Already in Norway’s Melodi Grand Prix 2021 semi-finals, two acts have earned a place in the grand final and three automatic finalists have performed their songs. Now broadcaster NRK has revealed the next four acts who will face the vote in Saturday’s third semi-final of MGP 2021. The competing acts are Ole Hartz, Dinaye, Emmy and Big Daddy Karsten.
Melodi Grand Prix 2021: Semi-Final 3 artists
Ole Hartz – “Vi er Norge”
Songwriters: Rein Mellbye Van Vliet, Eirik Næss, Ole F. Hartz Gravbråten, Magnus Hagen Clausen and Petter Bjørklund Kristiansen
Ole Hatz has been keenly involved with music since he was six years old. He has slowly built up his career and has enjoyed millions of streams and a growing fanbase in both Norway and Sweden. Most recently he had a Yuletide hit “Jeg vil ha ribbe” with TikTok star Ida Celine.
Big Daddy Karsten – “Smile”
Songwriters: Karsten Dahl Marcussen, Are Næsset and Pål Gauslaa Sivertzen
Big Daddy Karsten (aka Karsten Dahl Marcussen) is a rapper who has performed both with the duo Folkefiender and as a solo artist. He has played many festivals in Norway and has been a headliner at various Pride celebrations. Big Daddy Karsten is Norway’s only openly gay rapper. Of his participation, he says, “This feels good. I did not think I was going to do this, because it is not natural for rappers to be part of MGP.”
Dinaye – “Own Yourself”
Songwriters: Christian Ingebrigtsen, David Thulin and Dina Matheussen
Otherwise known as Dina Matheussen, Dinaye is a 17-year-old singer and dancer. Her dancing talent took her to the semi-finals of Norway’s Got Talent in 2014. She competed in MGP Jr in 2016 and was a contestant on last year’s edition of Norwegian Idol. Dinaye has co-written “Own Yourself” and part of the lyrics are in Amharic, reflecting her Ethiopian heritage.
Emmy – “Witch Woods”
Songwriters: Olli Äkräs, Elsa Søllesvik and Morten Franck
Emmy Kristine Guttulsrud Kristiansen has previously competed in MGP Jr in 2015. There, her song “Aiaiaiai” made it to the superfinal. She became a well-known performer, especially with younger audiences. On her MGP 2021 participation, Emmy says “It is an honour to be selected to sing the song. It is a mixture of a funny and scary song.”
Pre-qualified act: Kaja Rode – “Feel Again”
Also performing will be pre-qualified grand finalist Kaja Rode. She was a contestant on The Voice of Norway in 2017. Her song “Feel Again” is said to show audiences who Kaja Rode really is.
The winner from the third semi-final will join the winners of the other semi-finals and the pre-qualified finalists in the grand final on 20 February:
- Atle Pettersen – “World on Fire”
- Blåsemafian feat. Hazel – “Let Loose”
- Kaja Rode – “Feel Again”
- KEiiNO – “Monument”
- Raylee – “Hero”
- Rein Alexander – “Eyes Wide Open”
- Stavangerkameratene – “Barndomsgater”
- TIX – “Ut av mørket”
As well, the 15 non-qualifying acts from the semi-finals will have one more chance to make the final with the wildcard special on 15 February.
What do you think? Which of the four semi-final 3 songs do you like? Should any of these songs be Norway’s pick for Eurovision 2021? Sound off below!
With this selection I need the live performances to make up my mind.
EMMY – Witch Woods sounds good but can she deliver that type of voice live? For what I remember Olli Äkräs was behind the F3M’s song Bananas in finnish selection 2020 and the live just wasn’t as good as the studio version
I think its between Ole and Emmy (Big Daddy) can surprise as well
My top four: 1.Vi er Norge – It’s so different and despite being a fan of Eurovision for a relatively short time (About 2-3 years, though I’ve since become OBSESSED), the song gives me medieval vibes and nothing I’ve really heard in Eurovision before. I love it and it’s my favorite of the semi, but not by much. 2.Witch Woods – I am a big fan of this song, and I love the middle-easternlike instrumental during the chorus, though it doesn’t stand out to me that much or makes me go wow. It comes across to me as an artist… Read more »
Emmy for me. Great semi overall
It’s great that there’s a little bit of everything in this semi, without a “pure pop song” competing against them having the usual advantage of immediate appeal to a wider audience (though “Smile” is something very radiofriendly). And all entries sound pretty decent. My favorite is “Witch Woods”, it’s quirky and unexpected, plus it has the indie sound I was missing in MGP so far. Not an easy song to pull off live though. Dinaye sounds promising, too bad her song is the most obvious of the bunch.
M’y top:
1. Emmy (I like it, it’s funny and catchy)
2. Ole Hartz (a funny song, interesante sound)
3. Big Daddy Karsten (catchy song, I like it)
4. Dinaye (it’s the song that we’ve listened a million version about “love yourself”, but this isn’t good, at least for me)
I really like the diversity of this national final.
I feel like some people are bit overreacting with “Witch Woods” lyrics. If they are that bad and offensive then maybe we should also cancel Halllween and ban some movies, especially horrors…
It is unbelievable that NRK finds it in itself to feature something like “Own Yourself”, which not only blatantly replicates the chords, tempo and lyrics of Gaga’s “Born this way”, but also dares to incorporate the classic beats from its source of inspiration -Madonna’s “Express Yourself”. You can actually sing both songs on top of Dinaye’s entry. Seriously, no one at NRK noticed that?
This is a rare case of double plagiarizing -the lyric about the importance of being unique and being oneself is the cherry on top. What a joke.
1. Vi er norge
2. Witch wood
3. Smile
4. Own yourself
Good to see the quality pick up this semi after last week’s retro snooze fest (plus raylee)
Vie en Norge. Ireland’s 12 points go to …. Norway!
I only like the song Vi er Norge.
Dinaye is impressive for a 17 year old. She has a great future ahead of her. Ole Hartz is fun and do you know what, any bit of fun is appreciated during these times so it gets my vote?
Here’s my translation of the lyrics for “Vi er Norge” (no, my translation is not bad; the lyrics are :D): We have a friend deep inside of Rondane He drives a caravan with a mobile stove The people here are stressed, they are out of wine Here comes a caravan with the icing on the cake We make a toast, and we do it for our country From city to farm Tonight’s gonna be Ragnarok We are Norway We make it to the finish line before everyone else We are Norway Bleed for the flag and the fatherland Come, and… Read more »
Definitely disappointing. Is it going to be your anthem in two thousand years XD
A quarter of people executed for witchcraft were men, and other surprising facts (newstatesman.com)
well it’s clear that most people think that women were the only victims but that is far from it. And also sorry but I think it’s stupid to judge the lyrics based on something that happened basically 500 years ago, no one is being killed today for being a witch so your argument is invalid imo. And please check your facts before staging that men were never suppressed for doing witchcraft or being falsely accused of witchcraft. Thank you 🙂
I think your comment about it being 500 years ago is naive. The witchcraft act was only repealed in the 1700s in the UK for example. But aside from that, witches still very much exist in society today and nobody has given me a good reason yet for why it is ok for a pop song to stereotype them in this way? Freedom and fairness and tolerance and the fight against powers that seek to suppress these things is not something we should ever take for granted and surely everything that has happened in the world recently must surely enable… Read more »
well my point was that no one is being killed for that or even discriminated.. and we all know that witches have a different role in pop culture than in actual society.
My point is that intolerance is still intolerance, even if the effects are not as immediate as with certain intolerances. For me, it is a mindset. If we truly believe in equality and freedoms and treating everyone as an individual, then we must be against intolerance wherever we see it.
My gut feeling is that this is a dumb pop song – but there are undertones which I very much dislike and I think it is appropriate to call these out.
You don’t have to take the lyrics so litteraly. It’s like Ava Max singing “Sweet but psycho” or Led Zeppelin “Stairways to hell” If you going to take everything litteraly you sounds like a complainant.
I’m actually not a fan of using mental health terms in a flippant way so yes I suppose I could be classed as a complainant. For me it is all about intention. In a song like Sweet but Psycho, the song is at least to my interpretation sensitive and understanding towards mental health battles. But in this effort, I see no sensitivity nor understanding towards witches – maybe I’m wrong? I equate it to the recent furore surrounding the use of the word “f*gg*t” in Fairytale of New York. Personally, I view the use of the word in the context… Read more »
psycho also existing and Ava Max sings about “Sweet but psycho”, Stairways also existing and Led Zeppelin sings about “Stairways to haven” How dare they, someone can take it litteraly
Una…No responce to my comment about THE ROOP
Hm, I think all these songs bring something different. I have not decided on which I think would go through to the finals nor which is my personal favourite in the group. Perhaps “Witch Woods”? Maybe “Vi er norge”? I will have to re-listen to these for sure!
Witch Woods is pretty decent. The rest are OK enough I suppose.
Very surprised to see you take this stance Joe, especially having seen the passion you have had on these boards re: events in the US over these past few months.
I’m sorry? Stance on what?
Your comment on Witch Wood being pretty decent but no comment on the problematic lyrics? They seem very stereotypical and not very inclusive?
OK I just saw the posts below. I…straight-up didn’t know this was a thing to be offended over, in which case I’m sorry but I will say if negative depictions of witches get your goat, there’s a whole lot of witch-related stuff in media to protest that you may have a slightly difficult time building up traction for (just saying, I think even the most sensitive Wiccan isn’t picketing Hocus Pocus for an inaccurate portrayal of witches). And if it didn’t cross my mind, I can guarantee you it sure as sh*t didn’t cross EMMY’s mind.
And Kosey, I feel you and I understand why some might find the lyrics offensive, but does it really warrant a downvote? I’m not saying they’re OK, but I am saying that if even a pretty dang woke guy like myself didn’t initially see the issue with them, maybe be a little patient and understand that not everybody knows they’re problematic before lashing out? It’s not as obvious as transphobia, homophobia, etc.
To be a fair, I only lashed out when I saw the comment “witches don’t exist”. Then i saw it got upvotes and my blood starting boiling (and not in a cauldron before you ask!) So yes, I lost my temper a bit and over-reacted. I just hate inconsistency, especially from those who extol virtue. Human beings are flawed (I know I am) but those who hold others to high standards should have high standards themselves.
It is times like these that I should remember I am a lover not a fighter!
I must say, as it happened to Joe, it hasn’t crossed my mind this song could be considered offensive to a particular group of people. I guess it’s because in most people’s minds, the cartoonished Halloween costume witch and the actual witches are already separated imageries. Like, for example, how we differentiate “ghosts” (the phantons under white sheets) and spirits. But I understand your frustration. There was a group of people that has been violently persecuted and pop culture rarely, if ever, makes an effort to tell stories from their perspective. What we get are always stories in a fully… Read more »
Completely agree, the propaganda against witchcraft has been used to suppress difference, particularly in women, throughout the ages. I remember reading about the medieval dunking ritual where women suspected of being witches would be thrown off a cliff into the sea – if they came to the surface they were classed as a witch and burned at the stake. If they sank and never returned to the surface they were deemed not witches and pardoned in death.
Remind me again why this pop song exists?
I have now heard Smile and it is my favourite.
Btw, why does Wiwibloggs allow such horrendous comments about witches as seen in the comment thread below? We wouldn’t tolerate this for any other minority, why are we accepting it here?
Witch Woods is a total Descendants-type pop number. I can see this being Mal’s or Evie’s introduction song when she meets a young guy from the more ”clean” background. ”Edgy”, but not really. 😉
Own Yourself is a classic Melfest / MGP type of an inspirational song. It’s okay.
Smile is kinda cute, but I’m still figuring out the cohesiveness of rap verses and a pop chorus.
Vi er Norge is kinda Fairytale meets Jaja Ding Dong, a Nordic village party song. I can see a fun performance.
not descendants LMAO
“Own Yourself” has managed to sound like an American 70s sitcom theme. I like that. It’s very upbeat.
I only like Witch Wood so far. But that obviously can change with a bom ass staging.
Witch woods>>>> Monument
This is the strongest semi so far I think. Non of the songs are terrible. I think my favourite is Vi er Norge, the lyrics are so and so, but its all in norwegian so very few europeans would understand it anyways haha 🙂 Goodness me what macabre lyrics Witch woods has, burning people on bonfires and chopping up boys like firewood, lol
Yep, almost as funny as “I am Gay” last year. I found that totally hilarious, NOT!
i love this selection because it’s so open!! anyone can take it. Dina is probaly the one out of these i am most exited for live. Google her & see her Norske Talenter performance & you will understand why. She doesn’t have the best song, but i think her live show will make up for it.
I am also super exited to see Witch Woods, because i think that song is the best song!!
Can’t wait to listen to Kaja Rodes track as well. She has a good voice & i am hoping for a big power ballad like Attention!!
Strongest semi so far! I feel like the winner may be among those.
Just heard “Smile” and it is great. Its an absolute PERFECT rap song for Eurovision. If there ever should be a rap song in Eurovision then its this one! Rap song with tropical feel and a very cheerful and catchy pop chorus ?
By far the best semi so far!!!!
Witch Woods is the best one out of these… VERY excited about Kaja Rode tough! The fact that she is not a big name or an artist who has already participated in MGP, but still a pre-qualifier means a lot in my opinion, because all others are either big local names or either previous MGP artists. We will see. My favorite is Raylee so far, that performance gives the best package of anyone so far. Doubt it will win tho:(
Vi er Norge!
My goodness, what an eclectic bunch! I very much enjoy the sing-a-long quality of Vi Er Norge, the folksy-rock is right up my street. Own Yourself has far too much cheese and cliche going on. It is a great underlying message but it has been done so many times before and much better And lastly, the Witch Woods, oh my where do I start with those lyrics – in what way is this supposed to be sexy? I really don’t want to be “burned up in a bonfire” and the odd thing is they repeat that line? Do they not… Read more »
I’m pretty sure Witch Woods isn’t supposed to be sexy…
Stereotypes to witches?!? Are you claiming witches will be offended by the lyrics? You know witches are not real right?!? Of course its a play on stereotypes as its a song about something that is not real – lyrics are figuratively ment, not literally – not even the burned up in a bonfire part ?
There are some people who practice witchcraft or are Wiccan, which is a legitimate religion. They do exist. I personally do not subscribe to that or any belief, but I can see how some witches may be offended.
Really? Downvoted for saying that a religion exists? I-
Witches do not exist!!!!
Girl, do some research. They very much do.
There are some people that belive in hell also and Led Zeppelin sang “Stairways to hell” How dare he, someone can belive every stair is to hell.
The song is pretty famously called “Stairway to Heaven.” AC/DC did “Highway to Hell.” I’m personally riding the “Escalator of Life.”
Unfortunately, your ignorance has slipped out. Witches very much exist and indeed I used to have one as a family member so I do find your comments very insulting. I am not a witch myself but I am not sure I would like this song if I was. It plays on all the wrong stereotypes of what a witch is – we should aim to be much more understanding and tolerant. And also, I do think this is going for a sexy, come here boy, I’ll treat you badly, etc, cuz I’m so wicked. Otherwise, I am really not sure… Read more »
I agree with you on the witch aspect, but it says right there in the article that Emmy is going for a scary/funny vibe.
Which in my opinion makes the song even more problematic. I could excuse it if it was a metaphor for a juvenile boy/girl relationship but if it is genuinely saying it is about how witches are scary and put people on bonfires and put spells on people and stuff, then surely this makes the song even more troublesome?
I mean, it’s entirely possible that it is a metaphor. I’m gonna go with that
My feeling is that there is no malice in the song and it is intended as a bit of fun about boy/girl relationships. And that’s fine, even if as the boy in this context I wouldn’t find it much of a turn on.
Having seen some of the comments and votes on this thread though, it does make me think that we do have a problem with intolerance although to be honest I don’t know why I’m particularly surprised.
And I am so insulted that The Roop can sing about discotec at home, It is my buisness/work so that someone dare to say dancing alone at home is the same as going to a discotec….It is my buisness, the way I make money so I can survive in this world. And to say dancing alone in your home is nice so you don’t need discotec. I AM SO OFFENDED
You’re missing the point. The Roop isn’t saying everyone should dance alone or that you shouldn’t care about people who have died from COVID. Witch Wood is directly saying negative things about witches.
Kosey…No reply from you to my comment on The Roop? WONDER WHY….
IT IS SO DISRESPECTFUL AND INSULTING THAT SOMEONE SING THAT YOU SHOULD BE HAPPY, JUMP AROUND AND DANCE WHEN MANY HAVE LOST THEIR JOBB OR LOVE ONE.
You make a good point Una which I had neglected to make clear in my post. I am actually wrong, it is not really “fine” for a girl to treat a boy this way is it?
It is clear to see we still have so many problems. I can’t believe that people are refusing to accept that witches exist! I think everyone deserves the right to define their spirituality as they see fit (as long as it does not cause harm to other people) and to deny that seems like an incredibly dangerous way to go.
And I am so insulted that The Roop can sing about discotec at home, It is my buisness/work so that someone dare to say dancing alone at home is the same as going to a discotec….It is my buisness, the way I make money so I can survive in this world. And to say dancing alone in your home is nice so you don’t need discotec. I AM SO OFFENDED There are people that have lost their jobb or loved one and they sing that everyone should just be happy, jump around and dance. So disrespctful and insulting…to people that… Read more »
If you genuinely believe that, then I am sorry on The Roop’s behalf.
Waiting for “Smile” which got the best review in tabloid VG… But of the 3 out so far it is Witch Woods that stands out the most as its a bit quircky funny in a way and has interesting instrumentation. “Vi Er Norge” is not at all as bad as the review made it out to be, but the lyrics only make sense to Norwegian people and the song is probably to nationalistic in that way, but it is catchy. “Own yourself” is written by same guy as one of the 2 behind “Attention” – its a good song, but… Read more »
Vi er Norge: This is really good. I kinda wish it kept its dark, D&D-esque vibe throughout the whole song, but the positive chorus is not bad, it just feels a bit out of place. This feels like a more mature Fairytale, in a way. This will grow on me. Own Yourself: This immediately sounds like Haba Haba in message, vocal delivery and instrumentation. It’s a little too sweet and too stale to me; it would fit well in Denmark’s selection. However, part of me wants it to win just so we can have Amharic at Eurovision, which we were… Read more »
Considering the lyrics of Vi er Norge, I can guarantee you it’s not a more mature version of Fairytale. It’s a parodic song about Norwegians getting wasted on booze and wine and believing they’re better than other nations 😀
Lmao I kinda love that
I feel this is the most open semi final so far. Possibly with EMMY as a slight favourite. That said, I struggle to see any of these songs going all the way. (Unless “Smile” is a real surprise; it’s not out yet when I post this comment).
Agreed. At this point I think it is truly hard to predict which entries will win the gulpass to the finale.
I like EMMY – Witch woods somehow ….different to all the other songs.