Norway’s Melodi Grand Prix is on and it’s looking as strong as Head of Delegation Stig Karlsen promised. On January 16 the first four acts of the Norwegian selection for Eurovision 2021 performed in Fornebu. After two duels and a sing-for-your-life showdown, Blåsemafian feat. Hazel won, thereby booking a spot in the grand final on 20 February. Their performance of “Let Loose” wowed the voters and won both duels en route to the final.
Norway: Melodi Grand Prix 2021 Semi-Final 1 Results
Following the removal of the regional concept, the first of the five semi-finals featured artists from all around Norway. Battling for the first ticket to the MGP final were Beady Belle with “Playing with Fire”, Jorn with “Faith Bloody Faith”, Blåsemafian feat. Hazel with “Let Loose”, and Stina Talling with “Elevate”.
The concept of the semi-finals is as follows: The four semi-finalists are split into two duels, which is determined by an on-stage draw. The winners of both duels then face off in the final duel, where the winner advances directly to the final. The remainder of the acts go to the wildcard round (siste sjanse, or final chance).
Duel 1: Stina Talling vs Beady Belle
In the first duel, Stina Talling faced off against Beady Belle. Stina gave a heartfelt performance of her pop ballad alongside contemporary dancers, while Beady Belle performed in front of a large mirror structure along with her own dancers. Stina came out on top with her moving performance of “Elevate” (which literally gave her female backing dancers lift). Beady Belle advanced to Siste sjanse.
KEiiNO then debuted their electro-pop track “Monument”, giving a beautiful and straightforward performance without stage gimmicks. There was a rather effective laser-like light. Many fans praised Alexandra for her on-point vocals. They are among six pre-qualified artists who will perform 12-song final on February 20.
Duel 2: Jorn vs Blåsemafian feat. Hazel
In the second duel, Jorn faced off against Blåsemafian feat. Hazel. Jorn performed his hard rock banger with lots of pyro effects and Arabian influences. He was playful, expressive and supremely confident. For their part, Blåsemafian feat. Hazel used LED tricks and worked every inch of the stage. Their brass trio sound was very in-your-face and ultimately unforgettable. They emerged victorious. Jorn advanced to Siste sjanse.
TIX then premiered his automatically qualified entry “Ut Av Mørket” as an angel, surrounded by six devils. From Lucifer to Sabrina, we had Netflix on the mind.
Final duel: Stina Talling vs Blåsemafian feat. Hazel
Blåsemafian feat. Hazel won the final duel and advanced to the MGP final on 20 February. Stina Talling will perform in Siste sjanse.
What do you think of the results? Can Blåsemafian feat. Hazel win the final? And how will KEiiNO’s “Monument” do?
Jorn was the best!
MONUMENT was WOW!! speechless.. so awesome!
I was turned to stone.
It was a “monumentous” occasion.
It was monumental in significance.
My inner monolith was sparkling.
It was a major example of a minor symphony.
(My word jokes used to be good, long ago. :P)
Oh dear! It would be better without the singer or the trumpet players.
Was a great show. All six songs are great!! Was hoping for Jorn though 🙁
But seeing him on stage it always makes me think that he’s not the one who’s actually singing. His mouth is so far from the mic and doesn’t open his mouth. How can he sing like that then? Reminds me a bit of Kate Miller-Heidke.
If this is the quality of the rest of the Semi-finalists, it’s going to a walk in the park all the way to Rotterdam for Keiino.
Let Loose is such a snoozefest and against the rules with live instruments
lol, what the hell are you talking about? xD
MGP and most other if not all national finals don’t have to abide with standard Eurovision rules.
After hearing again Tix’s song, currently my MGP top is:
1: Keiino-Monument
2: Blasemafian ft.Hazel – Let Loose
3: TIX – Ut av mørket
4: Jorn – Faith Bloody Faith
5: Stina Tallling – Elevate
6: Beady Belle – Playing with Fire
With “Monument” Keiino did significantly ease up on cheesiness and I like it. Also female vocals are now more prevalent which makes the song more Eurovision-esque, I guess.
Blasemafian proving that we SHOULD allow live instruments at ESC.
No, they should be dq’d for using live instruments
They are allowed to at MGP, so no rules are broken. For me their performance proved that live instruments can be played at ESC without a problem.
Agreed! Those two were my favourite, vocally, from this SF.
Monument is good, but not as good as Spirit in the Sky which it will always be compared to.
Its inevitable it will
How about the songs the group released since “Spirit in the Sky”?
They’re not entered into Eurovision.
But how do they fare against “Spirit in the Sky”?
monument sound really good! i dont know how i feel about having KEiiNO at eurovision again but we’ll see
Overall, a great first SF. Monument is indeed promising. Vocals are superb. I just hope it will be a bit less dark in the Finals and less stiff. There were awkward instances. But overall, really a strong contender.
MGP semi 1 was amazing – good songs, professional staging, great live vocals. The quality was close, so it any of them could have won. Congrats to Blasemafian, that staging was phenomenal! KEiiNO live always give me chills! Alexandra was especially surreal in how perfectly she sung.
Absolutely true! Great job. The show was awesome and not missing the live audience.
They actually played live instruments, they were fully mic’d as you can see – and hear how the studio cut sounds very different from the live performance.
For me it’s Tix. Ut av mørket is a great sing-along track. And I found his performance pretty stunning. It was the only song I could connect to yesterday, probably because of him, the lyrics and the strong harmonies.
I am sorry, I just cannot get used to Keiino’s Monument. It sounds very messy to me: The production, the blend of their voices and especially the melody-diction.
Tix’s staging did feel grand, but quite disconnected to the content of the song. One would think that he sings about the spiritual or celestial themes.
Both Monument and Tix song are super awesome, different style yet powerful. If I had to score them Monument is more quality song, perfect for juries and televote alike, the song would get a 9,5 /10 from me. Tix song is also so cute and sweet, contemporary and easy listening, the song would get 9,6/10 from me. Two very strong contestants to win the race.
Monument works very well live on stage. This time, the focus is mainly on Alexandra and Fred and it’s for the best. Tom is an important member of KEiiNO and I really like him, but I think his vocals in the live performances of SITS might have contributed to their low jury score. He’s not bad, but compared to Alexandra it’s clear they’re not on the same level.
All of the performances improved upon the studio tracks. I wasn’t that excited going into it but that was a great semi final. Tix is a serious dark horse to win this. Agree with the result as well. Pretty sure Jorn would’ve won his duel if he was against either of the other two participants.
Tonight was about the semi-finalists. How about talking about them?
Before watching I was gunning for elevate. Then I jumped straight on board with jorn, think it was the best song (and I am by no means a rock fan). Then blaseman gave a very well rounded exciting performance, was fresh and catchy, just wasn’t so keen on the lyrics/melody that went with song. I’m glad elevate didn’t win in the end, was fine but very unoriginal and bland watching. But of course the biggest news of the night…. KEIINO! They delivered and then some. Vocals were amazing, sounded exactly like the released song. Really think we have seen the… Read more »
Tix stole the show. I would love to see him representing Norway this year. Also, I have to admit that Alexandra’s vocals were amazing even though I still don’t like the song.
Blåsemafian were my favorite of this semi and this confirms what I thought. However, I don’t think it’s the song to send to Rotterdam (if artists can travel to Rotterdam in May…).
Let’s what is coming during next week but I think that we already have THE song that must represent Norway. KEiiNO are brilliant, no other words.
BTW, appropos of the orchestra comment below and pretty much nothing else, I’ve been wondering who’d conduct the different entries if there was still an orchestra nowadays (or if they’d feature an orchestra at all). Seeing as it immediately came after ’98, I at least did all of ’99, just for the heck of it. Feel free to suggest things ‘cuz I think it’s a nifty thing to at least speculate about. So, for ’99: Lithuania – Tomas Leiburas (since I believe he was the LRT Orchestra’s musical director) Belgium – Wim Claes (arranger, seems to have conducting skills) Spain… Read more »
That’s an impressive knowledge of 1999 MDs!
YouTube and Eurovision websites can take you down interesting paths! And at the very least, Portugal, Croatia, France, Denmark, and Sweden all had live bands accompany their selection shows, bless ’em. Had the same questions about if the relegated entries actually got to compete in ’96.
The other thing I’d hope if the orchestra came back is for more diversity in the conductors. There were only three female conductors (1973’s Swedish conductor Monica Dominique, 1973 and 1978’s Israeli conductor Nurit Hirsh – also, incidentally, the only woman to write, arrange, and conduct a winning entry, and 1985’s Swiss conductor Anita Kerr – honorable mention to the late Angela Morley, who transitioned after conducting for the UK in 1962) and I believe only one Black conductor (British maestro Del Newman, who conducted the Italian entry in 1980). For all its issues, even the OTI Festival was better… Read more »
Also, if I understand correctly, all non-qualifying songs go to the sista chansen stage right? Do they pick one song from that group then? Or two?
I was wondering that to, I’d imagine from the format of the semis that only one from each would go through, so would be similar numbers. How will they choose them though I wonder, the act that went to the final duel, or a public vote.
There will be one winner for each of the five semi-finals. The day after the last semi-final there will be a “wild card” broadcast where all the acts th at didn’t go through the semi finals have a last chance of winning the last ticket to the final.
The final will then consist of six pre-qualified acts, five semi-finalists and one wild card-finalist 🙂 .
All of the semi-finalists and the wild card-finalist will be chosen by the public.
You understood correctly. All fifteen songs that didn’t qualify go through to the wildcard round.
I think today’s show is a textbook example of how staging can really do wonders for a song! Jorn’s vocals were brilliant but Blaseman had INCREDIBLE staging. I am not entirely surprised they won this heat given how appealing the performance was. Playing with Fire is another example. That song was probably my least favourite going into the semi but I thought the performance was amazing and you can tell Beady Belle is a seasoned performer!!! For a second I thought it just might go through to the second dual stage! I liked Stina’s performance and I do enjoy her… Read more »
Which region was this semi? Was it the Oslo region? If not, when is Oslo?
They ditched the touring bc of corona, so no regions this time
Thanks.
I’m one of the few wo aren’t impressed with Keiino. I like the song, and their vocals are amazing! I also love them as people, but the staging just did not work – it looked very wooden, stiff and calculated, I wasn’t enjoying it – I liked the beginning when Alexandra was in dark and I also liked it when Fred had that bridge all other parts looked very awkward… I think they should think outside of the box for the staging – I’d maybe create three different surroundings for each of them (one winter, one forest and one maybe… Read more »
I get what you mean but I’m not really a fan of ,,boxes”. They look cheap and awful in wide shots. Maybe if they built them an entire platform a la Benjamin Ingrosso… That could be fun. But expensive and hard to set up… lol
Or at least something like Anna Bergendahl’s Ashes to Ashes, but more expensive and less plasticky. Her Kingdom Come platform was really good and well used but she had dancers… I hope they step up the game because the song deserves it.
Well I’d include no wide shots, just them in seperate boxes and than something at the climax don’t know maybe combine all three or something.And this idea hasn’t actually been used at esc so it might be fun + they are Norway I’m sure they can afford it. Like we would see Alexandra in a snow box (Blue leds and maybe snowing – simple but effective), Tom in a forest box (plants something like Anna’s staging yes – maybe more green) and Fred in a fire box (so red and some fire in front of the box), I think it… Read more »
and also Alexandra in white leather, Tom should keep what he is wearing but in different colour and Fred not sure what would fit the fire theme, but again something simple
I’m gonna be honest – I never quite understood the hype around SITN. I thought it was a bit cheesy and dated and to me Fred’s part almost felt out of place and forced into the song. That’s why I wasn’t that excited about them coming back. Until I heard the song! I really really like it! I’m not usually a fan of drum and bass but even though I wouldn’t have put it in the chorus it really doesn’t bother me. It made Ira Losco’s Walk on Water and Tijana Bogicevic’s Into Deep feel quite cold and kinda empty… Read more »
Lighting the floor could really make a difference. Another thing that they could try is to use a little bit of silver on their outfits, so the stage lights could reflect on it.
grey is a very tricky colour to use I think. They should stick to leather I think, Tom’s outfit looks great, Alexandra should loose the skirt and just be in a jump-suit.
I really don’t mind Alexandra’s outfit but I can see how it could be off-putting to some. I tend to like more experimental and avantgarde fashion choices. lol
They can change the lower half of her outfit, just don’t touch the top! I loved her hairstyle, make up and gloves
Did you really think Keiino had a good stage show? Nothing special happend on stage accept them walking around and very dark clothes/styling. Song and voices good but they need to have more “action”. If its lights, background, dances or whatever…..
I’m glad Jorn at least has a second chance. I didn’t get to watch live – was he good?
Yes. 🙂
OTT staging as well, haha
Wouldn’t ask for anything less!
most OTT staging was that troll act blasemafian, cheap amateurs what they are
Just watched it, his vocals are killer! I am happy to hear he gets a second chance as well!
It seems Keiino’s Monument is in the UK charts
It’s charting only on ITunes charts, not Apple/Spotify.
Keiino have something very special. I am not a fan of the studio version but their live perfomances are pure magic. Especially alexandra killed it
my thoughts exactly. her high note was jaw-droppingly perfect
Tbh the song hurts my ears, they’ve gone overboard with their use of their instruments. I like saxophones (moldova 2017) but they used it way too much. The majority of the song was saxophone in fact. The song is way too loud and repetitive. I’d be fine with a whole violin song since it’s soothing such as Norway 1995. The saxophone however, is not that type of instrument. It should never make up the majority of a song.
A beat drop can’t last for that long until it gets annoying and hurts your ears you know.
Saxy songs that I recall: “Baker Street” (Gerry Rafferty), “Search for the Hero” (M People), “Careless Whisper” (George Michael). Add to the list
SunStroke Project! Both times!
Also “One Step Beyond” (Madness), “The Impression That I Get” (Mighty Mighty Bosstones), “Born to Run” (Bruce Springsteen), “Pa veistu svarid” (Inga), “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” (Billy Joel), “Overkill” (Men at Work), “Young Americans” (David Bowie)…
And also any song carried only by saxophones, from the likes of Kenny G and Dave Koz.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ow-PP1_xZw
Tibor mr absurdity saying to somebody else he is absurd, it’s so funny and so not credible.
This Tibor really thinks he is the Eurovision justiciary, the good taste justiciary and without forgetting he thinks he is the only one who knows what is the modernity, Sure Jan, I’m done. 🙂
Esc addict: That was unnecessarily personal. I’m glad you’re done, frankly.
is it just me or is there an extreme case of lip synching? it felt like Jorn’s entire voice was canned…I am worried that ESC this year with backing vocals is going to follow this with the actual main singer’s voice getting drowned out by additional pre-recorded vocals
It seemed that his microphone was away from his mouth during his vocals on many points. I hope I’m wrong but it was very noticeable. Maybe they allowed taped recording for the show as a whole.
NRK presented the show as live (“direkte”).
For a second I thought that as well but is it possible his voice was just that good? It looked like he was singing the sound I was hearing, but maybe I’m wrong and it was the backing track
this is soooooo good, I like it even better than Keiino, would not be bothered if it’s win Melodi Grand Prix 🙂
Not a masterpiece but definitely the best from this bunch
I doubt the wildcard, because he didn’t do it to the final duel.
I also noticed a change in the music when they changed the instrument for the final part of the performance, did y’all?
Indeed, this was noted. 🙂
Yep, Hazel vocals were extremely great
It was my favourite along with Stina. Loved Keiino as many said before. I liked all songs excepting Beady Bella one, which wasn’t my cup of tea. The staging great, but maybe removing those purple/pink squares could help. The animation and the change of instrument made the song even better. Good luck for the final, Blasemafien and Hazel
Was I the only one that thought that Fred sounded a little bit weird??
I thought there was a bit of backing vocal under his singing that made it sound a bit odd too.
I couldn’t hear Stina’s second performance, how was it?
It was vocally and technically better than her first performance, and it seemed as though the sound was better adjusted too. But it was a serious song up against a big fun house band song, and people stuck at home probably just wanna have fun, lol
Ok, tysm. About the second sentence I agree. Despite Stina’s song had also a message that could be related to this situation, the enjoy thing is what can have raised them up
After hearing again Tix’s song, currently my MGP top is:
1: Keiino-Monument
2: Blasemafian ft.Hazel – Let Loose
3: TIX – Ut av mørket
4: Jorn – Faith Bloody Faith
5: Stina Tallling – Elevate
6: Beady Belle – Playing with Fire
Can I just say, Keiino has won me over with their performance. That was spectacular.
Some great performances tonight, I thought they all did really well and I enjoyed them all.
KEiiNO’s Monument does something special to me deep down inside. I can’t think about it too much as I’m sure they’d have me in floods of tears. As performers they complement each other perfectly and the song is made for Eurovision epic-ness. They are going to be tough to beat, not just in Norway, but across the whole competition.
This actually can beat Euphoria at ESC 250
Actually i did not see any details, other than some random mirrors and their hipster outfits. Alexandra’s voice was amazing and Fred was great as usual. I did not like the fact that the performance was too dark, it’s not helping their chances.
Let Loose had the most entertaining performance which is an advantage as people want to have fun these days. This is the song that will win the televoting in the final, unless there are big surprises coming up and especially since there are no juries voting.
I love Keiino and their song but the performance was too dark. They really need to step up their game with this one although i know the performance will remain the same for the final. I was hping they would add some ‘monuments’ and their outfits would be different.
Alexandra NAILED it, amazing voice.
Yes, Alexandra NAILED it, but the performance was very dark
To be fair, they did have the mirror monoliths in the background. I think those were the monuments.
Side note: anyone else see those and think of the random monoliths that showed up in the US/romania (for some reason). Was that intentional?
Yes, I noted that down as well! I don’t know if it was intended or not.
By rewatching it, I started believing the problem is with the lighting coming from behind the stage. The blue lights coming from the ceiling work perfectly (Fred’s solo and the camera moving from him to show Alexandra and Tom is the best moment of the performance), but the white lights coming from the back don’t illuminate them or the monolyths enough. That’s why I like when automatic qualifiers perform in the semis, there’s always room to improve these things.
Yeap i saw the mirrors but i didn’t understand their purpose on the staging. Imagine if this was their ESC performance or the performance in the final…it wouldn’t impress the audience.
They really need to improve the stagings, there’s so much potential and playing with lights could improve the show.
I also didn’t like their styling, it looked odd.
I guess the random monoliths was part of KEiiNOs promotion all along 😉
I love the Eurovision Instrumental Contest
Yeah, I loved when Nocturne won it
I agree with you but the difference is Nocturne won ESC 4 years before they dropped live instruments on stage. It’s a little different now.
As Ashton noted, good sense of the history of the contest you’ve got there haha. All the vocals will be prerecorded soon anyway….
I miss the live orchestra. Hey if there’s no audience at ESC, there might actually be space for a socially-distanced orchestra! There’s a silly idea.
That’s what they need: a new thing to spend money on.
Paging Metropole Orchestra…
I’m happy with this, I love ‘Let Loose’.
.
Nice to see we let the punctuation run loose. 🙂
We always need to try “good staging” – even in the comments hahahaha
Honestly I am so disappointed with Stina’s performance, I could barely hear her voice over the backing vocals. The staging was nothing special and she looked quite stiff.
Blasemafian were great tonight, it’s a well deserved victory!
Stina’s performance wasn’t great, but Hazel’s was by far the worst. At some points she just shouted because she couldn’t control her voice.