Photos: Julia Marie Naglestad / NRK

Norway are now in full swing with their national selection for Eurovision 2023. Semi-final 2 of Melodi Grand Prix is right around the corner and all the competing songs have been released.

Seven acts will sing on Saturday, but only three will advance to the grand final in Trondheim.

Who should those three acts be? We want to hear from you and find out who your favourites are based on the studio cuts.

Scroll down to vote in our poll

Participants of Melodi Grand Prix 2023 semi-final 2

Alejandro Fuentes – “Fuego”

Bjørn Olav Edvardsen – “Turn Off My Heart”

Ella – “Waist”

Elsie Bay – “Love You in a Dream”

Jone – “Ekko Inni Meg”

Sandra Lyng – “Drøm d bort”

Swing’it – “Prohibition”

Poll: Who should qualify from semi-final 2 of Melodi Grand Prix 2023?

Since only three acts will be able to qualify, we’ve limited the number of votes you can make to the same amount. And as always, you can only vote once!

Who did you vote for? Which act are you most excited to see perform live on Saturday? Let us know in the comments below.

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the
the
1 year ago

the way ella will serve during her performance

Anne
Anne
1 year ago

The two of three are Elsia & Ella
The third is between Jone (70%) and Sandra (30%). But the live stage will play a huge role. And…Ella’s song, as well as Jone’s song, is bop, so their voters will have to choose one of them and if that’s the case, then Sandra is the third

Semi final 2 is better.

Zanoni
Zanoni
1 year ago

After giving a good listen to the whole set, finally: Elsie and Ella for sure, then Jone or Sandra

Hdhs
Hdhs
1 year ago
Reply to  Zanoni

great picks

Héctor
Héctor
1 year ago

Ella, Elsie Bay and Bjorn. Jone would be fine too.

StianF
StianF
1 year ago

Sandra is from Northern Norway and we all know how strong they are when voting in the MGP – NorthKids “Someone” came 2nd last year in the MGP final. For those that dont remember: Sandra actually wrote this song. I am sure she will get massive support from the Northern Norway region and qualify with ease for the final. The question is who the other 2 will be.

Oy oy
Oy oy
1 year ago
Reply to  StianF

As a child, Ella moved from Brazil to Tromsø, the biggest city in Northern Norway. I’m sure alot of people from Tromsø and around will vote for Ella as well 🙂

Hdhs
Hdhs
1 year ago
Reply to  StianF

well it willd definetelybappeal to the norwegian public and since they speaj norwegian and the song shares her personal life story which is growing up in a family with violence
on the other hand ella will have great appeal on international fana voting
so it will be a battlefield for these two to achieve 3rd place
while elsie and jone are sure qualifiers
im personally team ella but i wouldnt be mad to see sandra qualifying

Hdhs
Hdhs
1 year ago

question: are all the artists forced to perform with autotune? or can they just choose?

Escfan
1 year ago
Reply to  Hdhs

I believe they can choose

Hdhs
Hdhs
1 year ago
Reply to  Escfan

thank god

Hdhs
Hdhs
1 year ago

I really like Lyiad and really really like ekko inni meg
but
im team ella all the way

West
West
1 year ago

For some reason I can’t listen to Swing’it song – it doesn’t let me. Still I find this sf weaker then the first and don’t really mind who’ll advance and who gets elliminated.

Knut Olav
Knut Olav
1 year ago

Sandra Lyngs song is about a child growing up in a home filled with violence. Until she in the last verse changes from “she” to “me” and we understands that she tells her own story. It’s really a tear-jerker if you understand Norwegian.

Hdhs
Hdhs
1 year ago
Reply to  Knut Olav

thats actually so sweet yet heartbreaking
i thought ut was just another “hey im from Norway” song executed badly but i guess its way deeper than i thought
good luck to her then

Lolek
Lolek
1 year ago

I realize Elsie is the fan favourite for this semi, but I also have a soft spot for Jone, Ella and Sandra Lyng’s songs. Those would be my top four so alas, at least one of those won’t make it to the finals.

Sabrina
Sabrina
1 year ago

Elsie and Jone are easy qualifiers, I assume. For the 3rd spot, I guess I would go with Sandra, but maybe Ella will surprise me (I was took off guard by the Portuguese part, by the way). In my opinion, “Love You in a Dream” is a better constructed song than “Death of Us”, but it has the disadvantage of coming after. So, ironically, it being more “concise” can leave on the viewers the impression this one is a little flat, while its predecessor had that breaks that were charming to some and annoying to others. They’re also quite similar… Read more »

Hdhs
Hdhs
1 year ago
Reply to  Sabrina

as a prediction i think ella has more chances of qualifying than Sandra
well im a conplete ella Stan but i wouldnt be upset or anything if sandra qualifies i found out it has a really feep meaning
but i wpuld be mad if ella is out without blaming sandra

Sabrina
Sabrina
1 year ago
Reply to  Hdhs

I think Ella has a good chance if she manages to put a good show, but MGP has a recent story of bops that seem to be a little too much to more conservative voters. But I have trouble imagine the 3rd spot not going to Ella or Sandra.

Hdhs
Hdhs
1 year ago
Reply to  Sabrina

yah i also rethought thatconsodering the really deep stoey behind drom d bort and that it is heavily Norwegian i think sandra has great chances of qualifying plhs she is from north norway
ella also moved to north norway but i still think she will have more appeal on the internstional public and maybe norwegians will like it too if she suprises us with the staging
a hulahoop would do im personally team ella but wouldnt be mad to see sandra going through

Escfan
1 year ago

My thoughts on this semi: Elsie Bay: This was interesting to listen to. Last year I very much wanted Elsie to win MGP out and go to esc, I loved Death of us and still listen to it so, when I heard she was back, I was delighted but also knew that it’d be with a diff song (much like when 2020 artists that I was rooting for returned in 2021 and we had to accept that they’d have different songs). So initially it was bitter sweet for that reason. I fully understand someone’s comment of the song sounding like… Read more »

Hdhs
Hdhs
1 year ago
Reply to  Escfan

ita not like i stan sandra but turns out it has a really deep meaning
its about a girl who expiriences vpilence at home
then in the last chorus she turns it from she to me so its her sad story

Escfan
1 year ago
Reply to  Hdhs

I was completely unaware of the meaning, thanks for letting me know.

Thanos
Thanos
1 year ago

Elsie Bay is my winner of this semi. Her song this year is even more in the art/dark pop genre than “Death of us”. At some points it may seem like it’s dragging more than 3 minutes though, even if a lot of interesting instrumental choices keep me engaged.
Sandra Lyng’s song is also nice. A pleasant ballad with Nordic elements that always appeal to me. The rest of the songs didn’t do much to me. Ulrikke is still my winner of MGP up to now.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago

Prohibition’s “politicians, they took away our rights” is just rabble-rousing.

Nicomro
Nicomro
1 year ago

Elsie’s song is so great ! Story, évolution, gradation, lyrics, epicness, what a good recipe ! That’s how you (successfully) write a song Alexander ! And it even has violins haha

esc_fl
esc_fl
1 year ago

One listen of Elsie’s song and I got goosebumps. I really pray she makes it to Liverpool.

Sub Editor
1 year ago

Jone is the best but I also like Shut up and watch my waste. Is she talking about her toilet or her bin?

Hdhs
Hdhs
1 year ago
Reply to  Sub Editor

it says “waist” dummy

Sub Editor
1 year ago
Reply to  Hdhs

Wash your mouth out you filthy young lady.

Danny K
Danny K
1 year ago

My top two of the season so far are by far Jone and Alice Wonder. They’re leagues beyond the other ones

Gala was also fantastic and I hope Fusa Nocta can perform live

Anoni
Anoni
1 year ago

Jone’s song is hands down the best song in MGP and I’m allowing myself to say that without even hearing all of the songs fully. It is just right up my alley. The singing instrumental and the chorus which melody instantly gets stuck in the head. I hope he can deliver this well live. He deserves to go through

willchrisian
willchrisian
1 year ago

Elsie Bay’s song is really good but I’m so tired of all these cursive singers sounding exactly the same…

Danny K
Danny K
1 year ago
Reply to  willchrisian

Yeah the cursive genre is definitely becoming too much

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago
Reply to  Danny K

What is the cursive genre?

Danny K
Danny K
1 year ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

People who sing in “cursive” lol

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Danny K

Handwriting? Sorry, we’re not all as clever as you.

Jamie
Jamie
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

It means smooth, flat singing.

willchrisian
willchrisian
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

It’s when singers use this is forced accent. It’s mostly indie girlies trying to be different by singing the same way every other indie girlie does.

Nikki
Nikki
1 year ago

Am I going to adopt a bunch of new artists from the MGP like if it was the Sanremo Giovani on a good day? Probably, I’ve already taken Rasmus and now Swing it. All the cool, cute, probably non-qualifiers come this way to my Norwegian list.

Zanoni
Zanoni
1 year ago

Elsie’s song here is my second-favorite of the season so far. It’s starting to feel like I’m really craving moody, dramatic piano songs this year.

Jghtl
1 year ago
Reply to  Zanoni

And your favorite is Alika’s bridges?

Zanoni
Zanoni
1 year ago
Reply to  Jghtl

Petunija, Alika and Luize are all up there for me. (Favorite overall is still the departed Krut)

Jghtl
1 year ago
Reply to  Zanoni

Nice taste

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago
Reply to  Zanoni

Are they your three choices for each of the Baltics?

Zanoni
Zanoni
1 year ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

Not exactly. I’d say Alika and Luize are coequals among a few good options for their countries (you were saying not to put all your eggs in one basket, right?) and with Lithuania it’s too early to tell, but that song is killer. I’m also jazzed about that five-second TikTok-y clip Beatrich put out, though.

Tommm
Tommm
1 year ago

Elsie had stronger song last year sadly but she will made it, i like Sandra and Jone too

Jones is my N1 – male version of Klara Hamarstrom and according to rumours they asked Klara to be female voice hear actually but idk if Its true or not

Alejandro is Alvaro Estrella 2.0

Tommm
Tommm
1 year ago
Reply to  Tommm

Here*

Now shut up and watch my waist
Now shut up and watch my waist
1 year ago

Ella’s song is a banger, it is different from ESC/MGP songs, and has influence of current music styles of Brazil (because she was born here), so I love it and I’m rooting for her. Part of the song is in Norwegian and in Brazilian Portuguese, which is another reason for me to like this song.
The other songs I don’t care as much, not even Elsie’s (unfortunately, Death of Us is miles away better than this year’s song). But nice semi final anyways, good luck for all the contestants!

Hdhs
Hdhs
1 year ago

scuse you why is a positive comment abt ella being downvoted? those racist light bulbs have been switched on?

Now shut up and watch my waist
Now shut up and watch my waist
1 year ago
Reply to  Hdhs

People might be downvoting because I’m not a fan of Elsie’s song this year, and you know how the Eurovision fandom is…

Forrest
Forrest
1 year ago

will elsie bay win mgp?

Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
1 year ago
Reply to  Forrest

No.

Jghtl
1 year ago
Reply to  Forrest

Nope, her song last year was stronger and she didn’t win

Hdhs
Hdhs
1 year ago
Reply to  Forrest

maria will

Panna
Panna
1 year ago

Not sure if I like any of these songs, but maybe live performances will change that.

Colin
Colin
1 year ago

Also, I have to say that I’m probably in a minority of those who wouldn’t put Bjorn in bottom 2 (just a hunch). Sure, it feels dated and it’s not very immediate. It wouldn’t qualify in 2023 on televote (or on juries, for that matter). Yet, I find it quite pleasant, and I really like the lyrics. It’s a very relatable sentiment.

Film4o
Film4o
1 year ago

Big no to Jone song. Gimme some thumbs down love tho!
Ella, Sandra and Swing it sound better to me.

Jghtl
1 year ago
Reply to  Film4o

At least you are not Elsie’s stan lol

Hdhs
Hdhs
1 year ago
Reply to  Film4o

i appreciate seeing someone to like ella and swing it but jone is good too

Zanoni
Zanoni
1 year ago

I want “Ekko inni meg” and “Queen of Kings” to face off in some kind of pirates vs vikings showdown

Danny K
Danny K
1 year ago
Reply to  Zanoni

Honestly queen of kings sounds like a Disney channel version of Jone

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago

Can someone explain Waist to me, please?

Another restraining order needed, it seems.

Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

She can be Robin’s GF

Thallo
Thallo
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

Shut up and watch her waist.

Tommm
Tommm
1 year ago
Reply to  Thallo

She is staying in semi

Hdhs
Hdhs
1 year ago
Reply to  Tommm

shes not trust me

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Thallo

Maybe if she had a hula-hoop or something.

Hdhs
Hdhs
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

that would actually be epic

Kosey
Kosey
1 year ago

It is only right that I support the absolute bangers in this semi, Jone and Ella. Both are up there with my favourites all season, Jone may even be my number one all year!

Hdhs
Hdhs
1 year ago
Reply to  Kosey

WE NEED TO SJOWER THIS HUMAN BEING IN GOLD MY FRIEND UR SO RIGHT THESE 2 ARE THE BEST

Danny K
Danny K
1 year ago

10000% JONE! He’d easily be a top 5 finish at eurovision

Tommm
Tommm
1 year ago
Reply to  Danny K

Agree Swedish Klara Hamarstrom <3

Colin
Colin
1 year ago

Elsie is absolutely gorgeous! Probably just as mesmerizing as Death of Us. Last year Subwoolfer were the right choice for the exceptional audiovisual hook and the momentum. However… Elsie’s song was of the same quality, and now, I feel like this is her time to shine. Definitely voting for her in this semi, and probably in the finals too.

Other songs are mostly fine to solid, but I wish if Rasmus and Kate were in this semi. Jone is the second most interesting one, and should qualify.

Thanos
Thanos
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

Jone’s song is certainly interesting but first and foremost I am really curious of how it will translate on stage. It feels a bit chaotic to me at some parts, so if the staging is not on point it may not resonate well with the public. Elsie is a sure qualifier (and my favourite in the semi) but the other two qualifying spots are really up for grabs as of now.

Tom
Tom
1 year ago

So it is Jone for me and then the rest is no go. So where are the songs they mentioned can win Eurovision? Cause there were none yet.

Gwendal
Gwendal
1 year ago

Kinda disappointing to be honest, but it already looked that this SF was kinda weak according to the snippets.

  • Ella and Elsie Bay songs are enjoyable, but nothing groundbreaking.
  • Sandra is interesting but cheesy, or the contrary?
  • Jone’s song is a copycat of nearly every so-called mainstream psytrance released in the past 4/5 years by Vini Vici or DV&LM. Not that it’s bad, I kinda enjoyed it, but that’s still a steal! (proof: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUrO1Ik2IbY&ab_channel=ALEKSAXOXO)
  • The rest is simply awful!
gurki loko
gurki loko
1 year ago
Reply to  Gwendal

Check the lyrics of Sandra’s song and you’ll have the answer.

Hector
Hector
1 year ago

For me as long as the first two are out I’ll be fine. I would definitely have Jone and Swing’It, and then either Elsie or Sandra, can’t really pick. Ella’s entry sound good as well, and I kinda like that they added Portuguese to it, but it doesn’t stand out enough for me. But it sure asks for a banging staging so who knows? Maybe it qualifies anyway

Hdhs
Hdhs
1 year ago
Reply to  Hector

despite being an ella stan i think she can qualify and a bit easily

Alex
Alex
1 year ago

I really liked Jone, Sandra and SWINGIT. Each one with a diferent vibe and mood but very emjoyable.
Once again not really feeling Elsie’s song. Her songs confuses me as they sound like 3 different songs in one. Maybe it’s me.

Esc addict
Esc addict
1 year ago

I find Jone and Ella songs very interesting modern and enjoyable, Elsie song is beautiful so I think I have my 3 picks pre show. Jone and Ella bring competition to Alessandra and Elsie brings competition to Ulrikke…exciting NF I must say.

Esc addict
Esc addict
1 year ago
Reply to  Esc addict

Jone song could be a potential esc televote winner if well performed and well staged.

Hdhs
Hdhs
1 year ago
Reply to  Esc addict

finally someone who has the same top 3 as me

Thallo
Thallo
1 year ago

Elsie & Ella. The rest aren’t great.

Hdhs
Hdhs
1 year ago
Reply to  Thallo

elsoe an ella sure i absolutely love ella
but jone is good too

WERGELAND
WERGELAND
1 year ago

Voting for Swing’it – “Prohibition”! Brilliant!

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago

Fuego doesn’t do much for me, but it’s better than an Alvaro Estrella offering. Turn Off My Heart will probably be called “musical theatre”, but really, it’s too boring for that. A talented and expressive singer, though. What is Prohibition about? At first it might seem like a 1920s Depression theme, but if it’s actually some sort of message about Covid lockdowns then I stop being interested. Ekko inni meg is fun, but sometimes those effects are just not pleasant to listen to. They sound like an actual glitch in the audio. I’m actually wondering if that’s what they are.… Read more »

Zanoni
Zanoni
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

I assumed they were glitches in Ekko inni meg. If not, oh no.

Jghtl
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

They are not glitches ?

zheng
zheng
1 year ago

Jone!

Mark
Mark
1 year ago

After seeing the live of Alessandra from the 1st semi, and after hearing Elsie Bay from this semi, Ulrikke really shouldn’t have any chance left with her dates song. Really sad her powerful vocal might not go to ESC only due to poor songwriters of her song (and her bad decision to record that song in the 1st place) 🙁

Mark
Mark
1 year ago
Reply to  Mark

dated+

Danny K
Danny K
1 year ago
Reply to  Mark

If she goes through it’s literally just because of her name

Jghtl
1 year ago

Much weaker semifinal.
My qualifiers:
1. Jone 4/5
2. Elsie 3/5
3. Ella 2,5/5

Vladimir P.
Vladimir P.
1 year ago

Jone, please ?