Norwegian trio KEiiNO are back in Norway’s Melodi Grand Prix and hoping to once again earn the ticket to Eurovision following their televote win at Eurovision 2019. Recently, the group record an acoustic version of their MGP 2021 entry “Monument”.
KEiiNO – that’s Alexandra Rotan, Tom Hugo and Fred Buljo – have been one of the big favourites to win Melodi Grand Prix 2021 ever since they were announced to be returning to the Norwegian national final. Since the release of their pop-joik fusion track “Monument”, Eurofans have gone wild. Many are starting to believe that the Nordic trio could once again emerge victorious at MGP and return to the Eurovision stage to this time potentially win the whole thing.
However, while spirits might be running high in the sky, KEiiNO have recently taken the time to slow things down a touch and perform a stripped-back acoustic version of “Monument” on their YouTube channel.
KEiiNO – “Monument” (Acoustic)
For this acoustic rendition, KEiiNO visited their guitar-player’s cosy cabin in Haglebu, Norway. The wood might have been burning on the stove, but it was the group themselves that were on fire for this, as the description notes, “wine-fuelled version” of “Monument”.
With Tom also accompanying on his guitar, KEiiNO showed everyone watching that they do not need a huge production to still kill it. Joiking superstar Fred was on point with his Sami rap and Alexandra showed off her impressive pipes, proving she can still reach the highest of notes without any assistance needed.
KEiiNO showcased the full studio version of “Monument” live during semi-final one of MGP 2021.
The trio were deservedly given the opportunity of a direct pass to the MGP final after their huge success at Eurovision 2019 with “Spirit in the Sky”. KEiiNO won the public vote and finished sixth overall, giving them Norway’s best result at Eurovision since Margaret Berger’s fourth place in 2013.
They will join eleven other acts in the Melodi Grand Prix 2021 final on 20 February 2021.
What do you think of the acoustic version of “Monument”? Do you think KEiiNO will win Melodi Grand Prix once again? Let us know in the comments.
It’s amazing in every way! I think it deserves to win ESC 😀
As i said in the comments, even though i’m a vegetarian, i think this is precisely what they call “a chicken soup for the soul”
i prefer this verion than original one
Alexadandra si just incredible – whatever backing is used – she has just the most amazing voice and so powerful and full.
Fred looks so proud of himself after his parts I love it. There’s such good songs in MGP (again) but this is even better than spirit in the sky so I hope they win.
They’re a bit too confident in their song aren’t they. You have to win MGP first, Keiino.
Just because they are competing with this song doesn’t mean they aren’t proud of it and the song doesn’t exist outside the competition. Even if they don’t win I think they would still continue performing it.
They tried too hard to recreate Spirit in the Sky and it’s sad.
It’s not really that similar. Seems like you’re the one trying too hard 😉
It’s a good one. 🙂
There’s a funny thing I hear in this song. There is a lot of Alexandra singing in the first minute, and then there is this moment when Fred sounds like he sings “Hey-lloo!” as if to remind us that there are other band members still here! Ahaha!
In the acoustic, Fred quietens it down, but it still made me laugh. What fun!
I find the Fred lines Hillarious every time… totally takes me out of the moment but adds to the fun. Tom is my dream date and Alexandra just AMAZING voice. Only in Eurovision can you find this combiation.
I mean, the line right before that is “Like a shadow whisper in the night”. Pretty obvious what Fred’s part is supposed to be xD
Well that was gorgeous. Their acoustic versions show how beautifully they harmonise as three voices. I like Monument, it’s a good song for them and a solid return to ESC after the triumph of Spirit in the Sky. I appreciate that the sound of this track is distinct from OKTA, their first album, and so it broadens their range. I’m sure it would have been tempting to come back with a song like Dancing in the Smoke, which would have been a lot of fun but perhaps too close to Spirit in the Sky. By contrast, Monument shows they can… Read more »
Too overrated, song sounds similar to 2019 but much weaker and less interesting. Norway would make mistake by sending this would be same same story like it was with Alexander Rybak. Alexandra deserves better song imo.
Yep but I don’t think they will get quite as far as Rybak. Perhaps come back in a few years? I am expecting a similar story in Sweden (which works for me).