into a sami part just for this year and let them represent Sapmi 😉

Charli Cheer Up
Charli Cheer Up
5 years ago

Well Chris Medina is an international artist, KEIINO is likely closing the show because of massive production on their staging and Adrian is performing later because his song was written by Aleksander Walman. My prediction is either of those 3 to win.

eurovision6
eurovision6
5 years ago

Mørland is the best choice

Colin
Colin
5 years ago

I’d be surprised if KEiiNO and Morland aren’t among the superfinalists. Two great acts with great songs. Knowing MGP, third superfinalist will be one of the laid-back, funny acts. Probably Mr. Unicorn or Fake It. I can see Ingrid, Chris or Adrian make it if they nail it in live. The winner will probably be KEiiNO, with the possible upset by Morland.
However, as NFs have proved, anything is theoretically possible, especially if someone gives their all on the big night.

Tom
Tom
5 years ago

I have a feeling that Keiino will flop like Estonian Spirit animals in 2017

Roy Moreno
Roy Moreno
5 years ago

It will definitely be either KEiiNO or Morland and I’m happy with both 🙂
Personally, I prefer En Livredd Mann and I have a feeling KEiiNO will be this year’s Saara Aalto and flop if they win MGP
I still love both songs 🙂 (but please choose Morland!)

Peters
Peters
5 years ago

Thank God Spirit In the Sky is not ruined by the producer (Electric Fields “cough” Running Order: 2nd “cough”) If this wins, top 10 material or even better for sure.

eren
eren
5 years ago
Reply to  Peters

running order did not effect it at all. They got solid second place both in televote and jury votes though performing second. Australians wanted Kate and you should respect it , both acts are pure talent and deserve respect.

Peters
Peters
5 years ago
Reply to  eren

They can wait for a lackluster result in May. Australia is now tanking in betting odds.

Edu
Edu
5 years ago

If is not Keiino I hope it will be Mørland.
Spirit in the sky FTW!!!

up!
up!
5 years ago

I am totally addicted to En livredd man… it’s such a touching and cleverly constructed ballad…

Zoli
Zoli
5 years ago

Please Norway, choose Keiino.
I think that Spirit In The Sky is a Eurovision winner song.

olvresc
olvresc
5 years ago
Reply to  Zoli

I can’t see it making even the top 10, but perhaps I’m biased since I dislike the song. I don’t hate it, it’s just that I don’t find anything I’d like in it.

Whatever
Whatever
5 years ago

They r really prepping Keiino to win with that running order.

Acrobat
Acrobat
5 years ago

Go Mørland! What an amazing song.

Floprina
Floprina
5 years ago

Keiino is the best choice for Norway, but at the same time, I’d like to see Mørland too, as it would be nice to hear some Norwegian for a change!

Pancake
Pancake
5 years ago

I think Spirits In The Sky will win, which I wouldn’t mind since they’re my favorite to win.
Although, I wouldn’t mind if somehow they send Feel, The Bubble, or We Try, I just don’t want them to send that $2 metal song that is Fake It.

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
5 years ago

There goes Mørland, I guess…

Colin
Colin
5 years ago

Rasmussen won DMGP last year from the third spot. If Morland slays on stage, don’t write him off.

Porsteinn
Porsteinn
5 years ago

Everything else than Keiino would be a big surprise. And we’ve had enough surprises this year.

Skeno
Skeno
5 years ago

With Spirit in the Sky performing last, and being a fan favorite, you will think they are going to Tel Aviv, guaranteed.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
5 years ago
Reply to  Skeno

Considering how many “fan favorites” didn’t win in their national finals, I don’t wanna jinx it.

Hideo for Samira Efendi
Hideo for Samira Efendi
5 years ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

Like Laura Bretan for example or Il Volo! Hope so KeiiNO will wins! Love this song! Second Great choice will be Mørland! 🙂

John Moynahan
John Moynahan
5 years ago

Please please PLEASE Norway, dont make a mess of this….
Along with France and Australia, i think Norway has struck gold in this years national finals selections…..but please, unlike France and Australia, pick the song with the best chance of success in Tel Aviv……
Keiino all the way!!……..”Spirit In The Sky” is fabulous, has it all and could be one of the few real bops of the contest……this track has Fuego vibes, of being on people’s lips with easy refrains for people to join in with……go Norway, go!!!

Teeks
Teeks
5 years ago
Reply to  John Moynahan

What was that for you then? I think France couldn’t have made a better choice than Bilal, and maybe a Sheppard was better than Kate, but Courtney Act really couldn’t sing…

Floprina
Floprina
5 years ago
Reply to  Teeks

France should’ve picked Seemone and Australia should’ve picked Electric Fields!

Nearly every national final has seen an outsider win.

John Moynahan
John Moynahan
5 years ago
Reply to  Teeks

In France i really liked Lautner and Australia either Sheppard or Electric Fields. Hungary treated Leander Kills terribly, Spain i would have preferred Muerdeme.
The list is endless this year
I just hope Norway gets it right

Catriona Colville
Catriona Colville
5 years ago
Reply to  John Moynahan

Australia did pick the song with the best chance in Tel Aviv.