They won Norway’s first victory in Eurovision 40 years ago this year. And now Hanne Krogh and Elisabeth Andreassen – also known as Bobbysocks – make a comeback in Melodi Grand Prix 2025, the Norwegian national selection for Eurovision that will be held in Oslo on Saturday 15 February.

This year the Nordic country is back to a one-show format by scrapping the semi-finals and having the grand final coming back to Oslo Spektrum for the first time since 2019. Oslo Spektrum has hosted this event several times in the past and was the venue for the Eurovision Song Contest back in 1996.

The 9 acts competing were revealed today Thursday 16 January, and besides the Eurovision winning duo there were also comebacks from Eurovision contestants 2005 Wig Wam plus Tone Damli, Kyle Alessandro, Nora Jabri and Sondrey.

All the songs will be released in full length on Friday 24 January, but you can already now listen to snippets on NRK’s website.

Originally 10 artists were to compete, but just before the reveal was made the artist Lavrans withdrew from the competition, because he didn’t feel ready for it according to national broadcaster NRK. Another late withdrawal came from Angelina Jordan, who NRK were able to replace with a substitute act in the final line-up.

Melodi Grand Prix 2025 line-up

Bobbysocks – “Joyful”
Authors: Hanne Krogh, Elisabeth Andreassen
This year marks 40 years since Bobbysocks took home Norway’s very first Eurovision Song Contest win with “La det swinge”. Both Hanne Krogh and Elisabeth Andreassen have both participated in MGP several times as solo artists, but a new participation in MGP like Bobbysocks was never in their minds.

The plan was to start this year’s 40th anniversary celebration on the jubilee date itself, May 4, with an anniversary concert in Chateau Neuf, and then a “Swinging Tour” around the country in October. But that was before the song “Joyful” appeared.

Elisabeth woke up one night with a melody line pounding around in her head. It was the beginning of the song she composed and for which Hanne wrote the lyrics. In a time when the world is trembling, “Joyful” encourages us to embrace joy; to gain strength – and power – to face the seriousness when it comes.

The new song gave them the desire to start the entire anniversary celebration together with their friends in the MGP universe. In gratitude to the competition that has given them so much joy and fun.


Nora Jabri – “Sulale
Authors: Emma Louise Gale, Ovidiu Jacobsen, Ola Frøyen & Nora Foss Al-Jabri
Nora Jabri (28) from Gjøvik, first known by her full name Nora Foss A-Jabri, can look back on a rich career, despite her young age.

 In 2008, she had her breakthrough at the age of 12 with a 3rd place in Norwegian Talent. The following year, she was invited to the Oprah Winfrey show as one of the “World’s most talented kids”. In 2012, she came in second place in the Melodi Grand Prix with the song “Somewhere beautiful”. And in 2014, Nora Jabri went all the way to the top in “Stjernekamp”.

She has lived in the USA for several years where she completed a bachelor’s degree in music at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Now she is back home and ready for new assignments and challenges. Nora Jabri’s family background consists of a good mix of Norwegian and Arabic, which is also reflected in her music.

The song Sulale is inspired by her Arab father, and the lyrics are a dialogue between father and daughter. Sulale means “Bloodline” and is a declaration of love for the Arab culture she grew up with.


LLL – “Parasite
Authors: Olli Äkräs, Nora Foss Al-Jabri, Ben Adams & Jim Bergsted
Girl power is back! In a world full of boy bands, LLL is ready to reclaim the throne with their powerful and catchy pop sound. Their MGP entry “Parasite” is a pop anthem about the «Devil On Your Back», and the struggle of being your own worst enemy while chasing your dreams.

Sofia-Augusta Thoresen, Rebecca Pleym and Elisabet Drøsdal grew up with strong pop icons like the Spice Girls, Destiny’s Child and Britney Spears. These were the driving force behind their dreams of making music and made them believe in the magic of pop. They want to bring that same power back to the world and be a relatable voice for a new generation.

Over the past year, LLL has been working hard to create their debut album together with a team of established songwriters, producers and creative souls. Now they are ready to take the MGP stage by storm and start their journey towards becoming superstars and Europe’s next iconic girl group. Sofia was born and raised in Oslo. Rebecca was born in Kirkenes, but grew up in Kristiansand. Elli was born and raised in Grimstad.


Nataleen – “The Game
Authors: Madeleine Nataleen Tverberg, Julie Aagaard, Henning Olerud, Stanley Ferdinandez & Kjersti Sleveland
Nataleen (Madeleine Nataleen Tverberg) from Sandefjord has had a passion for show and dance since early childhood. Music has played a big role in her life since she was seven years old, with singing lessons, cultural school, music line in high school and later studies in performing popular music at Westerdals in Oslo.

In addition to music, Madeleine has studied nursing and has a strong commitment to elderly care.

In 2022, she participated in The Voice and impressed by her strong voice, which took her all the way to the semi-finals. The experience gave her a taste for an artist career, and since then she has dedicated her time to writing songs and establishing musical collaborations.

She wrote the song “The Game” together with, among others, the Starlab duo Stanley Ferdinandez and Henning Olerud, known for Alessandras powerful song in Eurovision Song Contest 2023, “Queen of Kings”.


Sondrey – “Vagabond”
Authors: Sondre Mulongo Nystrøm & Magnus Emaka Einang
Sondrey is an up-and-coming Norwegian artist who has made a name for himself with his unique blend of R&B, Afrobeats and catchy melodies. With a passion for creating music that unites emotions and rhythms, Sondrey delivers a sound that is both touching and moving.

Raised in Øyer in the Gudbrandsdalen valley, and with roots that reflect a global musical heritage, Sondrey has developed a sound that combines Scandinavian elegance with warm African rhythms. Many will recognize him from last year’s Farmen Kjendis 2024 where he won under his full name, Sondre Mulongo Nystrøm.

Sondrey has also participated in MGP 2020, Stjernekamp and the production Bonnie & Clyde which was on tour with the National Theatre. Now Sondrey is ready to show off what he has been working on in the studio.


Ladybug – “Hot as Hell in Paradise”
Authors: Iris Severine Mikalsen, Jonas Holteberg Jensen, Anderz Wrethov & Thomas StengaardLadybug (Iris Severine Mikalsen) is a singer and songwriter from the Helgeland coast, more specifically the beautiful island of Lovund.

She is not one of those who can say that “she sang before she could walk”, but rather had to explore, fail and change course several times before she realized that music is her great passion.

In recent years, Ladybug has worked intensively as an artist, singer and songwriter, and has garnered recognition for her unique ability to write and convey lyrics. She draws inspiration from people’s thoughts and feelings and likes to delve into the unspoken.

In addition to music, she works as a care assistant at a nursing home for the elderly. Ladybug is also passionate about redesign.

Ladybug has previously been behind the bar in Oslo Spektrum, but now she is looking forward to taking to the stage with the song “Hot as Hell in Paradise”. The song explores themes such as forbidden love and irresistible desire. It’s about putting aside other people’s prejudices to follow your own instincts and see with your own eyes who the person in front of you really is.


Tone Damli – “Last Song
Authors: Sophie Tweed Simons, Kristoffer Tømmerbakke, Erik Smaaland & Yoshi Breen
Tone Damli first became known as a teenager through her efforts in “Idol” 2005. Now, 20 years later, the beloved artist is once again on stage in Oslo Spektrum. This will be the third time Tone has made her mark on Melodi Grand Prix. In 2009, she came in 2nd place with “Butterflies”, a song that still holds a special place in many people’s hearts.

Tone has had a long and varied career as an artist, both on stage and through a number of TV appearances. She has participated in popular programs such as “Hver gang vi møtes”, “Stjernekamp” and “Kompani Lauritzen”. Recently, we saw her make it all the way to the finals of “Maskorama” as Gladfisken.

When Tone now returns to the Melodi Grand Prix stage with “Last Song”, she shows a new side of herself as an artist, with a song full of positive energy.


Kyle Alessandro – “Lighter”
Authors: Kyle Alessandro & Adam Woods
18-year-old Kyle Alessandro is back in Melodi Grand Prix, this time as a solo artist. In 2023, he participated with the song “Geronimo” together with the group Umami Tsunami.

The young artist and music producer from Steinkjer in Trøndelag has been involved in music since he was little. As early as 10 years old, he impressed in the TV 2 program Norske Talenter. Kyle Alessandro draws inspiration from a wide range of musical genres and cultures – from South America and Japan to Norwegian folk music and instruments such as langeleik and fiddle.

Kyle Alessandro has written and produced “Lighter” largely on his own, with help from artist, songwriter and producer Adam Woods. The song is inspired by Kyle Alessandro’s mother, who has recently fought her way through cancer treatment and is now healthy. With the lyrics “I’ll be my own lighter”, Kyle expresses a mantra for finding hope and light, even in tough times in life.


Wig Wam – “Human Fire”
Authors: Åge Sten Nilsen, Trond Holter & Bernt Jansen
Wig Wam was introduced to the MGP audience for the first time in 2004 with “Crazy Things” which finished in 3rd place. The following year they went all the way to the top with “In My Dreams”. It became a monster hit, and the band got a solid 9th place in the Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv 2005.

All of Norway’s glam rockers are thus celebrating the 20th anniversary of their big breakthrough.

Wig Wam has also had great success outside of Norway and have toured with both Alice Cooper and Gothard. They managed to release five studio albums and a live album from Tokyo, before the band disbanded in 2013.

In 2021, Wig Wam made a comeback with the album “Never Say Die”. And the following year they had their very first hit in the US with the song “Do Ya Wanna Taste it”. It also became the theme song for the HBO series “Peacemaker” and has more than 40 million streams on Spotify.

The song they will be competing with now, “Human Fire,” was written and produced by the band themselves. The song is a tribute to everyone who dares to stand up for who they really are.

Format of Melodi Grand Prix 2025

Nine songs will compete in the Grand Final where the winner will be decided by 60% televote and 40% international jury votes.

The hosts of Melodi Grand Prix 2025 are Marte Stokstad, Markus Neby and Tete Lidbom.

Which artists and songs are you most hyped for? Who do you hope to see represent Norway in Basel?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Erik
Erik
19 days ago

Should Bobbysocks win, Elisabeth Andreassen would be the first performer to participate five times in the ESC as a competing act.

Alessio Gori
Alessio Gori
26 days ago

Last year we had the Pink robot, Gate, Farida, Oblivion, Green Lights, Eya…and this year we have this?

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
26 days ago
Reply to  Alessio Gori

and all we’ve got our snippets to go off on, which isn’t even the full picture. Like I said, we should probably wait till the full songs are out to truly judge them, but right now they don’t sound promising.

esc_fl
esc_fl
27 days ago

I don’t think I’ll be watching MGP like in previous years. Hopefully they can do a reset in 2026, because it’s difficult to see how the quality has fallen 🙁

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
27 days ago
Reply to  esc_fl

I’m also hoping that this is just a one off slip, and Norway can storm back into the final for 2026, but I do worry that 2024 may have put off the best Norwegian artists from going to Eurovision in the near future and Norway will start to struggle for the next few years.

esc_fl
esc_fl
27 days ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

That last place was so undeserved. Gåte were in my top 5.

Tony
Tony
27 days ago
Reply to  esc_fl

OMG. All this drama every year. I think you will watch the MGP as you always do, but now you got some attention. Hope you enjoyed it.

Jessica Folker
Jessica Folker
28 days ago

So the rumour about Alessandra wasn’t true. Unfortunately…

Eurovisionary
Eurovisionary
28 days ago

Oh dear. 40 years. Sad ? eurovision nowadays not at all what it used to be 40 years ago, time has changed lots of things has changed, did they ever appear on any show that was about eurovision, thousands and thousands of shows but no signs of bobbysocks…can it be modernised to fit into todays eurovision after 40 years, can they adapt to it or are they going to place themselves on stage like a clown pretending that they really do have heart and connection to eurovision at all. Please please please stay away because you won 40 years ago… Read more »

Jarmila
Jarmila
27 days ago
Reply to  Eurovisionary

“Eurovision nowadays not at all what it used to be 40 years ago.”
No, it’s not nearly so much fun and it gets about a third of the viewers in did back then, in my country. Even to be contenders after 40 years is an incredible achievement.

Sally
Sally
27 days ago
Reply to  Eurovisionary

BobbySocks has performed on multiple shows related to Eurovision. Some of them are mentioned in the article. There have also been various televised concerts of winning acts that they have appeared on.

Tony
Tony
27 days ago
Reply to  Eurovisionary

I think you should stay away.

Seimí
Seimí
22 days ago
Reply to  Eurovisionary

I get nostalgic for the old days of ESC but not everything was good back then, there were some appalling winners in the 80’s not least La det Swinge, quickly followed by Rock me Baby, two songs that stylistically were 25 years or more late

Max
Max
28 days ago

Oh well, what a weak selection..,

Jonas
Jonas
28 days ago

Bobbysocks will perform in their signature purple, right?

Stian F
Stian F
28 days ago
Reply to  Jonas

They better. Just use the same outfits from Heet Grote Songfestivalfest

Musicloverrs
28 days ago

What is everybody love if Bobysocks could be in ESC 2025,when they won in 1985, but when Sweden send a winner, everybody hates it

Jonas
Jonas
28 days ago
Reply to  Musicloverrs

Swedophobia

Sally
Sally
28 days ago
Reply to  Musicloverrs

Partly because Norway also holds the record for the most last place finishes, making them a bit of an underdog. Also because they don’t come to the contest with a sense of entitlement like Sweden does most of the time.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
28 days ago
Reply to  Musicloverrs

Anti-Swedenism.

Sally
Sally
28 days ago
Reply to  Musicloverrs

Norway does have the most last places in the contest, so there is a little bit of an ‘underdog’ feel. There is also a growing feeling that Sweden is put on a pedestal that they don’t deserve.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
28 days ago
Reply to  Sally

I often wonder how, when, and why this fandom hate towards Sweden began because it seems to be constant since I got into Eurovision almost a decade ago. Did it begin when Sweden won Eurovision 2015 only three years after their 2012? Is it out of jealousy? It’s always baffled me. There’s a real double standard against Sweden at Eurovision and national final seasons. It gets slated for having returning artists and past Eurovision participants in MelFest almost every year, yet other countries also do the same thing and they don’t get criticized for it. Take Italy, for instance. They… Read more »

Sally
Sally
27 days ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

It comes from them ALWAYS making the left side of the board no matter how weak the song is – and there have been some really weak ones in the past 15 years. How they get there is consistently baffling.

Denis
Denis
28 days ago
Reply to  Musicloverrs

Fans hate Sweden. Yet the same fans vote constantly for Sweden in the actual contest so there is a double standard there.
Then there is the usual stuff of Sweden doing better with juries but last years the difference has been lesser.
And of course Melodifestivalen itself with fans thinking it only should be newcomers or something

Tony
Tony
27 days ago
Reply to  Denis

Actually fans are a very small part of all the people who vote. So you can´t compare that, Today most fans are drama queens looking for something to complain about. When I was a kid, we watched the show and had fun. We didnt use so much time on hating everyone and everything.

Jofty
Jofty
27 days ago
Reply to  Musicloverrs

There is a difference between 40 years ago and two minutes ago. And yet Sweden 2015 turning up again, albeit as a contestant this year. Though he has never really been “away” in the interim.

Tony
Tony
27 days ago
Reply to  Musicloverrs

Why do you think everybody hates Sweden? Don´t be that pathetic

Sally
Sally
28 days ago

Elisabeth Andreassen doesn’t get the credit as a Eurovision Legend she deserves. She has participated 4 times and never placed lower than 8th. This includes a win and a second.

The woman can sing anything and do it better than most.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
28 days ago
Reply to  Sally

She’s part of the rare club of being at Eurovision four times.

Jonas
Jonas
28 days ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

Also the rare club of acts who have been both winners and runner-up. Gigliola Cinquetti. Linda Martin. Dima Bilan. Bettan.

Jonas
Jonas
28 days ago
Reply to  Sally

This would be Hanne Krogh’s fourth Eurovision appearance too, if they win. Her first was 54 years ago, surely that would be a new record!

David Damen
David Damen
28 days ago

human life ftw

GojoSatoru
GojoSatoru
28 days ago
Reply to  David Damen

Human Fire*

David Damen
David Damen
27 days ago
Reply to  GojoSatoru

whatever its the best song in this selection by far

Denis
Denis
28 days ago

Seeing how Stig Karlsen openly admitted to have a struggle with finding artists for MGP this year, it makes sense to have a scaled down edition for 2025 andhope for better for 2026.
The songs themselves might be a downgrade from previous years but at least all songs are solid. No one is really bad or boring even if no one stands out either. I prefer solid songs over shows where no one is good..

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
28 days ago
Reply to  Denis

Yeah, you can definitely tell. I worry that Norway may be out of the final for the first time since 2016, no matter what they send.

Denis
Denis
28 days ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

That of course also depends on the other songs but I don’t think they are that weak to miss final. They have qualified with weaker entries
That said I believed both Haba Haba and Icebreaker would qualify so what do I know:)

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
28 days ago
Reply to  Denis

Maybe when the full songs come out next week, they might be better than we think, but right now I don’t have the best first impression of Norway this year. We can hope, but I think Norway‘s chances have just been lowered to a borderline qualifier at best.

Kirill
Kirill
28 days ago

Looking forward, good to scale down this show as Sweden’s way of showcasing all sort of nothingness is useless.

jercle
jercle
28 days ago

Bobbysocks coming to join Loreen and Johnny Logan as two-time winners.

Jonas
Jonas
28 days ago
Reply to  jercle

Johnny always calls himself a three-time winner…

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
28 days ago
Reply to  Jonas

Because he was the songwriter for the 1992 winner, why me? We tend to forget that.

Jonas
Jonas
28 days ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

True. He’s always remind us, though. 🙂

jercle
jercle
28 days ago
Reply to  Jonas

I’m very happy to forget that “Why Me?” ever existed…

Felix
Felix
28 days ago

People acting like MGP killed their pets because they don’t have as many genres as usual doesn’t surprise me but I do hope they will give the full songs a try. “The Game” sounds interesting and Nataleen has a really lovely and unique voice.

Also, considering how widespread the boycott was in Norway (Eurovision got its lowest viewership in Norway last year since the early 90s) and Stig Karlsen admitted publicly its harder to find artists now due to said boycott, I think people should be grateful we’re still getting MGP at all.

Jonas
Jonas
28 days ago
Reply to  Felix

Norway, Spain, and Ireland have all recognized the state of P alestine since the last contest… I wonder if the Irish songs will be the same. Sad if so, after Bambie.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
28 days ago
Reply to  Jonas

Spain’s last two editions haven’t been as strong for me, lately, so I don’t think politics has anything to do with it. Ireland is definitely gonna be a wildcard to see if they’ll actually have good songs or they’ll go back to their bad old ways.

Nunu
Nunu
28 days ago
Reply to  Felix

That’s bad, did these P lestinian boycott people think MGP/Eurovision is the place to solve that crisis? Dumb.

Poul Riisen
Poul Riisen
28 days ago

Decent songs, easy-to-listen, and interesting. Though we must not judge by just 30 seconds, I felt something for Nataleen’s Game. Her voice is unique, there’s a bit of playing with the numbers 10 to 1. I am intrigued to listen to the whole song and see it live.

Generally, regarding the format, yes, going from many semis to one final with just 9 songs is a huge downgrade. But Norway always delivers and Norsk MGP is one of my favourite preselections.

Held og lykke, Norge!

Jonas
Jonas
28 days ago

A 40th annniversary, and a 20th anniversary! I personally love when Eurovision history is recognized and celebrated. Two welcome returns.

Also it will be nice to see Elisabeth Andreassen back on the Spektrum stage, where she represented Norway in 1996, finishing second.

All we need now is a Secret Garden interval to mark their 30th anniversary!

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
28 days ago
Reply to  Jonas

We definitely have some anniversaries here.

ANDREW BROWN
ANDREW BROWN
28 days ago
Reply to  Jonas

Agree. i remember someone saying oh i don’t listen to or not interested in anything before 1999. A rich history and some great songs and vocalists do exist before 1999.

Kosey
Kosey
28 days ago

I think there are 4 snippets out so far and Norway are just so reliable – it’s like a warm, comforting blanket and you know everything is going to be alright with the world.

Kosey
Kosey
28 days ago
Reply to  Kosey

My bad, they’re all available, really promising stuff Norway

Jonas
Jonas
28 days ago
Reply to  Kosey

Elisabeth Andreassen’s last MGP appearance was the epitome of your comment! Remember that one? 2015. A Eurovision winner duetting with a nul-pointer. Complete with live orchestra. Ah, good times. Happy 10th anniversary, “All Over the World”!

https://youtu.be/Kh-cRcOjTTY

XOOOOD
XOOOOD
28 days ago

I know money is tight, but going to this extreme is insane …

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
28 days ago

I know I shouldn’t judge just based on snippets, but wow, this is really underwhelming. One of my biggest fears is that we might have really weak Nordic national finals all around because of last year, and it looks like it came true for Norway because I usually really love this national final, but I’m not feeling it. When the usually underperforming Latvia and Malta have better songs in their national finals, you’re really in trouble. I feel like Norway is spitefully throwing away their shot and their long qualification rate since 2017 as a protest. I have a strong… Read more »

Tom
Tom
28 days ago

This line up is basically cringe.

Jonas
Jonas
28 days ago
Reply to  Tom

Bobbysox are LEGENDS

Jonas
Jonas
28 days ago
Reply to  Jonas

BobbySOCKS, excuse me

Oy oy
Oy oy
28 days ago

Very disappointed. If I have to chose one song from the snippets it’s Sondrey. I don’t think Norway will qualify with any of these. It’s hard to understand that this weak line-up is the result of Stig Karlsen’s work, I guess the only two good songs were the two who pulled out. I hope the disappointment reaches NRK and they can use the coming week to find a wildcard (though that might be against the rules).

Teddi
Teddi
28 days ago

Ah. This is usually my favorite national final to follow. I will miss semi finals 🙁

Poul Riisen
Poul Riisen
28 days ago
Reply to  Teddi

Missing the semis already. The Norsk MGP semis were the first to start after Xmas holidays (early January), a reminder that the new ESC season has started.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
28 days ago
Reply to  Poul Riisen

Not you were forgetting Lithuania, which also starts in January because of their six week format.

StianF
StianF
28 days ago

As a Norwegian fan who have always had love for our own selection I have to say I am quite disappointed this time around. This years line up of songs proves that it must have been very difficult for the organizers to get artists to participate – and it probably has never happened that 2 artists pull out so shortly before the announcement. Angelina Jordan has stated the fires in LA is the reason for her pulling out of the contest last week – despite having had the song ready and all. LA is her home town right now, just… Read more »

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
28 days ago
Reply to  StianF

Do you get the feeling as a Norwegian that your country may just be throwing it this year in Eurovision? This feels like such a sharp decrease in quality from previous editions that it almost seems deliberate. I don’t want to put blame all on the new guy because I think he had to work with what he was given in terms of submissions as it was likely smaller than usual in both numbers and quality.

lillecathrine
lillecathrine
28 days ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

As a Norwegian, no, we are definitely not “throwing” it. I think, as you correctly said, the interest from artists is low due to the mess of 2024. That whole political situation which isn’t really changed much. NRK could not plan for two artists being forced to withdraw (Lavrans for unknown reasons only yesterday and Angelina mainly due to the LA fires since she lives there as per her mom/manager). Those two artists probably being who they were banking on. And after all the countries competing were revealed, there would be a large fine to pay for dropping out so… Read more »

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
28 days ago
Reply to  lillecathrine

If Norway does end up having their first non qualification since 2016, let’s hope it’s a one off slip and you’ll make a comeback next year. Things could change.

Stian F
Stian F
28 days ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

MGP is an important institution here in Norway and for NRK so they for sure wants to have a show, though it feels like it would have been better to have just done an internal selection this year based on the underwhelming snippets so far – that is if the goal was to get a great result in Basel that is. As it feels now, I don’t know if NRK even cares about achieving a good result and just wants to take part for the sake of taking part… almost none of the snippets feels like contemporary or original songs… Read more »

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
28 days ago
Reply to  Stian F

Who was ultimately responsible for choosing the songs for MGP? Again I’m not assigning blame to anyone for the lineup. It just feels like they didn’t have a lot of options to choose from.

Stian F
Stian F
28 days ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

It was Stig Karlsen who’s been responsible the previous 8-9 years as well. He retired to move onto another project after these songs were selected!

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
28 days ago
Reply to  Stian F

I feel bad for him that this is the best he could get for the 2025 lineup out of likely limited submitted options, and I feel bad that his successor will probably get blamed for the perceived low quality of MGP this year, maybe even scapegoated if Norway doesn’t qualify this year. I hope this isn’t the start of Norway‘s dark age at Eurovision where they struggle to qualify or do well in the final.

Stian F
Stian F
27 days ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

Rumours has it that Lavrans was supposed to perform a very good electroballad…so he would have been the obvious winner of the lot…and one only need one really good song truth be told. Maybe that was it…maybe he comes back with the same song next year instead…

PhrygesStan
PhrygesStan
28 days ago

Ok I’ve listened the snippets: Bobbysocks: same style as their winning entry in the 80’s Nobra: I like this oriental sound LLL: modern, fresh, I need to hear the drop Nataleen: makes me think of Queen of Kings Sondrey: modern but lacks of oomph imo based on this snippet, we’ll see the entire song Ladybug: same as Sondrey nice but it lacks of oomph Tone: very Melfest, nice melody but it brings nothing new Kyle Alessandro: I recognized him from 2 years ago, cool bop, latino sound Wig Wam: rock song of this selection So based only on these snippets… Read more »

PhrygesStan
PhrygesStan
28 days ago
Reply to  PhrygesStan

…Nora, not Nobra…

Poul Riisen
Poul Riisen
28 days ago
Reply to  PhrygesStan

Nataleen’s song reminds me of Klara Hammarström’s Run to the hills from Melodifestivalen a few years back. But again, Queen of Kings also reminds me of Klara’s song.

Stian F
Stian F
28 days ago
Reply to  Poul Riisen

Remember that “Run to the Hills” obviously took inspiration from another song that the songwriters of “Queen of Kings” had written. Same songwriters are back for Nataleen’s song this year.

Jake
Jake
28 days ago

Hard to tell much from the snippets but nothing is truly instantaneous with the exception of Wig Wam which standout simply by being different genre than the others. Shocking that there is not a single Norwegian song—guess NRK got a bit burned after last year’s last place Final with an a Norwegian song. Also no joke entry this year—like Wolf Banana or My AI. This had become standard in MGP lately. This feels like a very straightforward national final and dare I say—maybe too similar to Dansk MGP (!!!). Hopefully full songs tell a different story.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
28 days ago
Reply to  Jake

That’s a good barometer using Denmark‘s national final, which I often use as a way to gauge how good or bad a national final is if they can be better than Denmark. I’ll be very surprised if Denmark ends up being better this year than usual.

Poul Riisen
Poul Riisen
28 days ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

Unfortunately the Dansk MGP is so downgraded after 2019 that it’s hard to make any comparisons. PS I love DK and DMGP but I am sad they can’t keep up with the vibe of Eurovision.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
28 days ago
Reply to  Poul Riisen

Yeah, DMGP has really fallen off a cliff since 2019 and we’ve seen the results—a four year non-qualification streak. I’ll be amazed if they actually do end up better this year, but as madame morrible said to Glinda in Wicked “…you do not have what it takes. I hope you prove me wrong. But I doubt you will.”

Jake
Jake
28 days ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

the 2010s were really the height of DMGP–I used to love all 3 of the big Nordics national finals every year…that was the time I got readdicted to Eurovision since I was a kid…I was blown away by what SVT, DK an NRK would do every year. My only explanation is that whoever organized DK’s national final changed cause it was such a HUGE drop-off in terms of quality from the 10s. They still have good staging and lighting production and hosts–but the the quality of songs have become generic low-grade Spotify entries.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
28 days ago
Reply to  Jake

I think the last good year was 2020 which was when Eurovision was canceled that year because afterwards I haven’t been satisfied with Denmark’s entries in the 2020s, other than Yes.

Jake
Jake
28 days ago

Bizarre that selected artists pulled out and they couldn’t get replacements given how many songs Norway usually has. Seems like a varied solid lineup. Sad they eliminated the semis. Norway always has a handful of songs I add to my Spotify.

Stian F
Stian F
28 days ago
Reply to  Jake

2 songs pulled out. Angelina Jordan pulled out a week ago, so they have managed to pull in one replacement song at least…. but they didn’t manage to get one more so shortly after Lavrans pulled out yesterday…

Paul
Paul
29 days ago

Based on the snippets, there’s a couple of good options!

Chris
Chris
29 days ago

This is for the moment the most interesting national final. I absolutely loved Big Wam back then and listened to their song all the time. And of course Bobbysocks one of my favorite winners in the 80s.
Any of the 2 comes back I would be happy.
Good luck Norway!

Poul Riisen
Poul Riisen
28 days ago
Reply to  Chris

No wig wam again, we have had enough (though I admit their song back then was refreshing and surprising).

PhrygesStan
PhrygesStan
29 days ago

Where are the songs? Are they available?

PhrygesStan
PhrygesStan
29 days ago
Reply to  Simon Falk

Oh ok thank you!

PhrygesStan
PhrygesStan
28 days ago
Reply to  Simon Falk

Ty! ?

PhrygesStan
PhrygesStan
28 days ago
Reply to  PhrygesStan

🙂

Iván el Conquistador
Iván el Conquistador
29 days ago

Rooting for Wig Wam. Rock should always have a place in ESC because if rock has a place, the any other musical genre can have it.

Tony
Tony
29 days ago

Go Bobbysocks!

Norwegian ESC-Fan
Norwegian ESC-Fan
29 days ago

I’m the most excited about Nora Jabri! The two songs she has out on Spotify (especially “until then”) are incredible! She’s also an insanely talented vocalist and has lots of experience, ranging from performing at Oprah Winfreys show to studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Also quite impressive that she’s cowritten 2/8 of this years songs. In my opinion she should have won over Tooji in MGP 2012!

Poul Riisen
Poul Riisen
28 days ago

So far, no snippets of her song. Strange, given there are for the other 8 songs. Are they building a hype? Or..?

Atle
Atle
29 days ago

Angelina Jordan and Lavrans had to pull out of the competition. Two amazing artists that I feel were favorites to win. Hope they return next year.